Howard Bentley Buick GMC’s dealer principal, Taylor Bentley Conner, has been named the Citizen of the Year for 2024 by the Albertville Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions over the years to the growth, prosperity and welfare of the Albertville, Alabama community including hands-on volunteerism. A third-generation, family-owned and operated dealership, this is the second Citizen of the Year Award for Howard Bentley Buick GMC leadership, bestowed in 2004 to Mrs. Conner’s father, Wayne Bentley, who currently serves as owner/advisor.
“It’s truly difficult for me to sum up in just a few words how incredible Taylor Conner is,” stated Albertville Chamber President Stan Witherow. “Taylor is, without a doubt, one of the most humble people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. She embodies what it means to be a true ‘good citizen’. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her company, and her community speaks volumes about the depth of her character. The countless ways she supports local organizations and gives back to those around her make her more than deserving of the honor of Citizen of the Year. Taylor’s impact is truly immeasurable, and I can’t think of anyone more worthy of this recognition.”
"Giving back is really important to me, and volunteering with the Chamber has been such an awesome way to connect with our community while helping local businesses succeed and grow Albertville’s economy," says Taylor Bentley Conner. "I’m so grateful to live and work in Albertville. The Chamber has done an amazing job bringing people together and empowering everyone, and I’m just so proud to play even a small part in it."
Taylor Bentley Conner and Stan Witherow at Howard Bentley Buick GMC.
In 2024, Mrs. Conner proudly stepped into the role of dealer principal at Howard Bentley Buick GMC, after years of hard work as general manager since 2017 and taking on many other roles since 2013. Thanks to her dedication and the amazing efforts of her team, the dealership has grown to become the number one GMC dealer in Alabama and one of the top 10 GMC dealers nationwide.
Growing up in the family business and holding various roles at the dealership, she pursued a marketing career in a big city and brought that experience back to her small town of Albertville, Alabama to continue the legacy of her father and grandfather. She has devised and implemented bold process models that have expanded the dealership to customers across the nation, while continually carrying over the family’s distinct commitment of providing service to exceed the customer’s expectation.
A true visionary with homegrown experience, Taylor has led Howard Bentley Buick GMC to numerous recognitions including being named Dealer of the Year by General Motors since 2015. Her leadership in sustaining growth for the dealership includes elevating her small town through charitable giving, volunteerism, and partnerships. In 2024, Howard Bentley Buick GMC donated over $200,000 to over 100 different local schools, community needs, local nonprofits and charities working on the front lines of poverty, education, and health while helping drive the growth and prosperity of Albertville and surrounding areas.
For more than 30 years, the Albertville Chamber of Commerce has honored members of the community with the Citizen of the Year award recognizing valuable contributions by local individuals that may otherwise go unnoticed.