Staff Report

Suffolk resident and accomplished businessman Mike Duman does more than sell cars to buyers throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.

He also extends himself in the community by contributing to more than 50 local community and civic groups, including the Suffolk Peanut Fest, Suffolk Youth Athletic Association, and Suffolk Ruritans.

In 2000, the success of Mike Duman Auto Sales in Suffolk earned the distinction of Quality Dealer of the Year, presented by the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association (VIADA).

VIADA members consist of used car dealers who agree to adhere to a code of ethics with regard to fair dealing practices. Also, the trade association responds to consumer inquiries regarding issues confronting the used car industry.

Last month, Duman was elected president of the 230-member Tidewater district of VIADA. The mission of the state association and its eight districts, inclusive of 1,400 members, &uot;is to inform, educate and represent, in all forums, the independent dealers of the Commonwealth of Virginia,&uot; according to Lois Keenan, executive director of VIADA.

During this year’s General Assembly session, Duman was recognized with a House Joint Resolution, which in part reads, &uot;Mike Duman’s excellence as a businessman and his dedication to the automobile industry, his community, and the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association make him an outstanding recipient of this prestigious award.&uot;

Del. S. Chris Jones sponsored the resolution.

In 1980, Duman became the youngest Ford dealer in the country when he acquired a Ford-Mercury franchise in Suffolk and opened Mike Duman Ford-Mercury Inc.

He was then a three time Distinguished Achievement award winner and consistently ranked among the top dealers in the district.

Duman added a Lincoln franchise in 1988 before selling this dealership in 1991 to focus on Mike Duman Auto Sales.