WASHINGTON, DC (May 19) – The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today honored Bryan, Texas dealer Paul Atkinson with its Dealers Making an Impact Grassroots Advocacy Award during AIADA’s 4th Annual International Auto Industry Summit in Washington, DC. As a Toyota dealer, chairman of the Toyota National Dealer Council, and member of AIADA’s grassroots initiative – the Legislative Action Network – the award recognizes Atkinson’s dedication to advocating the organization’s mission to members of Congress.

“Paul Atkinson has been at the forefront of dealer advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill over the past year, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award. He’s worked tirelessly in recent months to provide the dealer perspective to the media and Congress. AIADA is dependent on dealers like him to take our message first-hand to their elected officials,” said AIADA President Cody Lusk.

Atkinson has been a member of AIADA since 2000 and has been deeply involved in dealer advocacy efforts both regionally and nationally. He currently serves as chairman of the Toyota National Dealer Council, as well as president of the Toyota Dealer Advertising Council for Gulf States Toyota. In February and March, he helped lead a contingency of Toyota dealers who traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf their brand, dealerships, and employees.

Atkinson is the Dealer and General Manager of Atkinson Toyota Scion in Bryan, Texas and Atkinson Toyota Madisonville. His dealerships have received the Toyota President’s Award for 10 consecutive years, as well as the Toyota Financial Circle of Excellence Award in 2009. A former minister, Atkinson remains active in his local church, as well as several other community service efforts, including the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, the President’s Development Council at Harding University, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

AIADA’s Grassroots Advocacy Award is presented by its Legislative Action Network to recognize members who have worked to improve awareness among his or her members of Congress on issues impacting America’s international automobile franchises. AIADA seeks to connect auto dealers with the legislative process, enabling them to stay current on concerns that affect their businesses.