A Saskatoon-based business owner who also operates in Prince Albert is being recognized for giving back to the communities in which his business is based.

Vaughn Wyant, of the Wyant Group of Companies, owns several car dealerships in Saskatoon and BC, as well as Lakeland Ford and Lakeland Hyundai.

Wyant is being recognized by Ford Motor Company with one of six Salute to Dealers awards.

The Salute to Dealer award is given to a dealership owner for the contributions made to their community.

Out of the 12,000 dealerships worldwide, regional groups made up of dealerships choose 80 nominees. From that list of 80 nominees, Edsel B. Ford II and four other judges select six winners from the global field.

Wyant was the only Canadian winner for 2017. Three American winners were selected, as well as owners in New Zealand and Turkey.

The nominees are judged based on their individual efforts, not just the work of their dealerships, the lengthy of time they have been actively contributing to the community and their personal motivation for giving back.

 

Wyant was caught off-guard when he received the news.

“I didn’t know anything about (the award),” he said Wednesday by phone while preparing to board his flight to New Orleans, where he will receive the award. “I was surprised. As we get closer to the actual award presentation (Thursday), I’m humbled by it.”

For more on this story, please see the Jan. 26 print or e-edition of the Daily Herald.