SHAREWORTHY PAWNBROKER NEWS
Tim Collier Awarded National Pawnbrokers Association Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award
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Laura Wasileski
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Victor, NY – July 20, 2023 – The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) today announced that Tim Collier of Hot Springs, AR has been awarded the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is the highest recognition NPA offers for an individual’s leadership, service, insight, and vision. Collier accepted the award at the NPA Annual Awards Luncheon on July 18 during Pawn Expo, the national convention that takes place annually each July.
Collier is the owner and operator of Pacer, Ltd., a pawn store specializing in short-term pawns on fine jewelry, which he opened in 1990. Tim brings more than 40 years of experience in the jewelry and pawn business and formerly served as President of the NPA. Tim is also President of the Arkansas Pawnbrokers Association and has served in that capacity for the past 15 years.
Collier remains an active member of the National Pawnbrokers Association, serving on the NPA Board of Directors, the Government Relations Committee, and various offices at the national level. Collier was named “Pawnbroker of the Year” by the NPA in both 2006 and 2015 for his dedication to the industry.
“Tim Collier is a true pioneer in the pawn industry,” said NPA President Johnny Whiteside. “He has been a tireless advocate for pawnbrokers and has helped shape the industry into what it is today. We are honored to present Tim with the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who, through their outstanding leadership and efforts, have gone above and beyond to make a significant and lasting impact on the pawn industry over the course of their pawnbroking career. Honorees are regarded by their peers as leaders in the industry and recognized as such, nationally.
“I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues throughout my career. I am proud to be a pawnbroker and look forward to continuing work to promote our industry and its many benefits. This may be a Lifetime Achievement Award, but I am not going anywhere!"
“Tim Collier’s passion for pawn and willingness to go the extra mile has inspired me and countless others to serve the industry with pride,” said Kristen Williams, Executive Director of the NPA. “I can think of no one else more deserving of this award.”
This award is shared with those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the association and to the success of the pawn industry.
“I am honored to receive the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Collier. “I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues throughout my career. I am proud to be a pawnbroker and look forward to continuing work to promote our industry and its many benefits.” Tim added, “This may be a Lifetime Achievement Award, but I am not going anywhere!”
History of the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award
The Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award is named after the late Charles R. Jones, who was a Past President of the NPA and a pioneer in the pawn industry. The award is presented annually at the NPA’s annual awards luncheon.
Charles R. Jones served two terms as NPA President and considered the members of the association his extended family. He traveled around the country to get to know pawnbrokers on a more personal level, learning as much as he could about their needs and concerns.
In recognition of his efforts on behalf of the pawn industry, Charles received the NPA Lifetime Achievement Award in June of 1997. Sadly, Charles passed away in October of that same year. His history of service and devotion to the industry was further honored by changing the name of this award to the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been awarded over the years to pawnbrokers who have exemplified a similar devotion to the NPA and the needs of its membership.
For more information about the NPA, visit NationalPawnbrokers.org.
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The NPA works to provide pawnbrokers nationwide with resources and tools to strengthen the pawn industry. NPA members are committed to operating their businesses in such a manner as to enhance and promote the positive and professional image of all pawnbrokers. The NPA represents over 10,000 pawn stores in the United States and Canada.