Virginia Bowden of McClinton Auto Group Nominated for TIME Dealer of the Year

(New York, NY – November 8, 2021) – Virginia Bowden, dealer principal of McClinton Auto Group, located at 1325 Seventh St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, has been nominated for the prestigious 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year Award. This honor is among the automotive industry’s most coveted, recognizing dealers who excel in both business performance and community service.

Bowden is one of only 47 auto dealers nationwide nominated for the award and will be honored during the 105th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on March 11, 2022. With more than 16,000 franchised dealers in the United States, being chosen as West Virginia’s representative underscores Bowden’s leadership, community commitment, and the enduring impact of McClinton Auto Group in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

What the TIME Dealer of the Year Award Means

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is presented annually to franchised new-car dealers who display exceptional business performance alongside a sustained record of civic engagement. Recipients embody integrity, leadership, and community stewardship. Nominees are evaluated not just for financial success, but for their support of local organizations, contributions to workforce development, and commitment to improving the lives of their neighbors.

For Parkersburg, WV, and surrounding communities like Vienna, Williamstown, Belpre, and Marietta, OH, Bowden’s nomination highlights McClinton Auto Group’s century-long tradition of being more than a dealership. It affirms that buying from a Chevrolet dealer in Parkersburg or a Mitsubishi dealer near Marietta, OH means working with a business recognized nationally for “doing it right.”

A Family Legacy Since 1915

McClinton Auto Group is no stranger to milestones. Founded in 1915 by Bowden’s great-grandfather, the dealership has grown to become one of America’s longest-running Chevrolet stores and West Virginia’s oldest. Over the decades, the dealership has weathered industry shifts, economic challenges, and global changes, while always remaining a constant in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Bowden often reflects on the legacy built by previous generations. “My father, J.S. McClinton III, always said he did not build it, but was fortunate to contribute to an already successful business and protect it for future generations,” Bowden explains. “I remind myself of this daily and plan to do the same for my children.”

The Road to Leadership

Bowden’s path to the dealership was anything but traditional. After earning a degree in business economics from Wofford College in 2008, she pursued careers outside of automotive. She lived in several cities, worked in roles as varied as surgical assistant and interior design associate, and even spent time in Italy. This variety of experiences gave her a broader perspective—something she now applies in leading the dealership.

“Thankfully, my father never pressured my brother or me to work at the dealership,” she said. “He encouraged us to spread our wings. That freedom made my eventual decision to return to the family business more meaningful.”

In 2017, Bowden and her husband, Wyn, decided to join the dealership full-time, stepping into leadership positions as dealer and general manager. The transition was challenging, involving significant personnel changes, but it reinforced the couple’s commitment to carrying the McClinton legacy forward.

Customer-Centered Leadership

Bowden’s time outside the industry shaped her leadership style. She brings a consumer-first mindset to the dealership. “I approached it as a customer,” she explains. “That perspective helps me prioritize transparency, service, and building trust.”

Today, McClinton Auto Group emphasizes clear communication, straightforward pricing, and community engagement. Shoppers who visit for used cars in Parkersburg, WV or schedule auto service quickly see that the dealership culture prioritizes relationships over transactions.

Deep Community Commitment

One of the hallmarks of Bowden’s nomination is her commitment to the Parkersburg community and the wider Mid-Ohio Valley. McClinton Auto Group actively supports:

• Downtown PKB (Downtown Parkersburg)
• United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley
• Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley
• City of Parkersburg Economic Development initiatives
• Toys for Tots and Worthington Little League Baseball
• We Have Your Six Military Veteran Group
• Annual fundraising events to honor local First Responders

In addition, McClinton proudly supports the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, a nonprofit dedicated to finding safe and stable homes for children. The annual McClinton Car Show, a community celebration now in its ninth year, regularly raises donations for this cause.

“Partnering with other businesses and supporting one another is what it’s all about,” Bowden notes. “We are stronger together.”

National Recognition Backed by Local Roots

Nominees for the TIME Dealer of the Year award are selected by executives of state and metro dealer associations. Bowden was nominated by Jared Wyrick, president of the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. A panel from the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations reviews nominees and selects regional finalists and a national winner.

As part of the program, Ally Financial, the award’s exclusive sponsor, donates to each nominee’s charity of choice, ensuring the recognition directly benefits local communities. This aligns perfectly with McClinton’s values, reinforcing the idea that business success should always translate into community benefit.

Why This Matters to Customers

For customers in Parkersburg and surrounding cities, Bowden’s nomination is more than a headline—it is reassurance. When choosing where to buy a Chevy Silverado, a Mitsubishi Outlander, or a reliable used SUV, buyers can trust McClinton’s reputation for honesty, service, and care. The nomination validates what thousands of Mid-Ohio Valley families have known for generations: McClinton Auto Group is a dealership that puts people first.

Looking Forward

While the TIME Dealer of the Year recognition celebrates past achievements, Bowden and her team view it as a call to future action. McClinton Auto Group is committed to expanding its impact through continued investment in schools, nonprofits, and economic development programs. The dealership also plans to keep innovating in the customer experience, leveraging digital retailing tools, online service scheduling, and streamlined financing while preserving the personal touch that defines the brand.

About McClinton Auto Group

McClinton Auto Group
1325 Seventh St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
www.mcclintonautogroup.com
(304) 422-6501

Serving the Mid-Ohio Valley since 1915, McClinton Auto Group is your local source for new Chevrolet and Mitsubishi vehicles, quality used cars, and trusted service. More than a dealership, McClinton is a community partner committed to being Powered by Generations.