Youth Ranches to Honor Steve Landers at 16th Annual Children’s Award Dinner
BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (the Ranch) will honor Steve Landers at its 16th Annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinner Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Statehouse Convention Center- Wally Allen Ballroom in Little Rock. The Children’s Award is given annually recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to create better opportunities for today’s youth.
“Steve has always been a supporter of the young people of Arkansas, whether it’s through monetary donations or his time,” said Mike Cumnock, Ranch CEO. “More importantly, he’s an exceptional role model for the young men and women the Ranch serves, as he demonstrates how hard work and dedication can elevate anyone to the top. We appreciate Steve’s unwavering commitment to give back and are proud to present him with this honor.”
The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. in the Peabody’s Grand Ballroom followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 16th consecutive year. Past recipients of the Arkansas Children’s Award include:
- Charles Nabholz (2010)
- Wallace Fowler (2009)
- Stanley Reed (2008)
- Tommy May (2007)
- John White (2006)
- Pat Walker (2005)
- Jerry Davis (2004)
- Blanche Lincoln (2003)
- Doyle Rogers (2002)
- The Tyson Family (2001)
- Bill Clark (2000)
- Buddy Sutton (1999)
- Jerry Maulden (1998)
- Red Hudson (1997)
- Mike Beebe (1996)
All proceeds from the dinner benefit the Ranch, and tickets may be purchased by contacting Diana Holland at 870.793.6841 ext. 301, diana@youthranches.com.
About the Honoree, Steve Landers
Steve Landers currently serves as president of RLJ-McLarty-Landers Automotive. His dedication to business and management have helped Central Arkansas be recognized on the global level for automotive sales, but he and his wife, Sandy, have continuously been dedicated to giving back to charitable causes in the state.
Steve purchased a used car lot with his father in Benton and after several successful years in business, moved into new car sales, purchasing the Jeep, GMC and Oldsmobile dealerships, also in Benton. Steve was awarded the Chrysler and Dodge franchises within two years and went on to become the largest Chrysler dealership in the world for several consecutive years. His business sold over 10,000 vehicles annually, and Steve set a standard other Chrysler dealers measured their success against. He also earned the Gold Level Recognition for customer satisfaction from Chrysler multiple years.
In 1995, Steve sold his dealerships to publicly traded United Auto Group, the second-largest automotive retailer in the United States, where Roger Penske also named Steve president of the South Central Region. In this position, Steve was responsible for all of UAG’s operations in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi.
In his commitment to serve others, Steve has been involved in numerous organizations, including many dedicated to serving Arkansas’ Youth. Those organizations include Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, The Rep, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Junior Deputy Baseball League, Arkansas Education Association, Arkansas Baptist College, Youth Home, University of Arkansas Head Start Program, AETN, and many others.
Steve lives in Little Rock with his wife of 38 years, Sandy, and they are active members of Immanuel Baptist Church. They have two sons, Steve Jr. and Scott, who operate the Landers Toyota franchise along with Steve.
About the Ranch
The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is a private, nonprofit organization that provides a healthy home environment for neglected, abandoned and abused children. Founded in 1976 by a group of concerned sheriffs and individuals, the Ranch has provided a place to call home for more than 1,000 children and has campuses in Independence, Clark and Crawford counties. For more information on the Ranch, visit www.YouthRanches.com.