ATLANTA – Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) presented the second annual Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award to Ron’s Auto Sales at the 66^th NIADA Convention and Expo, held in Las Vegas, June 11-14. 

“On behalf of everyone at Manheim, we are truly honored to recognize independent dealers who are making positive differences in the community,” said Nick Peluso, SVP of Customer Management at Manheim. “Independent auto dealers are an integral part of local communities, from providing valuable jobs to supporting area schools, civic organizations and philanthropic efforts. Ron’s Auto Sales’ Circle Heart Racing, a charitable organization created to bring ‘Miles of Smiles’ to children in need, is one of many examples that earned Ron and his team this year’s Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award.”

“We are pleased to once again partner with Manheim to recognize worthy independent dealers,” said Mike Linn, CEO of NIADA. “The spirit and valor shown by the entire dealership makes a tremendous and positive impact on their community. We commend Ron and Debbie Rigdon and their team for taking the steps to make them stand out as one of the top charitable independent dealers.”

Peluso presented Ron’s Auto Sales with a check for $5,000 to be donated to its charity of choice, KidStuff-USA, Inc., for their work with special needs children.

The family owned and operated business is passionate about providing support for children in need, and their dealership is designated a Safe Place for children. Located in Lawrenceville, Ga., Ron’s Auto Sales is involved with numerous local children’s charities. In 2008, the Rigdons started a non-profit organization, Circle Heart Racing, to support other charities focused on helping children. Among the charities they support: A Friend’s House, Rainbow Village, Piedmont CASA and Haven House. On a national level, Ron Rigdon serves as a board member with Speedway Children’s Charities, where, in alliance with the National Auto Sport Association – Southeast Division, he established the annual Santa’s Toy Run.

Four additional dealers were recognized at the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as finalists for their impressive charitable efforts:

• Ed Holewiak’s Auto Sales, Somerset, Mass.

• South Tacoma Auto, Tacoma, Wash.

• Alamo Valley Auto Sales, Kalamazoo, Mich.

• Ertle Brothers Discount Auto, Sterling, Colo.