NFIB

NFIB-member business Cooke Motors is one of only 24 auto dealers to be nominated for a prestigious National Quality Dealer Award from the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA). The winner will be announced next week in Nashville, Tenn.

Gary and Darla Cooke won the Arizona Independent Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) top award last November, becoming eligible for the national award next week. Cooke Motors was selected from 1,500 licensed independent automobile dealers in Arizona for the state's Quality Dealer Award at AIADA's 38th Annual State Convention last year in Goodyear. Cooke Motors was selected for its superiority in community service, business practices, service to customers in the industry and consumers, and industry reputation.

After more than three decades in the business, Gary Cooke opened Cooke Motors with his wife, Darla, in 2003 in Fountain Valley. Just two years later, they and their six employees had sold 174 vehicles in 2005. Recipients of their community contributions include the Arizona Highway Patrol, Police Officers of Scottsdale Association, Maricopa County Deputies Association, as well as the Fountain Hills School District, Fountain Hills Golf Tournament, Arizona Junior Paint Horse Club, and veterans associations.

"We've been told we have a strong application, but we have no idea if we're one of the finalists," said Darla Cooke. NIADA will announce the national winner on June 16.

"When I tell people small-business owners are not only the engine of all economies, but also the central thread of holding communities together, it is people like the Cookes who I have in mind," said Michelle Bolton, NFIB/Arizona state director. "I think it is a supreme honor to be selected as the best independent dealership in Arizona. I can't imagine the elation they'll feel if they get the national award. We all wish them the best."

The Web address for Cooke Motors is www.cookemotors.com, for NIADA www.niada.com and for AIADA www.aiada.net.