Rick Yemm, dealer principal of Yemm Automotive in Galesburg, has been nominated for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year award, one of the automotive industry’s highest honors recognizing excellence in business and community service, announced Oct. 16.
Yemm is among 47 dealers from over 20,000 nationwide, representing the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association at the 109th National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Las Vegas on Feb. 5, 2026.
Yemm Automotive, a third-generation family-owned dealership founded in 1961 as Weaver-Yemm Chevrolet, has grown under Yemm’s leadership from a single Chevrolet store to a multi-line campus at 2195 N. Henderson St., offering Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Yemm started in the detail department during high school, advanced to used car manager and general manager after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, and became dealer principal in 1995, partnering with his late father, Dick.
The dealership built a new Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC facility in 2017 and renovated the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram building to enhance customer and employee experiences. “Our mission begins with a deep commitment to the art of hospitality throughout every department,” Yemm said. “It all starts with cultivating a workplace culture that supports our employees.”
Yemm served as chairman of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association in 2021, advocating for dealership protections. He and his wife, Jamie, support the Galesburg Community Foundation and local initiatives, including charity walks and fundraisers. The dealership partners with Carl Sandburg College and the Galesburg Area Vocational Center for student job shadowing and internships.
Yemm’s daughter, Sara Yemm Witherell, serves as general manager. “Without a doubt, the most rewarding moment was when my daughter, Sara, expressed her desire to join the family business,” Yemm said. “Her commitment, along with the dedication of our outstanding team, has helped Yemm Automotive grow into a third-generation, family-owned dealership—something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Nominated by the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association, Yemm joins finalists selected by the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute. Ally Financial, the sponsor, donates $1,000 to each nominee’s charity, with finalists receiving $5,000 and the winner $10,000 for charities.
Tune in to WGIL’s Galesburg’s Morning News on Nov. 6 for a scheduled live interview with Rick Yemm and Sara Yemm Witherell.
