Mike Waters, of Waters Truck & Tractor Co. Inc., Columbus, Miss., was recently named 2002 International Dealer of the Year.

Waters becomes the fourth recipient of this prestigious honor, which is awarded to one dealer from the company's network of more than 400 dealers in North America. The award is given to the dealer who exhibits the highest commitment to delivering best-in-class customer service.
With a family history in trucking that dates back 65 years, Waters continues the successful customer service reputation that his grandfather started back in 1938. Along with his brothers, M.L. and David, Waters also owns and operates Waters International with locations in Meridian and Natchez, Miss. With the knowledge gained from three generations of trucking professionals, he attributes the dealership's continued success to knowledge of the market and sincere commitment to focusing on customers and their needs at all times.
Waters has successfully operated Waters Truck and Tractor for nearly 15 years. His industry knowledge can be traced back to the age of 12 when he started working summers at the dealership. His on-the-job training included time at every level of the dealership from the bottom to the top. Thirty-eight years later, Mike says he is still learning something new about the business every day.
Waters Truck and Tractor surpassed all of the criteria required by International for consideration in the Dealer of the Year pool. In addition to earning the Circle of Excellence award 22 times, Waters Truck and Tractor boasts an overall bus, medium and heavy market share of 35% in its sales area.
"Waters International Truck and Tractor has consistently exhibited the values and standards of quality and service that are the cornerstone of International," said Steve Keate, president, truck group, International Truck and Engine Corp. "It is Mike's leadership and reputation for delivering value to his customers with the best and most precise package of International brand products and service, that drive the success of his dealership."