DETROIT — Ally Financial salutes 50 dealers who have been named as final nominees for the 2012 TIME Dealer of the Year award.

As part of its support for the program, Ally will make charitable contributions to local community causes on behalf of all 50 nominated dealers across the United States. The 2012 national TIME Dealer of the Year winner also will receive a $10,000 contribution for a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization of his or her choice.

“Dealers in every community across the United States continue to make positive contributions that improve the lives of so many,” said Tim Russi, executive vice president, North American Operations for Ally Financial. “Ally is truly honored to be a part of improving local communities across our great country as well — and celebrating dealers as local heroes.”

Ally also has launched a digital hub (allybizhero.com) featuring content celebrating auto dealers and their philanthropic achievements. The hub will be updated regularly and feature dealer profiles and stories about how dealers are making a difference in the communities where they live and work.

“Our dealer hub truly showcases the strong commitment to philanthropy and a willingness on behalf of so many dealers to engage in positive community outreach activities,” Russi said. “The hub serves as an online community for dealers, community leaders and even consumers to showcase, collaborate and share stories on how to get involved and make a difference.”

The TIME Dealer of the Year program, heading into its 43^rd year, is produced in cooperation with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

The recipient of the 2012 national TIME Dealer of the Year Award will be announced at the NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 4.