WHEREAS, Barry Nelson, of the Autos by Nelson automotive group in Martinsville, is the 2024 Time Magazine Quality Automobile Dealer of the Year nominee for Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson, whose career in the auto industry has spanned almost five decades, got his start in the auto industry when his father, G. R. Nelson, purchased a Ford dealership in Bassett; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson joined the family business full-time after high school graduation and worked every job in the dealership to learn the business from the ground up; and
WHEREAS, Autos by Nelson has grown to include eight new car franchises, as well as related businesses throughout Martinsville and Henry County; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson works with his children, Barry Lee Nelson, Jr., and Christina Vanness, to lead the family's business into its third generation; and
WHEREAS, an active and dedicated member of his community, Barry Nelson has supported a wide array of industry and community causes for many years; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson has been a leader in his community through his support for numerous worthy causes, including service on the boards of the Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Henry County Industrial Development Authority; and
WHEREAS, an avid baseball supporter, Barry Nelson served as a baseball coach for the American Legion Post 42 and Patrick Henry Community College, where he led efforts to establish the baseball team and build its baseball facilities, which are now used by the entire community of Martinsville and play host to the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League, a premiere summer collegiate baseball league; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson also provided his leadership and expertise to his industry as an active member of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association; and
WHEREAS, Barry Nelson has served his customers and his community with a generous spirit and has been an example to other auto dealers in the region and around the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Barry Nelson on his selection as the 2024 Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year nominee for Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Barry Nelson as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements and best wishes.