Las Vegas (June
27, 2015) -- Longtime Black Book senior
vice president and editorial director Ricky Beggs and Ken Shilson, founder and
president of the National Alliance of Buy Here-Pay Here Dealers, have been named
the newest members of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association's
prestigious Ring of Honor.
Beggs and Shilson became the 25th
and 26th auto industry leaders to be inducted into the Ring of Honor, NIADA's
highest award for non-dealers. The awards were announced during Wednesday's
National Leadership Awards Banquet at Caesars Palace in Las
Vegas, part of the 69th annual NIADA Convention and
Expo.
NIADA's Ring of Honor recognizes
allied industry leaders who have contributed to the professionalism and growth
of the automobile industry through outstanding performance and
leadership.
Beggs served as the voice of Black
Book for the auto industry from 1981 until his retirement in April, offering
expert analysis and commentary in his popular weekly video reports. He joined
Black Book as used car editor and quickly established himself as an authority
figure in delivering automotive vehicle valuation data and insight. He was named
Black Book's managing editor in 1990.
Beggs was a pioneer and a driving
force as Black Book modernized its approach to automotive data delivery. Under
his leadership, Black Book was the first in the industry to provide daily
vehicle valuations and reports directly from auction lanes.
"As managing editor, Ricky led a team of industry
experienced editors and data analysts in reporting used market values based on
actual auction activity and projecting residual values for consumer
leasing," NIADA executive vice president Steve Jordan
said. "Today that
data is updated on a daily basis and is heavily relied on by franchised and
independent dealers, financial institutions, auto manufacturers, government
agencies and insurance companies."
Shilson has worked with Buy
Here-Pay Here dealers more than 25 years as a CPA, consultant and analyst, and
helped pioneer an IRS-approved tax strategy regarding the use of a related
finance company.
As president of consulting firm
Subprime Analytics, Shilson works with banks and financial institutions that
provide capital to the BHPH industry and prepares annual benchmarks that are
respected and used by BHPH dealers nationwide.
In 1999, Shilson founded NABD, the
largest interest group specifically for the BHPH industry. He is a prolific
author and speaker on BHPH issues.
"Ken's contributions to the automotive industry are
immeasurable in that he has given voice to the often misunderstood Buy Here-Pay
Here dealers and operators," Jordan said. "By leading the way in creating
the legal framework for related finance companies, he helped establish
meaningful tax benefits for our BHPH dealers, who serve the most at-risk
financial customers.
"He is to be congratulated and recognized for his
wide sweeping efforts."