ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan car dealership owner will turn over his business to new owners later this month, but there was something he had to do first.

Before retiring, Howard Cooper gave all 89 employees $1,000 for every year they worked at the Howard Cooper Import Center in Ann Arbor.

Cooper tells AnnArbor.com that he just wanted to thank them and hopes "it makes a difference in their lives."

The 83-year-old sold the dealership in April to Ohio-based Germain Motor Co.

He declined to say how much the workers received, but mechanic Bob Jenkins' check was $26,000. He has worked at the dealership 26 years.

Sandy Reagan, a 46-year employee, said Cooper received a standing ovation Wednesday morning when he handed out the checks.

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