Oklahoma Dealer Henry Primeaux Named Dealer of the Year by DEALER Magazine, Automotive Youth Educational Systems

Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Dealer Honored for Grassroots Efforts to Promote Automotive Technology Careers to Local Students

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 30 -- Henry Primeaux, owner of Crown Bristow Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep in Bristow, Okla., was named DEALER magazine/AYES Dealer of the Year today.

This is the inaugural award sponsored by DEALER magazine, the No. 1-read magazine for franchised automobile dealers, and Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), a non-profit organization that features a mentoring program which encourages young people to consider careers in retail automotive service, preparing students for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.

The DEALER magazine/AYES Dealer of the Year award was presented to Primeaux here today during AYES' NADA Special Reception and Briefing for automotive manufacturers, retailers and affiliate industries at the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention.

"Henry's tireless efforts to solve the ongoing technician shortage and promote AYES as a means to help young people discover rewarding careers were key factors in his being selected for the inaugural DEALER magazine/AYES 2004 Dealer of the Year award," said AYES President Larry Cummings.

Primeaux has been creating opportunities for Bristow-area high school students to develop careers as automotive technicians since before the inception of AYES by former General Motors Chairman Jack Smith in 1995. Today, Primeaux is a vocal supporter of the AYES program and the need for all dealers to engage in grassroots campaigns to promote these well-paying careers among their civic and education leaders.

"I've received plenty of awards, including Time magazine Quality Dealer in '95, which was a big moment for me. But winning the DEALER/AYES Dealer of the Year award is No. 1," Primeaux said. "This award is very unexpected and it means more than any other award I've ever received because of the work that my dealership has put in with AYES."

The DEALER/AYES Dealer of the Year award recognizes a franchised new-car dealer whose commitment to promoting well-paying careers in automotive service technology within his or her local community has shown measurable success.

  Eligible nominees were evaluated on a series of criteria, such as:

   *  The number of years the dealer has been involved in the AYES
      initiative
   *  The average number of interns the dealer sponsored at his or her
      dealership(s) over the course of involvement with AYES
   *  The number of trained mentors at the dealership(s)
   *  Involvement of the dealer or staff on local business and education
      council

Also, participation in community activities that enhance the AYES model -- such as career days, job shadowing, field trips and open houses -- were part of the evaluation criteria.

AYES is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, dealers and selected high schools/tech prep schools. AYES currently has more than 364 schools on its roster and about 4,102 dealers supporting the initiative in 45 states. For more information, visit www.ayes.org .

Nominations for the '05 award are open until Oct. 15, 2004. Contact Susan Doherty at AYES at 248-526-1750 or by email sdoherty@ayes.org for nomination information or to learn more about AYES. Visit the online version of DEALER magazine at www.DEALER-magazine.com .