The Reynolds and Reynolds Co. announced Jan. 15 that Lloyd "Buzz" Waterhouse, CEO, chairman and president, has been selected by Northwood University as one of its 2004 Outstanding Business Leaders.

This year five other business professionals will also be recognized at Northwood’s 24th annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Ceremony on Jan. 17 in Palm Beach, Fla.

“We are honored to have Buzz Waterhouse as part of the Outstanding Business Leader program because of the example he and the others have set for our students, as they pursue their goals in the industries of business,” said Ben Starling III, executive director of the OBL program. “Each recipient has gained professional notoriety and respect due to the choices they’ve made and the leadership they’ve demonstrated. We at Northwood University are inspired by their journeys.”

Since joining Reynolds in 1999, Waterhouse has led an aggressive buildup of technology-based solutions to help automotive retailers and car companies drive productivity, efficiency and revenue growth. Under Waterhouse’s leadership, Reynolds has developed and launched solutions such as the Reynolds Generations Series® Suite, an industry first, next generation technology platform, and enhanced strength and leadership at home and abroad in areas including telematics, CRM, Web services, e-business applications and business and information management.

"For three decades, Reynolds and Reynolds has supported and worked with Northwood University on common goals and initiatives related to the automotive industry," Reynolds and Reynolds said in a prepared statement.

In 1975, Reynolds installed a dealer management system for instructional use at the Midland campus; today, with vigorous support from Waterhouse, Reynolds has systems at every Northwood campus. Most recently, Reynolds and Northwood University developed and launched an online certificate program that trains students on job roles within the dealership.

“We are impressed with Northwood’s unique curriculum and thrilled to be part of the learning process,” said Waterhouse. “Many of our executives visit Northwood campuses to speak to students on a variety of topics and they always return with new ideas and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. Our long term relationship has been a win-win for both sides.”

Northwood University (NU) annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for NU students, all of whom are engaged in the study of business management and who aspire to business careers. In the 24 years since the program’s founding, more than 200 business leaders from more than 30 states, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.

At an afternoon forum on Friday, Jan. 16, NU students will be able to ask questions of Waterhouse and the other members of the OBL Class of 2004. With the theme, “Business’ Ethical Dilemmas”, OBL recipients will discuss ethical challenges in the workplace and how they solved them.

Other members of the OBL Class of 2004 include DeLight Breidegam, Jr. of East Penn Manufacturing; Charles Garcia of Sterling Financial Investment Group; Valerie Daniels-Carter of V&J Holding Companies, Inc; Richard Dauch of American Axle & Manufacturing; and Albert Zehnder of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is a private institution specializing in business, management and entrepreneurship.

Northwood emphasizes the importance of free enterprise, creativity and the arts, global business, and ethics. With residential campuses in Midland, Mich.; Cedar Hill, Texas; and West Palm Beach, Fla., the university offers associate and bachelor degree programs in advertising; accounting; automotive marketing; aftermarket management; business management; computer information systems; entertainment, sport & promotion management; banking & finance and more.

About Reynolds and Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds (www.reyrey.com) is a provider of integrated solutions desinged to help automotive retailers manage change and improve their profitability.

Serving the automotive retailing industry since 1927, Reynolds says it enables OEMs and retailers to work together to build the lifetime value of their customers.

The company's product, service and training solutions include retail and enterprise management systems, Web and customer relationship management solutions, learning and consulting services, documents, data management and integration, networking and support and leasing services.

Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers comprising nearly 90 percent of the automotive retailers and virtually all OEMs doing business in North America. The Reynolds International Division serves automotive retailers and OEMs through Incadea AG and its partner network as well as a worldwide consulting practice.