The challenging task of choosing Farm Equipment’s annual Dealerships of the Year falls on three highly experienced and qualified individuals who comprise the Dealership of the Year independent judging panel. Not only do these experts take on the responsibility of choosing the top dealers each year, but they also advise and give guidance to Farm Equipment’s editors on criteria for the program

Dr. W. David Downey

Executive Director, Center for Agricultural Business (CAB), Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, Ind.

Dr. Downey is responsible for the development of education programs at the CAB, which is regarded as the leading center for agribusiness education in the U.S. A distinguished agricultural marketing professor and proficient author, Dr. Downey also consults extensively throughout North America on a variety of agribusiness issues. He has been a Dealership of the Year judge for all 11 years.

David L. Kahler

Retired CEO of Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Assn., Dublin, Ohio

Kahler spent his entire 39 year full-time career assisting equipment dealer-principals with their business affairs. He served for 22 years as CEO. He was an active industry participant who earned the respect of both dealers and manufacturers. Kahler retired from full-time employment in 2008, but still works part-time as the associate director for AMG LLC. He is now in his 46th year of serving dealers.

Charles R. Glass

President, Glass Management Group, chairman emeritus, Arlington, Texas

With more than 4 decades in the industry, Glass produces an annual tractor and combine forecast and provides technical assistance to various investment groups. A former director of Farm Equipment Manufacturers Assn., he is also a frequent presenter and author of several white papers on the future of farm equipment distribution. He was a long-time chairman of FEMA’s Dealer Relations Committee.