Officials of the Tennessee Automobile Manufacturing Association say the industry might not be what it is today, if not for former Governor and now Senator Lamar Alexander.
The Association paused during today's conference to name Alexander as one of the first three members in its Hall of Fame.
As governor from 19-79 to 19-87, Alexander is credited with recruiting Nissan and General Motors to place major auto manufacturing and assembly plants in the state.
Sen. Lamar Alexander,(R) Tennessee
"My goal 30 years ago was to do what I could to raise family incomes. We lost a lot of jobs in the 1980's, but then came the auto jobs. But the credit really goes to the workers who make quality products."
Also inducted was the first president of General Motors' Saturn Corporation, and a former C-E-O of Nissan North America, who led that company to build auto assembly and engine plants in the state.
