Of all the awards that may be presented, there is one that bestows honor among the international Mercedes-Benz enthusiast community. Every year Daimler-Benz awards the Silver Star, which recognizes a lifetime of achievement and service to the Mercedes-Benz marque. The award also recognizes service to the recipient's enthusiast organization and his or her fellow members. This distinguished award is presented to just a few members of the international Mercedes-Benz enthusiast community annually. Over our 65 year history, MBCA members have earned just nine of these awards. I am pleased to report that there are now ten MBCA recipients.
As the awards committee chair, I had the unique opportunity to nominate one of very few eligible and deserving members for this award. It was my honor to make the case for Jim O’Sullivan to receive this prestigious recognition. Jim’s contributions to the club and its members certainly demonstrate a lifetime of service to our club, our members, and the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Devoted to the club
A loyal member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America since 1985, Jim has been an enthusiastic participant with his wife, Dr. Janet Porter. He also served in a variety of local and national offices. Following his successful tenure as National President from 2006-2007, Jim pivoted to an even more member-centric role when he founded and operated MBCA’s German Trips program, starting in 2006.
Throughout his tenure in MBCA leadership, Jim grew membership, implemented strategic and structural changes that continue to benefit MBCA today, and he made MBCA’s 50th anniversary at Starfest 2006 one of our most successful national events. Afterwards, rather than fade away and enjoy the prominence of being a Past National President, Jim stayed true to his AMG roots and supercharged his role in MBCA when he founded the German Trips program in conjunction with Daimler.
Success with German Trips
Over the years, more than 800 MBCA members have spent weeks in Germany, experiencing the best automotive museums and a singular membership experience. Participants unanimously say these trips are the highlight of their MBCA experience.
Jim also has planned and coordinated trips to the G-Wagen venue in Graz, Austria and the CLA factory in Kekshemet, Hungary. However, while we treat German Trips as a vacation for the participants, it is anything but a vacation for Jim. Jim works tirelessly to educate and promote the program among members, to work with the various German entities, and to ensure that our members are delighted to experience Baden in a manner that they would not be able to achieve otherwise.
A trusted colleague
Many of our members know Jim through these wonderful trips. However, behind the scenes of normal club business, Jim has always been a trusted advisor and the bearer of good advice and counsel. Jim has always put the club and its members first, and in my term as National President, Jim provided good advice and support that kept me focused on the job at hand – to serve our members, and serve them well.
In addition to his efforts on behalf of our members, Jim contributes his time and efforts to charitable organizations. Jim has been an active volunteer at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance since its inception. He also enjoyed being an international bone marrow courier for Be The Match. In this capacity, Jim traveled around the United States and Europe, delivering bone marrow to 35 patients..
The Silver Star Lifetime Achievement Award is the proper way to recognize and thank a man who has served our members so well and always with a good attitude. Together, we thank Jim for his decades of service to our organization and look forward to many good times ahead with Jim and Janet.