From left to right: Alnoor Jiwani, Senior Vice-President, SAL Group, Industrial Alliance Insurance Financial Services Inc.; Gerry Bouwers, President & Chief Operating Officer, Industrial Alliance Insurance Financial Services Inc.; and Rick Gauthier, President & CEO, CADA
Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Chairman Al MacPhee announced that Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. (Industrial Alliance – SAL Group) has accepted CADA’s invitation to continue as the exclusive corporate sponsor of the CADA Laureate dealer recognition program for another five years.
“The Laureate award is the highest honour a new car and truck dealer can receive over the course of his or her career”, said MacPhee. “As such, it is imperative that CADA partner with an organization that is highly regarded in its own right for exceptional business performance. I can think of no finer example in the retail auto industry than Industrial Alliance – SAL Group and I am very pleased they have agreed to continue on as CADA’s partner in the Laureate program. “
CADA President and CEO Rick Gauthier says that Industrial Alliance – SAL Group is the only sponsor the Laureate program has ever known. “The Laureate was created by a special committee made up of dealers and provincial association executives. The committee was adamant that CADA allow only one company to sponsor the Laureate; they felt this was consistent with the exclusivity of the program. After an extensive search, the committee selected Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., and we’ve never looked back. They have been an exemplary partner from the outset and the Industrial Alliance – SAL Group name has become synonymous with the Laureate.”
In an interview with Canadian auto dealer, Gauthier said the sponsorship renewal is great for the momentum and continuity of the Laureate program. “It’s very important to the program in general to see that solid relationship between CADA and Industrial Alliance — SAL group,” says Gauthier. “It speaks to their appreciation of the program and of the relationship with CADA.”
Gauthier says he’s pleased when he meets with the Laureate winners that they recognize the honour and achievement the program represents. He says the association also has other plans in the works to even further showcase the talents of the Laureates, and share their insights with other dealers across Canada.
As business partners with Canada’s retail auto dealers since 1963, Industrial Alliance – SAL Group understands the important roles played by new car and truck dealers, says Senior Vice-President, Alnoor Jiwani. “When CADA first approached us about partnering with them on the Laureate program, we were honoured and excited. Our staff works closely with dealers across the country on a daily basis, so we understand the tremendous work they do helping consumers with their transportation needs and enriching their local communities both economically and socially. Much of this great work tends to go unnoticed; the Laureate program provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight upon the achievements of all dealers who are nominated. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CADA in the years ahead as we seek out and celebrate dealer excellence.”
The CADA Laureate award is presented annually to three dealers out of 3,200 nationally in the categories of Ambassadorship, Business Innovation and Retail Operations. Industry stakeholders submit hundreds of nominations annually and nominees are subject to a rigorous evaluation process that culminates with the selection of one Laureate in each category by the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University.
