By KEVIN SWEENEY

Journal Editor

NEW ULM -- Jensen Motors, Inc. was recognized Friday for its success and for the contributions its owner and employees make to the community when it was honored as New Ulm's 1999 Industry of the Year.

A mayoral proclamation declared Friday to be Jensen Motors, Inc. Day in New Ulm, and owner Rick Jensen was presented with a certificate from the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, which selects the award winner each year.

Jeanine McKenna, president of the Chamber, said that discussions early in the selection process quickly focused on the many ways Jensen has been involved with the community since arriving here in December 1988, and how that attitude is reflected in the involvement of his employees.

New Ulm City Council President Dan Beranek presented the proclamation for Mayor Bert Schapekahm. The document cites the growth of Jensen Motors over the past 11 years, both in sales and in number of people employed. This past year Jensen also built and moved into a new facility on the south end of Broadway.

Accepting the award, Jensen thanked the board and his employees, especially those who were with the auto dealership before he bought it and who worked with him to make it successful.

He had special thanks for Bob Lockwood, the Marshall auto dealer who hired him in 1982, and who supported him six years later when Jensen had the opportunity to move to New Ulm.

Lockwood and his wife were present at the luncheon at the New Ulm Country Club. Deciding to work for Lockwood was "the most important career decision of my life," said Jensen. He thanked Lockwood for helping him get started in New Ulm, and said he still calls Lockwood when he needs to talk things over, or "vent."