NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance announced this week its recipient of the Special Achievement Award.

Bestowed with the honor this year is Scott France, senior vice president of portfolio management at Triad Financial.

The award is given to an outstanding individual in the remarketing industry who has also made major contributions to the community.

"In addition to investing 25 years in the auto finance arena, Scott has donated his time to an orphanage, several mentoring programs, hospice care, helping the poor and schools in remote areas of Central America," lauded David Alfonso, IARA board director.

"He is exactly the kind of person this award was meant for," he continued. "We hope Scott's example will inspire others to integrate volunteerism into their lives."

Upon receiving the award, France said, "I am greatly honored to accept the Special Achievement Award from IARA. It's refreshing to be recognized for my work with local charities, as well as my industry accomplishments.

"The two go hand in hand," France continued. "In fact, I believe serving in my community helps me be a more effective leader in the workplace."

This is the eighth time the alliance has handed out this award. Beginning in 2003, Jim Yates and Larry Brasher picked up the first award. They were followed by Charlie Vogelheim in 2004, Scott Kolb in 2005, Layne Weber in 2006, Steve Houston in 2007 and Diane Barton in 2008.