ADESA Tampa of Tampa, Fla., has been named 2015 Auto Auction of the Year by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) for its contributions to its community and the independent used-vehicle industry.

The award was presented to auction general manager Curtis Farris, representing the ADESA Tampa staff, during last week's National Auto Auction Association annual convention in Orlando, Fla.

"Under the leadership of its general manager, this auction has gone above and beyond in its support of local charities, its associations and, most of all, its customers," NIADA CEO Steve Jordan said. "Curtis Farris has instilled a culture of customer service among his staff and has been a true partner to NIADA and our Florida affiliate, supporting the goals of the association in both words and actions."

NIADA has presented the Auto Auction of the Year award annually to an outstanding NAAA auction since 2008. The winning auction provides the highest level of customer service and resources for NIADA's independent dealers, displays support for its state association and its dealer members, participates in dealer events and promotes the industry by showing exceptional service to its local community.

ADESA Tampa is heavily involved in charitable donations, contributing to, among others, the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Child Legacy Juvenile Diabetes and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, including support of its 52.4-Mile San Francisco Ultramarathon to raise money for cancer research.

A member of the Florida IADA for 10 years, the auction has not only hosted, sponsored and tirelessly promoted FIADA membership drives, town hall sessions and other events and programs, it recently added an FIADA Independent Dealer Lane, giving independent dealers a boost with premium lane placement and discounted sell fees on a bimonthly basis.

That kind of dedication earned Farris FIADA's Auction Person of the Year award.

Since taking over as GM in 2012, Farris has significantly upgraded the ADESA Tampa facility with recent renovations and has promoted "superior customer service" as a mantra. The auction also has won safety awards for the past three years.