Committed to community

COEUR d'ALENE - Whether it was washing cars years ago or serving as vice president of Lake City Ford Lincoln, Jim Addis has never let up on the gas when it comes to learning.

"The ability to learn is priceless," said Addis, reflecting on his 38 years in the auto dealer business. "And the opportunity to grow and thrive in the new and changing marketplace is an exciting, rewarding challenge."

Addis, 52, was announced on Monday as one of only 57 dealers from 17,000 nationwide to be nominated for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year Award.

"It's an honor and great to be nominated, but it's also due to the great team of employees that we have who work hard every day," Addis said. "Their great job allows our family to do good things in the community. Nobody does it alone."

Nominees are based on their success as auto dealers and long-standing commitment to community service.

The 44th annual award - sponsored by TIME Inc. News and Sports in association with Ally Financial and in cooperation with the National Automobile Dealers Association - will be presented at the NADA's 96th annual convention in Orlando on Feb. 9.

A panel of faculty members from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year.

"Auto dealers play such an important role in the strength of local communities across the United States," said Tim Russi, who represents Ally Financial. "They are involved in many philanthropic endeavors, contributing their time and money to improving the lives of people in need."

Addis - chosen to represent the Idaho Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition - was nominated for the award by Trent Wright, IADA executive vice president.

Addis started working at his father's first dealership, Tom Addis Ford, at 14. He advanced from the ground up - washing cars, performing mechanical tasks, learning about warranties and parts - before serving as vice president/general manager for his family's stores.

"The most rewarding aspect of my career has been to work alongside my father (Tom)," Addis said.

Addis said earning the same honor that his father did in 2002 is humbling. Other local dealers who have been nominated for the national award include: Eve Knudtsen, Knudtsen Chevrolet, 2006; Doug Parker, Parker Toyota, 1992; C. Wayne Knudtsen, Knudtsen Chevrolet, 1986; and J.A. Robideaux, Robideaux Motors, 1978.

A 1978 graduate of Jenkins High School in Chewelah, Wash., Addis attended Spokane Falls Community College and Washington State University, where he earned bachelor's degrees in economics and marketing.

Addis was twice elected president of the Idaho Automobile Dealers Association and served on Dodge's Dealer Council. He is currently Idaho chairman of NADA's Dealers Election Action Committee. Addis and his wife, Terri, have one child.

Addis is working with the Salvation Army to underwrite a program that would transport at-risk middle school students to the Ray and Joan Kroc Center after school.

"These students will be able to participate in all Kroc activities, including sports, exercise, mentoring, spiritual help and tutoring," he said.

Addis donates vehicles to a variety of causes each year. He gives a new Ford every year to a high-performing student selected from the six area high schools.

Lake City Ford also provided two GEM electric vehicles to the two Coeur d'Alene high schools. A member of Rotary, he donates one car every year to the club for its annual auction that funds local projects.

"It serves as a reminder to all (Rotary) members and the businesses they represent that we can all contribute for the betterment of our community," Addis said.

In addition, Addis hosts Ford's Drive One 4 UR School test-drive program twice a year, raising up to $6,000 per event for area schools. He has served as a board member for the EXCEL Foundation, an endowment that provides grants to local teachers for projects that schools can't afford.

Addis regularly contributes to The Press Christmas for All and St. Vincent de Paul's emergency shelters. He also made a donation to help build the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County facility.

Ally Financial will contribute $1,000 to a local charity to be determined at the request of Addis due to his nomination.

"We all have to take care of each other," Addis said.