Two Winnipeg auto dealers were recently awarded the Canadian Automobile Dealer Association’s prestigious laureate dealer recognition awards for 2010. For implementing initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for new car and truck dealers, Steve Chipman of the Birchwood Automotive Group won for business innovation.

Larry Vickar of the Vickar Automotive Group was the winner of the ambassadorship category for his extraordinary service to the community and the retail automobile industry.

Only three dealers win the laureate award each year from among more than 3,300 dealers in Canada. Members of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association represent 3.5 per cent of the total Canadian dealerships but have represented 20 per cent of the national laureate winners since the program’s inception in 2006.