ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. -

Ally and TIME held a celebration event in Kentucky on Monday to honor the 2017 TIME Dealer of the Year winner — Carl Swope — a second-generation dealer who currently oversees six dealerships representing nine brands in Elizabethtown, Ky., and Radcliff, Ky.

Swope was selected from a group of 49 nominees from across the country who are successful auto dealers that demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service, Ally said.

The event was held at Swope Toyota in Elizabethtown. Business leaders from TIME and Ally joined local government officials and dealership personnel in attendance.

Ally said Swope has been chosen for his community involvement, support of civic activities, and dedication to local nonprofit organizations such as Hardin Memorial Health Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Project United.

"On behalf of all of us at Ally, we are honored to recognize Carl Swope and his commitment to doing right and bettering the community and the state of Kentucky," Ally president of auto finance Tim Russi said in a news release. "Carl Swope embodies the character and type of leader that the Time Dealer of the Year program was built to recognize."

Swope and his family of dealerships have particularly supported the Community Health Clinic of Hardin and LaRue Counties since its founding in 2002.

In honor of Swope being named dealer of the year, Ally donated a $10,000 grant to the clinic.

"We are so grateful for Carl Swope's involvement with the Community Health Clinic of Hardin and LaRue Counties," chairman of the board of directors Dr. William Handley said. "We are elated that Carl has been chosen for this prestigious award, and we cannot thank him enough for his contribution to this organization. Day in and day out he continues to inspire and encourage thousands of community members."

Swope was first announced as the TIME Dealer of the Year at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in New Orleans on Jan. 27.

For more information about the award program, or to read about this year’s nominees, visit www.allydealerheroes.com.