Longtime Langley auto dealership manager wins national award

The Canadian Auto Dealers Association (CADA) has named Preston GM’s Peter Heppner at the 2024 laureate in the ambassador category.

The national organization gives out laureate awards in three categories, the other two being business innovation, and retail operations.

The CADA Laureate Program acknowledges dealer contributions to the industry and their communities. The award is considered the highest honour a new vehicle dealer can achieve in the industry. The ambassador category is for excellence in not only business but also community contributions.

“I am incredibly proud of team Preston GM for supporting our community efforts,” Heppner posted on social media after the win. “One of our core cultural values is giving back to the communities we serve. In particular we seek partnerships that benefit young families and children by way of minor sports, education, developmental support and/or medical assistance.”

Having worked for or served with many previous fellow nominees and winners I am truly honoured and humbled to have even been considered in their company.

Nominations are submitted annually by peers, such as other dealers, for consideration. A dealer cannot self nominate.

“You can only be nominated by your peers in the industry,” said Tim Reuss, CADA president and CEO.

From hundreds of submissions, the CADA selects five finalists in each of the three categories. The finalists’ submissions are forwarded to the Ivey Business School of Western University, for a completely independent evaluation and selection of one winner in each category. Finalists were culled from hundreds of nominations among Canada’s 3,200-plus dealers. “My service over the years on industry boards and committees has been rewarding and enlightening,” Heppner said. “It has afforded me the opportunity to work with and appreciate other dealers and executives of associations and manufacturers of many brands from coast to coast. The great team at Preston GM allows me the time to participate in these endeavours without worry. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many individuals the contributed to or endorsed our submissions. Your support surely influenced this outcome.”

Professor Kirk Kristofferson, of the Ivey Business School, was one of the judges.

““Peter’s devotion to his community is amazing. He has approached philanthropy using the approach of helping as many organizations, committees, and causes as possible, and doing so at all levels. He frequently partners with the City and Township of Langley for large-scale community events and supports local organizations across a wide range of interests,” he said. “Specific to the automotive industry, Peter has devoted considerable time to serve on numerous boards and committees and has been recognized with multiple national and regional service awards.”

Heppner was also singled out for the work he did with the New Car Dealers Association of BC and CADA during the COVID-19 pandemic.