House Concurrent Resolution 44

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI, AUTOMOBILE DEALER STEPHEN FRANKS UPON HIS NOMINATION FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS 2023 TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR AWARD AND HONORING HIS COMMUNITY SERVICE AND INDUSTRY ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, the nomination of Stephen Franks, owner and dealer at Franks Chevrolet Buick GMC in Kosciusko, Mississippi, for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced on October 18, 2022, by TIME; and

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

WHEREAS, Franks is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who were honored at the 106th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Dallas on January 27, 2023, where the announcement of this year's annual award was made by Edward Felsenthal, editor in chief and CEO, TIME, and Doug Timmerman, President of Dealer Financial Services and Ally Financial; and

WHEREAS, dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country, and a panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan selects one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one National Dealer of the Year; nominees will also be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees; and

WHEREAS, Franks was chosen to represent the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association in the National Competition and was one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 54^th annual award from more than 16,000 auto dealers nationwide; and

WHEREAS, he began his journey as an auto dealer entrepreneur at the age of 18 when he opened a used car lot in Kosciusko, Mississippi and served in several management positions with Gray-Daniels Automotive Group in Brandon before opening his first new car dealership; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, Franks' hard work and previous management experiences resulted in the opening of Franks Chevrolet, and he also operates two pre-owned super centers in Kosciusko and Carthage; and

WHEREAS, he is an active member of the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association and has served in several leadership positions, including chair in 2018, vice chair in 2017, and secretary in 2016, and due to his leadership, this organization started an annual leadership day at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, in spite of his many professional obligations, Franks still finds time to help others by serving as a volunteer pilot for Pilots for Patients, and has logged over 125,000 flight miles and more than 100 missions, flying children and adults to and from treatment centers; and

WHEREAS, his philanthropic efforts also include an annual donation of a car to the Make-A-Wish Mississippi Foundation for the group's annual Cruisin' for a Wish fundraiser, where the donated wrapped car travels to stops in the region and creates a buzz while raising money for the charity; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to honor the works of exceptional businessmen, such as Stephen Franks, who provide meaningful jobs for the citizens of this state, and also dedicates their time and resources to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate citizens of this 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 Kosciusko, Mississippi, Automobile Dealer Stephen Franks upon his nomination for the prestigious 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, honor him for his impressive industry accomplishments, celebrate his unwavering dedication to community service activities, and extend to him and his family best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Stephen Franks, the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.