NCADA 2012 Convention Speaker
The North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association is pleased to announce that Mr. Aron Ralston, inspiration…
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Read more...Initiated in 1999, the Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association to recognize dealer members who have displayed a lifelong commitment to the automobile industry. In short, the Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented to those who embody the true spirit of successful entrepeneurs, civic leaders and industry stalwarts.
2011
Nelson Cole, Reidsville
Chester “Junie” Michael, Winston-Salem
Alexander “Cooper” Sykes, Durham
2010
Bruce Griffin, Jr, Monroe
Rick Hendrick, Charlotte
2009
Vann York, High Point
Deacon Jones, Goldsboro
Michael J. Leith, Raleigh
2008
Vic Flow, Winston-Salem
Fred Fowler, Winston-Salem
2007
Ralph L. Abernethy, Lincolnton
W.H. Anderson, Waynesville
James R. Nance, Albemarle
Diane M. Turner, NCADA Executive Vice-President
2006
David Brown, Greensboro
Jim Lowry, High Point
Earl Tindol, Gastonia
2005
Rooster Bush, Morganton
John Greene, Sr., Morganton
Hubert Parks, Kernersville,
Carl Ragsdale, Jacksonville
2004
Sam Johnson, Raleigh
Joe Nelson, Rocky Mount
Royce Reynolds, Greensboro
Harold Wells, Whiteville
2003
Norwood E. Bryan, Fayetteville
George Lyles, High Point
Coolidge Elkins, Durham
2002
Carey Ilderton Sr., High Point
Dick Keffer, Charlotte
Carroll Stearns, Burlington
2001
**Frank Anderson Jr., Raleigh
Don Bulluck, Rocky Mount
Bill Howard, Statesville
2000
Jerry Alphin, Fayetteville
**Ben Mynatt, Concord
Shack Shackleford, Fayetteville
1999
**John Alexander Sr., Raleigh
**Lonnie Davis, Lexington
**Joe Morgan, Sr., Durham
Dan Thomas Sr., Asheboro
**Indicates Deceased
2011 NCADA Lifetime Achviement Award Winners
Nelson Cole
Nelson Cole Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC
Nelson Cole’s fascination with automobiles began at an early age and by the time he was 12 he was working part-time at a body-shop just so he could be around the cars he loved. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Nelson was hired by Ford Motor Company, where promotions took him and his young family across the country. He returned to his North Carolina roots in 1980, first purchasing a dealership in Laurinburg and then opening Nelson Cole Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC in Reidsville.
Nelson has been an active member of his community, serving as founding director of both the Reidsville Habitat for Humanity and the Soup Kitchen. He was also involved in his local Chamber of Commerce. After serving his community at the local level, Nelson wanted to make a difference at the state level and ran for the North Carolina General Assembly. He spent 16 years in the Legislature, serving as chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Committee and Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee.
Chester "Junie" Michael
Parkway Ford
Junie Michael was raised on a farm in Davidson County and began working at his father’s dealership the summer after his senior year of high school. After graduating from Catawba College, Junie became Sales Manager of Cloverdale Ford. At the age of 30, he was named president of Parkway Ford in Winston-Salem. Over the years, he has partnered with family members, friends and business leaders, working with 20 different dealerships across the Southeast.
A recognized leader in the auto industry, Junie has received a number of awards including the Ford Chairman’s Award, Ford President’s Award, Ford Blue Oval Certification and Pacesetter’s Award. He is an active member of NCADA and was the 2002 North Carolina Time Dealer of the Year Recipient.
He is also an active community member, participating in the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, and serving on the Catawba College Board of Trustees and Safe and Sober Prom Night Board of Trustees.
Alexander "Cooper" Sykes
Cooper Kenworth
Following his military service in the Air Force, Cooper Sykes returned to North Carolina to work for General Motors. In 1962 he moved to Durham to serve as Sales Manager of Miller Truck Sales. In 1973 he opened Cooper Kenworth.
Cooper Kenworth is now the authorized Kenworth dealership for the entire state of North Carolina and includes nine locations. Cooper has been a leader in the automotive industry and in 1980 was named Southeastern Truck Dealer of the Year. He has also served as Chairman of the Kenworth National Dealer Council. He is also an active member of the community, serving with Habitat for Humanity, Jaycees of Durham, Durham Rescue Mission and McMannen United Methodist Church.
