Senate Resolution 63

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SOUTHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI, AUTOMOBILE DEALER JEFF FIELD UPON HIS NOMINATION FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS 2024 TIME "DEALER OF THE YEAR" AWARD RECOGNIZING HIS COMMUNITY SERVICE AND INDUSTRY ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, the nomination of Jeff Field, Chief Operating Officer of the Landers Auto Group in Southaven, Mississippi, for the 2024 TIME "Dealer of the Year" award was announced on October 18, 2023, by TIME; and

WHEREAS, Field is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who were honored at the 107th Annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on February 3, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the TIME "Dealer of the Year" award is among the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Field was chosen to represent the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association in the National Competition - one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 55th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide; and

WHEREAS, Field started his automotive career in sales at Mitchell Motors in Pensacola, Florida, in 1987, and became Finance Manager; and

WHEREAS, Field became General Manager of dealerships owned by the Penske Automotive Group in Memphis, Tennessee, and Southaven, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Field partnered with Kent Ritchey to purchase 10 dealerships in Mississippi and Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Field is an active member of the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association and has served in several leadership positions, including Chair in 2023, Vice Chair in 2022 and Secretary in 2021. Under his leadership, this organization has been successful in promoting, advancing and protecting Mississippi's franchised automobile dealers; and

WHEREAS, Field is focused on creating and fostering business opportunities in his region. He is a member of the Southaven Chamber of Commerce and served as Board Chair from 2017 to 2019. He also supports the Mississippi Economic Council, and his dealership is a sponsor of the group's Hobnob Mississippi event; and

WHEREAS, Field is proud to host DeSoto County first responders at Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram each year on September 11 during his company's First Responders Appreciation Lunch. He also sponsors the Affordable Christmas Program of Trinity Baptist Church in Southaven, which supplies gifts for children in need; and

WHEREAS, dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. Nominees are also recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME "Dealer of the Year" nominees; and

WHEREAS, Field was nominated for the TIME "Dealer of the Year" award by the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association, and it is with great pride that we join the automobile industry in recognizing this Mississippi businessman who has brought honor to his family, his business, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Southaven, Mississippi, Automobile Dealer Jeff Field, upon his nomination for the prestigious 2024 TIME "Dealer of the Year" award recognizing his community service and industry accomplishments.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jeff Field, forwarded to the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.