RAPID CITY, S.D. — A native of Rapid City, Donald Patnoe grew up around the car business, as his father owned a car dealership.
His appreciation for cars as well as the community he lives in began at a young age.
“It goes back to being a boy scout when I was a young person,” said Patnoe, the President and CEO of Liberty Superstores. In boy scouts they teach you to be helpful and community-minded and I guess that is where the seed was planted, as well as my mom and dad were always trying to help where they can. And it’s just the thing we do here in Rapid City and the Black Hills area is help others that are less fortunate.”
Patnoe was chosen to represent the South Dakota Automobile Dealers Association in TIME magazine’s national competition, considered the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.
Time and Ally recognize 40 dealers in the nation for efforts given back to the community.
Patnoe was nominated for his support of local organizations in the Rapid City community, with a focus on giving local youth more opportunities to succeed.
“We are so fortunate to be in Rapid City and the Black Hills communities, there’s so many good organizations but anything to help youth, I guess, is where we kind of direct our efforts,” Patnoe said.
Patnoe devotes his time to many non-profits including Boy Scouts of America, Black Hills Area Council, Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Mount Rushmore Society. He also supports United Way of the Black Hills; Black Hills Federal Credit Union Charitable Fund’s annual School Supply Drive, Rapid City Public School Foundation, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, plus many others.
The honorees will be recognized by Ally and TIME at the 104th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show February 9-11, 2021 during a virtual ceremony where the national winner will be announced.
Patnoe was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Myron L. Rau, president of the South Dakota Automobile Dealers Association.
In its milestone 10th year as the exclusive sponsor, Ally will recognize each of the 40 dealer nominees and support their many community efforts by contributing $1,000 to a 501(c)3 charity of their choice. The finalists for the award will receive an additional $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive an additional $10,000 to give to charity.
Looking for more news and information? NewsCenter1 Media Group has you covered go to NC1.TV today for all of your Western South Dakota and Wyoming news today.
