On May 23, 2012, the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) presented its fourth annual L.A.N. Grassroots Advocacy Award to dealer Jim Norton of Tulsa, Okla., during the association's 6thAnnual International Auto Industry Summit in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes the member of AIADA's grassroots initiative – the Legislative Action Network (L.A.N.) – who exhibits dedication in advocating the organization's mission to members of Congress.
Norton’s work in the auto industry began at the age of 14 in the parts department of his father’s dealership. He went on to take over the family business in 1976. Today, he is the owner and president of Jim Norton Toyota and Jim Norton Toyota of Lawton. Together, both dealerships have been the recipient of the Toyota President’s Award 12 times. He has served on the Isuzu and Toyota Regional and National Dealer Councils and is the past president of the Oklahoma Auto Dealers Association. Norton also served on the AIADA board of directors and is the immediate past chairman of the Automotive Free International Trade Political Action Committee (AFIT-PAC).
Norton is active in the Tulsa community. He is a past member of the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce and is a current board member of the Tulsa Area United Way, as well as the advisory council for Asbury United Methodist Church. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, Norton and his wife, Ronda, have three children and eight grandchildren.
