RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Auto Expert, an auto buying service and CUSO of Altura Credit Union, has been recognized with a Gold Level California Award for Performance Excellence as well as the Governor's Award for Excellence.

Auto Expert provides auto locating and auto buying services to members of 21 credit unions in Southern California and the general auto-buying public.

The CAPE program, formed by the California Council of Excellence, recognizes organizations that demonstrate superior performance in seven key business areas, including: leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement and knowledge management, human resources, process management and business results.

Auto Expert also received the Governor's Award for Excellence, which has been awarded to only two other organizations in the last 13 years, according to Mary Ann Pranke, CAPE Awards chairwoman.

The Gold level award is the highest distinction that any organization can receive in the State of California, Pranke said. Since 1994, 218 recipients have received the honor. Only 11 Gold winners, and of those, only two organizations received the Governor's Award prior to Auto Expert.

This is the second time Auto Expert has been recognized with a CAPE Award. Last year–the first year it applied–Auto Expert received a Silver Award.