USA Today and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) presented the second annual Dealer Innovation Award April 15 to Ed Bozarth, president of Ed Bozarth #1 Park Meadows Chevrolet in Lone Tree, Colo., at the New York International Auto Show.

The award recognizes franchised new vehicle dealers nationwide who have used innovative methods to recruit, train and retain their employees.

Bozarth was honored for providing his employees with creative training and development opportunities, a sales incentive plan and new technology to increase customer retention. Higher sales and customer satisfaction have resulted from these initiatives, according to NADA.

"Dealers recognize their most valuable asset is their employees," said Alan Starling, NADA chairman. "We are pleased to join USA Today in paying tribute to the innovative efforts auto retailers have made to enhance the satisfaction and performance of their workforce."

Bozarth was one of four regional finalists for the national award, representing NADA's Region IV (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming).

Regional finalists included: Edward Albert, president of Classic Chrysler Center, in Raynham, Mass. (Region I); Larry Shelor, president of Shelor Motor Mile, in Christiansburg, Virginia (Region II); and Keith McCluskey, president of McCluskey Chevrolet, in Cincinnati, Ohio (Region III).