AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler executives cheered for an Arkansas dealer who recently received the coveted Time Dealer of the Year Award.

The 2010 winner is Scott Wood, owner of Scott Wood Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge in Batesville, Ark. Wood has been in the retail industry his entire career. He recounted that it began "with a broom, a shovel and a wheelbarrow, what would be known today as a permanent lot orderly."

Wood has followed in family footsteps to become a third-generation dealer, coming after his grandfather, Stanley Wood, and his father, W. Stanley Wood.

Wood accepted the award during the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention this past weekend in Orlando, Fla.

"We need more positives in our industry, and for me, this is going to be a highlight," Wood stated.

"This is far and away the highest award I thought I would ever garner," he shared.

Like many previous winners of the Time Dealer of the Year Award, Wood is a fixture in his community, working in several initiatives centered on education and other philanthropy.

Among the organizations and undertakings Wood has are the Batesville Kiwanis Club, the Boy Scouts, Lyon College (then Arkansas College), East Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Batesville Community Theatre, Batesville Area Arts Council, Friends of the Pioneers (Batesville School District Athletics), White River Health Systems and the First Baptist Church where he has been active as a mentor, teacher and fundraiser.

Furthermore, Wood has been a member of the Batesville School Board since 2001. His leadership and contributions have helped the district receive state-wide and national recognition for improved test scores and student attendance and participation.

"Chrysler Group is proud to have outstanding citizens like Scott Wood as our dealer partners," noted Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Ram brand and lead executive for the sales organization

"Mr. Wood has been involved in his community and lending not just money, but his time and effort to help make the Batesville area the best it can be for more than 30 years. People like Scott Wood are the backbone of communities across the United States and we are proud to have him representing our company," Diaz continued.

Wood was joined by his wife Myra at an award ceremony during the NADA Convention.

"We applaud Scott's commitment to his customers and his community," Diaz went on to say.

"Scott has a more than 30-year track record of volunteering to be part of the solution — whether it was a donation, fundraising, his time or vehicle donations — Scott has always been there for the residents of Batesville," Diaz emphasized.

"Chrysler Group applauds Scott Wood and thanks him for his outstanding service to his community," Diaz added.

The other regional finalists for the award included Kathleen Gaddie, of Minot, N.D.; John Giambalvo, of York, Pa.; and Dan Wilder, of Port Angeles, Wash.