Raymond Michael (Mike) Waters, III, president of Waters Truck and Tractor Co., Columbus, MS, was awarded the Truck Dealer of the Year Award, sponsored jointly by Heavy Duty Trucking and ATD. "Truck dealers do so much every day to help their communities and customers, and we’re very pleased to join Heavy Duty Trucking in recognizing these achievements," said ATD Chairman Gerald C. Turnauer. The Truck Dealer of the Year Award winner was announced at the 42nd Annual ATD Convention and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, on April 9. Waters was one of 8 nominees evaluated by a team of judges from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Candidates were selected for business excellence, industry participation and outstanding civic accomplishments. Waters and his dealership have received numerous industry honors, including the Circle of Excellence Award (1980 -- 2004) and the International Truck Dealer of the Year Award (2002), both from International Truck and Engine. He was also a regional finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, which is known as “The World’s Business Award” (2003). Waters began his career at the 67-year old company working summers during school. He began full-time employment there after his graduation from Mississippi State University. His on-the-job training included experience at every level of the dealership.

(Source: ATD Newswire)