ATLANTA – Manheim recently presented its 2005 “M Awards” to 17 auctions to recognize the facilities that have done an outstanding job in increasing efficiencies and improving processes in specific areas of the business. Manheim employees from across the country gathered at the company’s annual general managers conference in Tucson, Ariz., to honor the award recipients.

“The ‘M Awards’ are a tribute to the management teams and the employees working at the winning auctions,” said Dean Eisner, president and CEO of Manheim.

Dallas Auto Auction received Manheim’s highest honor as Auction of the Year, maintaining consistently high margins, ranking among the top 10 facilities in all areas and delivering outstanding customer service.

The Greater New Orleans Auto Auction in Slidell, La., received the Phoenix Award, which is presented to the auction that goes above and beyond to rise above a challenging situation. The Greater New Orleans team proved its commitment to the auction, entire industry and customers by performing at a high level despite being in the middle of the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left behind.

Following are the other facilities that stood apart from the rest in specific areas:

• The Greater Las Vegas Auto Auction was honored for its high dealer sales percentage and increased selling percentage in 2005.
  

  
  

• The Greater Chicago Auto Auction received an award for dealer services by providing exemplary service to both buying and selling dealers. Greater Chicago also received the Value Added Services Award through driving in excellent overall margins for value-added services.
  

  
  

• El Paso Auto Auction received the Employee Communication “M Award.”
  

  
  

• The Nashville Auto Auction won the Employee Development “M Award” through increased efforts in employee training.
  

  
  

• The Factory Account Services “M Award” went to the Northstar Auto Auction for consistently driving in strong gross and recon values for vehicles sold.
  

  
  

• Florida Auto Auction of Orlando received the fleet-lease account services award for high-volume sales and unparalleled performance in the fleet/lease segment.
  

  
  

• Metro Milwaukee Auto Auction received the “M Award” for loss control by keeping losses at a minimum through extensive communication with auctions, dealers and managers.
  

  
  

• Greater Tampa Bay Auto Auction received the “M Award” for lot operations by embracing best practices and achieving high income before depreciation.
  

  
  

• Statesville Auto Auction received the MAFS “M Award” for the second time in three years in part because of the number of financing applications received and for loss control.
  

  
  

• The Marketing/Promotions “M Award” went to the South Seattle Auto Auction due to the high number of dealers at each sale and the auction’s ability to attract new customers.
  

  
  

• Colorado Auto Auction received the “M Award” for Office Administration because of its dedication to customer service.
  

  
  

• American Auto Auction received the “M Award” for safety by focusing on driver safety and thereby decreasing the number of injuries involving motor vehicles.
  

  
  

• Fort Worth Vehicle Auction won the Specialty “M Award” for its dedication to the specialty vehicle market.
  

  
  

• The Utah Auto Auction received the technology award by being the first auction to install wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and maintaining a strong record with Manheim Simulcast.
  

  
  

• The Orange County Auto Auction won the “M Award” for use of working cash by driving the largest reduction in working cash requirements in 2005.

  
  

  
  

  “The winners are not based just on performance numbers,” said Berta Phelps, vice president of best practices. “We also take a step back and look at each individual facility – its ability to face challenges, to be innovative, to engage employees and more.”