Today, I'm honored, proud, and a more than a little stunned.

I just received the American International Auto Dealers Association's 2006 Dealer of the Year award, presented by Newsweek.

This award, presented for community involvement and commitment to excellence, shows just how much car dealers can do for their community. I've always thought Valencia Acura should be much, much more than a place where people can buy cars. It should be a place where your purchase really matters.

The full story is here: http://www.aiadalists.org/newsroom/newsDetails.aspx?id=57182

Read our press release here: http://valenciaacura.com/assets/pdf/cheri_aiada_winner.pdf

Being a car dealer allows me to get involved with so many great causes, that help so many people—from the Arthritis Walk to the Boys and Girls Club. We've given $2.5 million to these great organizations, and made a $100,000 investment to help build a cardiac-cath lab and a new ER at Henry Mayo.

We're making a difference in our quality of life here in Santa Clarita. That's something I'm very proud of. I'll say it again: I'm proud to be a car dealer.