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Job-oriented group honors civic achievements

Tyler Corder, chief financial officer of the Findlay Automotive Group, was this year’s recipient of the Civitas Laurel Award during the 17th annual Notte di Carnevale benefit presented by the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow Oct. 18 at Caesars Palace.

FIT provides job training, coaching and support based on job seekers’ individual needs and the skills employers tell the agency they are seeking.

The Civitas award translates from the Latin word for “citizenship.” Through the ages it described the dedication of those who have given the full measure of their talents to benefit their community.

The local honoree is awarded a garland of laurel, often made of olive branches, and the Civitas Laurel Medallion duplicated by jeweler Jack Weinstein.

Honoree Corder grew up in Montana, graduated from Montana State University with a degree in business management and received a master of business administration degree from UNLV.

He advanced through managerial positions with General Motors in Washington, Montana and California before being named branch manager in Las Vegas in 1992. In 1994, he left General Motors to join the Findlay Automotive Group and has been with the company 20 years. Findlay Automotive Group consists of 28 car dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Idaho and Oregon. The organization employs 1,500 people and is one of the largest privately held dealership groups in the nation.

Corder also is active in Safe Nest, the Findlay Educational Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the American Heart Association. He serves as treasurer of the Valley Auto Mall Owners Association and recently was named to the Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board.

Tyler and his wife, Marsha, have been married for 31 years and live in Henderson.

The evening began when the 300 guests attended the reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by Caesars Entertainment chefs.

FIT’s officers in attendance were Richard Jost, Doris Charles, Dan Anderson, James Kropid, Ken Kenny, Tom Lettero and Var Lordahl. Directors attending were James Hooban, Valerie Moon, Andrew Priest, Ed Rivera and Juanita Wasserman.

Janet Blumen, the founder and CEO of FIT, welcomed everyone and spoke about the organization’s 2013 accomplishment of 342 clients that became employed because of the FIT program.

Other guests enjoying the evening were Gail and John Sandee of Reno; Andrea Bricca, Linda and Jordan Ross, Jerrie Merritt, Judy Kropid, Ginger and Dan Anderson, Irais and Robert Kolesar, Kris Lettero, David Wasserman, Barbara Davis, Ed Skonicki, Kenadie and Cobbin Richardson, Adar Bagus, John Saksa, Mary Baco, Ashanti and Tyre Gary, Dawn Gibbons, Parvin Jacobs, Janet and Steve Linder, Gae and Perry Basch, Bob Fisher, Beth Schwartz, Blue Ash and Andrew Blumen.

Sandy Peltyn chaired the silent auction and Joyce Sherman of Destinations by Design decorated the room in silver and white with floral pieces of white orchids and white roses.

Harbor Lights entertained throughout the evening.

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