PHOENIX - Richard Ryan of South Carolina was named the national Truck Dealer of the Year at the American Truck Dealers (ATD) annual conference, held this year in Phoenix.

"I've had a wonderful career," said Ryan, president and CEO of Carolina International Trucks in Columbia, S.C., who began in the business as a sales trainee for International Harvester Co. in 1972. "And I've really loved it."

The award-co-sponsored by ATD and Heavy Duty Trucking magazine-recognizes excellence in dealership performance, industry leadership, civic contributions and community service.

"After 20 years as a dealer, Richard is still focused on growth," said Kate Miller, president and group publisher of Newport Business Media, which produces Heavy Duty Trucking. "He is actively preparing a professional succession plan with his top leadership team that includes a family management commitment by preparing his daughter to lead Carolina International Trucks."

Eric K. Jorgensen, president and CEO of JX Enterprises in Waukesha, Wis., was named the runner-up for the national award.

The other nominees were Richard Kane, owner of Grand Truck Center in San Antonio, Texas; Erick Miner, president of Central Illinois Trucks Group, Inc., in Normal, Ill.; and Craig Young, president of Young Truck Sales, Inc., in Canton, Ohio.

The winner and runner up were chosen by a panel of professors from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.