House Concurrent Resolution 59

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING AUTOMOBILE DEALER JONATHAN ALLEN UPON HIS NOMINATION FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS 2026 TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF HIS INDUSTRY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, from his business ventures to his personal endeavors, Jonathan Allen, dealer principal at J. Allen Toyota in Gulfport, Mississippi, embodies excellence in every facet of his life, evidenced by his nomination for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award on October 16, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen was one of a select group of nominees from across the country honored at the 109th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 5, 2026, where the 57th annual award was presented; and

WHEREAS, the TIME Dealer of the Year Award is among the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted honors, and recipients of the award are among the nation's most successful auto dealers who have also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community service; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen, who was chosen to represent the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition, was selected as one of only 47 nominees from more than 20,000 auto dealers nationwide; and

WHEREAS, as a third-generation dealer, Mr. Allen has spent his life carrying forward a proud family legacy of business savvy and responsibility, while modernizing its mission in today's evolving economy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen earned a bachelor's degree in automotive management and marketing from Northwood University in 2007, and he began his career in sales and service before returning home to Gulfport to join the family business; and

WHEREAS, earning a reputation amongst his peers as an expert in his field, Mr. Allen is an active member of the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association and has served in several leadership positions, including as chairman in 2022, vice chairman in 2021, and treasurer in 2020; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen has effectively maintained the J. Allen Toyota franchise and expanded into Ford and Mazda in 2023, finding great success in the industry through exemplary diligence and hard work; and

WHEREAS, beyond being a business leader, Mr. Allen is a leader in his community, investing his time and effort into local organizations to make the community stronger, and he has served as president of the Rotary Club of Gulfport, as a board member for the Boy Scouts of America, and as chair of the American Heart Association Heart Walk; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Allen knows car dealers are pillars of the local economy and culture, and he has found ways to use his business to support individuals in need, including bringing Project SEARCH, which provides real-life workplace experience to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to J. Allen Toyota, making the store the first automotive partner in the world to host the program; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Allen, whose dedication to his trade and his community brings immense pride and honor to this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate automobile dealer Jonathan Allen upon his nomination for the prestigious 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award in recognition of his industry accomplishments and service to the community of Gulfport, Mississippi, and extend best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jonathan Allen and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.