Dealer group roundup: Awards & acquisitions

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and Ally Financial recognized Andrea Park Zadd, who is the president of Cresmont Auto Group in Cleveland, with the “Ally Sees Her” award at NAMAD’s annual conference.

The award spotlights women dealership leaders for their commitment to boosting their communities and auto industry diversity.

As part of Zadd’s recognition, Ally is donating $10,000 to the Korean American Professionals in the Automotive Industry nonprofit and the May Dugan Community Center in Cleveland.

“It’s so important for kids to see someone they can identify with as they dream of a successful future and careers that spark their interest,” Zadd said in a news release.

“While Crestmont Automotive has many female sales professionals and service advisors, I’m hopeful initiatives like this will inspire more young women to seek automotive retail careers,” Zadd said. “It’s a dynamic industry and I’m proud of the work we’re doing to create a more inclusive and flexible work environment.”

Natalie Brown, director of corporate citizenship at Ally, added: “This award celebrates the drive and passion that women automotive leaders bring to the table. The future of our industry is stronger when everyone sees the contributions of innovative leaders like Andrea who excel in business and give back to their communities. We’re proud to be an ally in NAMAD’s quest to expand opportunities for minority auto dealers.”

In additional news involving NAMAD, Cox Automotive teamed up with the organization to honor Amber Martin, who is director of community and business partnerships at Martin Management Group, with its Rising Star Award.

“To be recognized as a Rising Star by Cox Automotive is an incredible honor and receiving this award is even more special because of the long-standing partnership that my family’s company has with both Cox Automotive and NAMAD,” said Martin.

NAMAD president Damon Lester and Keisha Duck — who is the vice president of talent, learning and culture at Cox Automotive — presented the award to Martin on Thursday at the NAMAD event’s awards dinner.

“On behalf of Cox Automotive and in partnership with NAMAD, I am honored to recognize Amber Martin as the 2021 Rising Star. Not only does Amber exemplify the words ‘rising star,’ but she also exemplifies a core value of Cox and the Cox family — community engagement.”

Lester added, “Amber Martin is truly a ‘rising star.’ Her business acumen, personality and experience are a testament to her success in our industry.”

Cox is donating $5,000 in Martin’s honor to the Institute of Behavior and Health, Inc. (IBH) and its Stop Drugged Driving initiative, and is also launching a new philanthropic partnership as part of the award. The company is teaming up with City of Refuge to held fund its Automotive Technician Training program.

Cox is making a $10,000 donation this year in Martin’s name to pay for the tuition of a student in the program.

In other dealer-related news, Florida-based Ed Morse Automotive Group said Friday it has purchased four dealerships and a parts center from Sellers-Sexton Automotive and Norman Roy.

The stores and parts center are located throughout Illinois and Missouri. They will be renamed:

• Ed Morse Ford formerly Sellers-Sexton Ford at 341 VFW Memorial Drive, Saint Robert, Mo.
• Ed Morse Chevrolet Buick GMC formerly Weir Chevrolet Buick GMC at 1507 S. Main Street, Red Bud, Ill.
• Ed Morse Ford formerly Weir Ford at 1615 S. Main Street, Red Bud, Ill.
• Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram formerly Weir Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 801 New Baldwin Road, New Athens, Ill.
• Ed Morse Parts Center formerly Weir Parts Center at 1450 W. Market Street, Red Bud, Ill.

“This is our second expansion into the great state of Missouri, and we’ve been so impressed with our results that we wanted to continue our growth not only there but into Illinois,” Ed Morse Automotive Group chairman and chief executive officer Teddy Morse said in a news release.  

“When our organization makes an acquisition and enters a new market, we pride ourselves on not only delivering on our promises to support the community but making significant capital improvements.These enhancements will provide our new employees with greater opportunities to be successful and provide our customers with a world-class experience,” Morse said.