CLAXTON — Demere NeSmith, dealer principal of NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Claxton, announced recently that Martin NeSmith, president of the Nesmith Chevrolet Automotive Group, was named business leader of the year Feb. 24 by the Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented at the chamber’s annual membership banquet and Salute to Business and Industry event at the Evans County Wildlife Club.
The Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce added the Salute to Business and Industry to its annual membership banquet in 2006. Nesmith Chevrolet has received two “Salute to Business and Industry” awards: “retailer of the year” in 2006 and Martin NeSmith won “citizen of the year” in 2007.
The qualifications for the “business leader of the year” award are integrity in business operations, good character and fair treatment of customers and others in the community, contributions to aid community-oriented projects and evidence of the use of his/her personal time and resources for the good of the community.
The Claxton-Evans County Chamber members nominated five business leaders to receive the award, and the chamber Board of Directors selected the winner.
Star Harris, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Martin NeSmith’s executive assistant, presented NeSmith the award by introducing him with, “A business leader in Claxton and Evans County for more than 35 years, our ‘business leader of the year’ believes in giving back to the community. He is known for his giving nature, humility and focus on family values, growing up in a devout Christian home. He is a role model for our future leaders and works tirelessly to promote growth and development in our community. He devotes his time, money and heart to the people of Claxton and Evans County and has truly touched many people’s lives. Recognized nationally for his outstanding business leadership, we are proud to recognize you tonight for your contributions right here at home.”
Harris described her experience as “an honor to present the award to an outstanding business man that I’ve worked closely with for the past 13 years.”
Martin NeSmith said he was “truly humbled to be recognized by fellow business owners and chamber members in this way.  We do our very best to give back to this community every day without any expectation of an award of this magnitude.”
The NeSmith Automotive Organization is composed of two “no-hassle” dealerships, including NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC in Claxton and NeSmith-Walker Chevrolet Buick GMC in Jesup.  Martin NeSmith pioneered “no-hassle buying” in 1991, being the third automotive dealership in the nation to move toward a more customer-focused business approach.
For more information on NeSmith-Claxton Chevrolet Buick GMC, go to www.nesmithnow.com or call 912-739-1744.