Lincoln, Illinois, is a small town (population 14,504 according to the 2010 census) in central Illinois. But some good things happen here.

Chris Graue, general manager of Graue Chevrolet Buick Cadillac in Lincoln, was recently selected from a field of 17,000 auto dealers nationwide as one of 57 nominees for the prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year award. Lincoln Daily News tells the story:

The Time Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.

The application process requires nominees to submit a headshot, and Chris contacted me to make his picture. Chris came by the studio one morning a few weeks ago and we took an hour or so to get some different looks. During the session we talked about the nomination, his work at the dealership, family, and his enthusiasm for BBQ competitions.

Congratulations to Chris Graue and his team at the dealership for the nomination. The winner will be announced at the NADA annual convention in January 2014. I wish Chris the best as the date nears.