By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Stokes Automotive in Clanton is a finalist for the Alabama Retail Association’s Retailer of the Year in the More Than 20 Million Sales category.

Dealer and company president Kirk Stokes said “it was a big surprise” to find out the dealership was a finalist.

“I appreciate it and I know the Chamber had a lot to do with that. I appreciate all they did to get me nominated for that,” Stokes said.

Whether the local retailer is a gold, silver or bronze level awardee will be revealed at the presentation on Oct. 17. Nancy Dennis of the Alabama Retail Association said 14 businesses will be recognized in different sales categories.

The local dealership was nominated for the award by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce in May.  An application and letters of recommendation were submitted, and then reviewed by a panel of judges. One of these letters came from an out-of-town customer, and highlighted how the service at Stokes Automotive went “above and beyond.” Stokes said sometimes people from out of state have car trouble on the Interstate and will bring their car in to the service department.

“We kind of pride ourselves on helping them out, getting them a hotel and getting the car fixed,” Stokes said.

Chamber director Janice Hull said Stokes is involved in the community and a big Chamber supporter.

It has been a year of recognition for the dealership. Stokes was named the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year earlier this year.

“We work real hard and we try to sell everyone that comes into the dealership,” Stokes said.

He said he wants the dealership to have a reputation for good prices and service.

Stokes moved to its location on Interstate 65, Exit 212 next to the giant peach eight years ago. Stokes said the move has made it easier from those coming from out of town to find the business. Business in both the sales and service departments has increased since the relocation.

“We are a lot more visible now,” Stokes said.

The company slogan “We clobber big city prices” was adopted when the business moved to Exit 212.

Representatives from the Alabama Retail Association came to Clanton on Aug. 3 to interview Stokes and Hull for a video to be shown at the awards presentation.

This marks the third year in a row that a Chilton County business has received an Alabama Retail Association’s Retailer of the Year award.