Jessie Armstead Receives 'Automotive Dealer of the Year' Award at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jessie Armstead (www.jessiearmsteadnews.com), the former NFL pro-bowler turned co-owner of Hamilton Honda (www.hamiltonhonda.net), was recognized as "Automotive Dealer of the Year" at the 2011 Urban Wheel Awards, which celebrated 15 years of emerging diversity in the auto industry. Armstead was honored at the annual star-studded ceremony that celebrates the auto companies, dealers, and suppliers who create products and provide services while keeping the diversity of consumers in mind.
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Armstead took home an Oscar-style statue that distinguishes the dealers' response and attention to a multicultural consumer base, saying, "It's an honor to receive this award with other leaders in the industry who acknowledge the diverse communities that support our businesses. As 'Dealer of the Year' I hope to inspire my colleagues in the industry to not only consider, but to embrace the mixture of cultures that exists across the nation."

Editors at Decisive Magazine (www.decisivemagazine.com) and an independent panel of 15 professional automotive journalists and business organizations selected all nominees, finalists and winners. Armstead accepted this notable honor alongside other industry trailblazers, including Tony K. Brown, Ford's group vice president of purchasing, who was honored as "Executive of the Year." NASCAR's Max Siegel, Owner and CEO of Revolution Racing, received the "Pioneer of the Year" award. Rodney O'Neal, President and CEO of Delphi; Andra Rush, president of Dakkota Integrated System; and Frank Venegas, chairman and CEO of The Ideal Group, Inc., all took home "Lifetime Achievement" awards.

Held at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, the awards show drew in an impressive crowd of 1,500 automotive and supplier executives, international media, government representatives and the multicultural community. Celebrities, awardees and community leaders graced the VIP "green" carpet, hosted by Ed Foxworth III and Naomi Patton. The ceremony was hosted by CBS News Analyst Jamal Simmons and marked the start of the North American International Auto Show, one of the most prestigious auto shows in the world (www.naias.com).

About Jessie Armstead: Prior to his turn in the auto industry, Jessie Armstead played 12 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, and went to the Pro-Bowl five times. In addition to his work at Hamilton Honda, Armstead is committed to a number of not-for-profit organizations, including YMCA, DARE, Cystic Fibrosis, My Sisters Place, Giants Academy, ASC Football Camp, City Meals on Wheels and Make-a-Wish Foundation.

About Hamilton Honda: Hamilton Honda opened its doors in Hamilton, New Jersey on May 19, 2009. Located on a 12-acre campus, the dealership was founded by Automotive Veteran Mike Saporito (www.mikesaporitonews.com) and five-time NFL pro-bowler Jessie Armstead. After only one year in business, Hamilton Honda skyrocketed into the top 10 Honda retailers in the nation. Hamilton's extraordinary growth is a result of their active community involvement and their discounted volume pricing strategy which gives consumers guaranteed low prices, free oil changes and car washes for life.

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(prnewswire.com)