IC Bus recognized Waters Truck & Tractor Company as the 2023 IC Bus Dealer of the Year. Each year, one dealership is recognized for its top performance, leadership within the industry, and support of its surrounding communities.

"As we continue to transition towards electromobility, our dealers play an integral role in our advancement towards a sustainable future," said Justina Morosin, general manager and vice president of IC Bus. "Waters' dedication to clean transportation is evident through their promotion of our electric buses. Waters supports customers every step of the way by providing the necessary resources to impact surrounding communities."

Waters is a Mississippi-based IC Bus and International dealer group that employs more than 300 people across its seven locations. The Waters family acquired their International dealership in 1938 when Ray Waters Sr. founded the company in Columbus, Miss. The dealership's affiliation with IC Bus started in 2000. Today, the company is managed by the third and fourth generations: Mike, M.L., and David Waters, along with their sons Michael, Josh, and Vaughan Waters. Their family-oriented business model puts customers first and supports their diesel and electrification journey. The family's dedication to these ideals is reflected in a 95% score for customer experience in Net Promoter Score surveys, and the dealership ranked second in battery electric vehicle (BEV) order penetration among the IC Bus dealer group in 2023.

"I am honored to receive recognition as the IC Bus Dealer of the Year and for the opportunity to serve our customers," said Mike Waters, dealer principal. "This success would not be possible without support from our team members who display our company values each day. We're grateful for our long-term partnership with IC Bus in delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers throughout Mississippi."

In addition to the Dealer of the Year, Waters and eight other dealers received the annual Pursuit of Excellence award. The following dealers were recognized for their excellence in improving sales, community service and relations efforts, market share, and customer satisfaction:

• Waters Truck & Tractor Company

• Midwest Transit Equipment

• Southland Transportation

• Wolfington Body Company

• Leonard Bus Sales

• McCandless Truck Center

• Rush Bus Centers of Ohio

• iTA Truck Sales & Service

• Longhorn Bus Sales