Sandra F. Moss, owner of Moss Motor Company in Dillwyn, received the Michael R. Linn Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA).

Moss was presented the award at the NIADA convention in Las Vegas on June 19 in front of an audience of 400-500 people.

The award was first created after the retirement of NIADA CEO Michael R. Linn, who was the award’s first recipient. Moss is only the fourth recipient of the award.

Moss, with Bill Lewis Moss, her husband, and Billy Moss, her son, partner to operate Moss Motor Company, which opened in 1984. They also opened a car rental business in 1988.

Ever since the dealership opened, Moss said she and her family have been members of the Virginia IADA. This automatically allowed them to become members of the NIADA.

She rose through the ranks of the Virginia IADA, becoming president of the organization in the 1997-1998 timeframe.

In the 2007-2008 timeframe, she became president of the NIADA after serving as a member of the NIADA board.

The award was initially going to be a surprise, but the organizers decided to let recipients know ahead of time as the award ceremony was televised. Moss received the award from NIADA CEO Steve Jordan.

She said her award was announced in her family’s church bulletin. She said it has been difficult to comment about the award and she is someone who doesn’t like to brag, but is grateful for the award.

“I really don’t take it lightly, I am very honored to get this award,” Moss said.

She said the recipients received a trophy, a glass plaque on a pedestal. It was too heavy to lift, and Moss said the NIADA is shipping the trophy to her.

“I’m grateful because I have had a lot of opportunities that so many people haven’t had because of this organization,” Moss said. Moss said she has been able to meet people from all over the United States and attend meetings from other state IADAs. She said she has gone to Washington to be on the lobbying team for the organization’s lobbying team.

Moss said Moss Motor Company seeks to serve the community and give back to various organizations, such as the area fire department.

Moss founded the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce in 1991 with a small team of 6-7 people. The chamber provides a network for business owners and community members together.

“We try to promote Buckingham as much as possible,” she said.

Amy Lawhorne, Moss’ daughter and one of four children, is proud of her mom’s award and said it’s evidence of all of the work Moss has done for those around her.

“She has taught all of us, not just her family, but of everyone in the community how to be a leader and how to give back,” Lawhorne said.