through donations and service. “He believed that if we were going to be the local automobile dealer and earn our living in this community, then it was our responsibility to invest back in the people who supported us,” he said. “Community service has created a strong sense of team among our employees and a stronger connection to our customers.” To that end, Buckalew Chevrolet donates to many organizations, charities and events that support young people and the less fortunate, but for Buckalew, getting involved makes all the difference. He has contributed his time to the Montgomery County Fair Association as past president and current board member and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he is a lifetime member and participates in the Go Texan Committee. While these organizations support the community by offering great entertainment, they also provide scholarships to young people in his area. A member of the Conroe Noon Lions Club, Buckalew serves on the board of the group and engages in its community outreach, including the annual Christmas food basket delivery. “Bringing the baskets to the homebound and the elderly and seeing them smile is unforgettable,” he said. “Knowing that they may not have food for Christmas without this donation is very humbling.” Buckalew added, “We have been very blessed to have worked with great people who share our work ethic, our passion to take care of our customers and our commitment to serve the community.” Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally. In its twelfth year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees. “For over 50 years, TIME has been committed to recognizing the impact of automotive dealers on their communities with the TIME Dealer of the Year award,” said Edward Felsenthal, editor in chief and CEO, TIME. “We are proud to continue the legacy of honoring these works of service with our partners at Ally.” Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services, Ally, said, “Auto dealers across the country who are nominated for this award each year are committed to not only doing it right and leading in a rapidly changing automotive industry but to strengthening their communities through giving back. The TIME Dealer of the Year program celebrates dealers who are the role models of the retail auto industry for their continuous efforts to lift up and support their employees, customers and communities.” Buckalew was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Darren Whitehurst, president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. Buckalew and his wife, Leesa, have one daughter. 15 WINTER 2023
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