HAMMOND, LA - Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction has been named the leading provider in its region for ARI - Automotive Resources International.

ARI’s Vehicle Remarketing program annually awards auctions for outstanding performance.  Each auction is measured on overall market performance, administration and communication. Benchmarking includes days to pick up, complete condition report, days to sell and receive funds, as well as retention against Black Book Commercial Index and compliance with company guidelines.

“We were thrilled to learn that we led our region for ARI in 2011, and I share this award with all the hard-working members of our staff here at Louisiana’s 1^st Choice,” says John Poteet, managing partner.  “We are fortunate to have an auction team that that not only takes pride in their work but shows innovation and creativity on the job along with a determination to make our customers happy.  Their efforts produce excellent results for ARI week in and week out, and are directly responsible for our distinction as ARI’s 2011 Auction of the Year in Region 5.”

Poteet notes Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction has been handling vehicles for ARI since May of 2008, and has been consistently ranked among the top three auctions in its region.  Poteet says that ARI runs vehicles every week at the auction and is frequently the focus of special promotions, including the auction’s annual Mardi Gras event and its popular “John Dough” program, where buyers earn “Dough” based on attendance and buying activity that can be used to purchase prizes at the auction’s anniversary and Christmas sales.

As Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction prepares to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary in May, Poteet reports that the auction continues to attract larger consignments and more buyers to the auction lanes. 

“Attendance at Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction has increased every year since we opened our doors in 2002, with a 10% increase over last year’s numbers alone,” said Poteet.  “Our mission is to provide our valued customers with superior customer service that exceeds their expectations, and the Auction of the Year Award with ARI, coupled with increased activity in the auction lane, indicates that our efforts are being recognized.”

Concluded Poteet: “We like to say that superior service is our signature Lagniappe–a Louisiana tradition that means a little something ‘extra’ that is not expected or demanded.  We appreciate ARI’s recognition of our commitment to their business and our efforts on their behalf. Certainly this award from ARI is their Lagniappe to Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction!”

Independently owned and operated, Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction is located in Hammond, Louisiana.  Led by managing partner John Poteet, the team of auction professionals serve the entire Gulf Coast Region and beyond.  Dealers gather every Tuesday at 8:30 am in the lane and online to bid on a consignment of over 500 vehicles, including vehicles from CPS, Capital One Auto Finance, ARI, Emkay, Crescent Bank & Trust, Hancock Bank, North American Acceptance and a wide variety of dealer trades. Auction inventory is included on Auction Pipeline, where customers may view detailed condition reports, market report information and participate in online sales. Louisiana’s 1^st Choice Auto Auction is a member of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) and is represented by TPC Management.