CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Jan. 20, 2009)—Robert (Bob) G. Card Jr., founder and owner of Easy Auto Inc. and Sunrise Acceptance, , received the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award during special ceremonies at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. The meeting convened Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Professional Development Center of Life Care Centers of America.

Headrick Award winner Bob Card, third from left, celebrates with outgoing Chairman of the Board Cameron Fisher, Varnell Award winner Lou Patten and incoming Chairman of the Board Carl Hite.

Card’s recognition marks the 29th presentation of the Headrick Award.

“Bob Card epitomizes the spirit of free enterprise and the benefits of ingenuity, integrity, hard work and the willingness to take risks,” James Williams, regional president of First Tennessee and nominator, said. “Through investment of his time and resources, he has consistently worked to grow his business and improve his community.”

Dr. Paul Conn, member of the nominating committee, agreed.

“I think Bob is a terrific role model for young businessmen and businesswomen in our community,” Conn, president of Lee University president, said. “He grew up here, then made the decision to stay here, make his life here and build his business here. He represents the continuity in our business community. He was given opportunities in life, and instead of just coasting, he took them and worked hard to build on them.”

Card’s family has been in the automotive business nearly 100 years. In 1970 he began his career at the Ford dealership his grandfather, C.C. Card, founded in 1911. He then became the owner and dealer in 1975. Ford Motor Company twice bestowed Card with its Chairman’s Award, Ford’s most prestigious award given to only 2 percent of its dealers.

Card bought Chatsworth Ford in Chatsworth, Ga., in 1986. Under his management, the number of employees grew from 12 to 30. He sold both Chatsworth and Bob Card Ford to focus on Easy Auto, which he founded in 1991 to sell and finance cars. Easy Auto now has locations in Cleveland, Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Taking advantage of the free enterprise system, Card founded yet another business in 1998. He launched Sunrise Acceptance to finance cars for customers and to buy loans receivables from other car dealers. Currently Sunrise Acceptance and Easy Auto employ 96 full-time employees.

In addition to his automotive and finance enterprises, this year’s Headrick Award winner owns and leases commercial real estate.

“Not only has Bob created a very successful business considered a leader in its field, he has contributed his leadership and resources to make a significant impact on the many community organizations in which he has been involved,” Williams noted.

Bob Card is not only a successful businessman, he is a civic-minded public servant. He serves on the Investment Committee of the Bradley Memorial Health Endowment Fund. HeHe is also a member of the Industrial Development Board of Cleveland and Cleveland Health and Education Facilities (Bond) Board, both of which he joined in 1988 and chaired for 12 years.

A board member of First Tennessee Bank since 1991, Card has served on the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Trust Committee.

He was a member of the Cleveland Public Library Board of Directors from 1989 until 2007 and chairman of the board four years. He was instrumental in the acquisition of funding for the library’s current addition and the selection of its location and design.

Card co-chairs the United Way Tocqueville Society of Bradley County, which recognizes local philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions who have devoted time, talent and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our community’s most serious issues. He is a past recipient of the William F. Johnson Community Service Award.

“Bob is a tough businessman and a tough negotiator, but he has always operated on the highest principles,” Conn said. “He is one of those people of whom it can be said that his word is his bond. A handshake with Bob Card Jr. is as good as a contract.”

Card’s other community service has included chairing the Cleveland Planning Commission and Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals. He has served on the boards of the Child Shelter Home, Bradley Healthcare Foundation and YMCA of Cleveland Endowment.

In addition, he is a past board member of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and member of its CEO Forum and Transportation Task Force.

This year’s award winner is a member of the Cleveland Business Roundtable, the Kiwanis Club and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He has previously been a member of the Young Presidents Organization, a worldwide business and ethics association; Ford Motor Company Dealer Council; and First American Bank’s Board of Directors (now Regions Bank).

He and his wife, Susan, founded the Bob and Susan Card Charitable Foundation in 2004, which focuses on education and youth development in Bradley County.

He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and McCallie School, where he received his class Alumni Achievement Award in 2006.

Card and his wife, Susan, have been married 38 years and have two children, Robby and Sarah. Son Robby is now majority owner and runs the businesses.

Despite his tireless efforts, Card has worked hard for balance in his life and cherishes his time spent in outdoor recreation.

Williams summarized his friend and professional colleague, “His life is truly exemplary of the positive impact of Free Enterprise and entrepreneurship for his business, community, family and friends.”

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