Rick Hendrick's Generosity

Rick Hendrick, owner of several NASCAR teams and Hendrick Motorsports, and Chairman & CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, came to visit "the new" City Chevrolet on Friday, November 13, 2009. City Chevrolet has recently experienced a "face lift." With mandates from Chevrolet on making all the Chevy stores look uniform, in addition to a little work that needed to be done, since City has been at its current location since 1966 without too many major renovations, we've had plenty of changes occur throughout the dealership over the past month.

While Mr. Hendrick (see photo above, first from right) was here, he got to chatting with Elizabeth Hastings (above, second from right) and her 9-year old son Andrew (above, second from left), who were purchasing a 2004 Suburban from Larry McCain (above, first from left). Elizabeth was expressing her gratitude to the team at City Chevrolet, specifically Larry McCain (salesperson), Bruce Forret (Pre-Owned Sales Director), and Jerry Ferrell (General Manager), for their assitance in helping her get the SUV she's been wanting.

The Hastings family has quite a story. Two years ago, son, Andrew, was hit (literally) by a car. Andrew lost his leg, and since then, has had 10 surgeries. His last surgery was in March of this year. Unfortunately, Elizabeth's husband, Sargeant Robert Hastings, had left for Iraq 2 days prior to Andrew's surgery and is still currently serving overseas. Andrew has a prosthetic leg and has had to have 8 prosthetics over the past two years, since he has to get a new one after each surgery and also as he grows. He is due to have at least 1 more surgery. In addition, Elizabeth Hastings is fighting Cancer.

Elizabeth tells us that Andrew has been asking for a Suburban for the past 2 years. He kept saying "We're never going to get a Suburban!" Needless to say, Andrew was surprised and delighted when they came in to finally get their Suburban. The Hastings have 3 children and the Suburban is much needed. Salesperson Larry McCain assured Elizabeth, "If it's the last thing on Earth I do, I'll get you a Suburban."

Elizabeth told Rick Hendrick this story when he was in here that day and Mr. Hendrick did something that took the breath away from Elizabeth and Andrew...he paid for their Suburban! As if meeting Rick Hendrick and having him pose for a couple pictures with her son wasn't exciting enough that day, they now had the Suburban of their dreams and it was already paid for. This is just one more thing that further displays the generosity displayed by Rick Hendrick. When I asked Elizabeth what she felt, she said, "It's amazing how God has been right there holding my hand through this ordeal. Andrew got hit and saw an angel on the side of the road. From that day, I knew that God was with us through the whole experience."

MATTHEWS ALIVE 2009!!

It's that time again!! MATTHEWS ALIVE! 2009 is on its way this Labor Day weekend, September 4th-7th, 2009 in Historic Downtown Matthews at Stumptown Park & Matthews Community Center, 120 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105. MATTHEWS ALIVE! is the Southeast's largest labor day festival and parade. The primary mission of MATTHEWS ALIVE! is to hold a four day family oriented festival, which is run by volunteers, and give our local non-profit organizations the chance to raise money. On Friday, September 4th, the headliner is "Chairmen of the Board." The weekend includes a family fun carnival, live entertainment, arts & crafts, plenty of food vendors, a kid connection area, and plenty more surprises!
The Hendrick Automotive Group is the primary sponsor of the Arts & Crafts Area. The Hendrick Team will be bringing Tony Stewart's #80 Race Car and hauler. Stop on by the Arts & Crafts Area for your free http://www.hendrickcars.com/ magnets and don't forget to say hi to your favorite Hendrick employees! For more information, including times and a schedule on MATTHEWS ALIVE!, visit http://www.matthewsalive.org/.
And while you're out for MATTHEWS ALIVE!, don't forget to stop by the green in front of the Matthews Town Hall/Library for the Matthews Auto & Motorcycle Classic which is being held on Monday, September 7th from 9am-4pm. The Hendrick Automotive Group is the primary sponsor for the Matthews Auto & Motorcycle Classic. Look for your favorite Hendrick employees wearing http://www.hendrickcars.com/ shirts and stop by and pick up your free tire gauge key chains. Over 150 cars are expected to be in the competition. For information on the day's event, including registration information, visit www.matthewschamber.com/chamber-events/matthews-auto-motorcycle-classic.

RICK HENDRICK TO APPEAR ON 'THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW'

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, will make an appearance on the May 19th edition of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." The episode is entitled "Heroes in Hard Times." "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions Inc. and syndicated to 214 domestic stations by CBS Television Distribution Group and to 143 countries by CBS Paramount International Television. It has been the No. 1-rated talk show for 22 consecutive seasons. Visit www.oprah.com for local listings.

2008 Salespeople of the Year!

CONGRATULATIONS TO CITY CHEVROLET'S 2008 SALESPEOPLE OF THE YEAR!

2008 was a trying year for everyone in America, and the auto industry was at the top of the list. However, always doing the right thing and being persistent are only two of the qualities that these 3 men possess, which led them to acquire the title of "2008 Salesperson of the Year!"

Holding trophies on the front line, from left to right are: Phil Goodin (Pre-Owned Salesperson of the Year), Joe Ayers (New Car Salesperson of the Year), and Dan Franklin (Commercial Salesperson of the Year). Behind these 3 guys are the managers that support them daily in their quest for excellence (from left to right): Jerry Ferrell (General Manager), Joe Edwards (CDC/Internet Director), Mark Williams (Fleet & Commercial Manager), Bruce Forret (Pre-Owned Sales Manager), Dave Bellen (Finance Director), Jim Lundie (Wholesale Manager), Scott Moore (New Car Sales Director), and Rick Piland (Pre-Owned Sales Director).

If you would like to congratulate your salesperson, or you need assistance, please contact City Chevrolet's Sales Department at 1-866-409-3466 or visit us at http://www.citychevrolet.com/.

City Chevrolet Couple Marries!

The City Chevrolet team has long awaited the marriage of two of its finest employees. After over a year-long engagement, Heather Dozier and Adrian Drayton were married at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic on October 6, 2008. Heather is the CDC Manager and Assistant to the Director of the CDC/Internet Department and has been with City Chevrolet for 4 years. Adrian is in our New Car Sales Department and started with City way back in 2001. Together with 22 guests, Heather and Adrian celebrated their marriage at a 5 o'clock ceremony under the gazebo at the resort. Group photos immediately followed the ceremony, and a festive cocktail party, which included plenty of Dominican food, concluded the wedding celebration. Their Best Man and Matron-of-Honor were none other than fellow City Chevrolet employees and friends, James and Nikki Potter. James started with City in 2000 and he and Adrian became friends in the New Car Sales Department. James is currently in the Internet Sales Department. Heather and Nikki became instant friends, as they worked side by side in the CDC Department. Recently Nikki has switched departments and is currently the Internet Marketing Manager. As you can see by the beautiful photos above, the wedding, weather, and company was perfect. Heather and Adrian honeymooned in Punta Cana for almost a week after their wedding. Congratulations to our City Chevrolet couple--Heather and Adrian Drayton!

Hendrick Sponsors MATTHEWS ALIVE!

Discover Matthews this Labor Day weekend at Matthews Alive! This four day event is held from August 29th through September 1st in Historic Downtown Matthews at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade Street). The primary mission of Matthews Alive! is to host a four day family oriented festival, which is run by volunteers, and give our local non-profit organizations the chance to raise money. All festival proceeds are returned back to the local community through these non-profit organizations. Come out and enjoy the parade, arts & crafts, food & entertainment, and the famous quilt show. Take a stroll down the Midway area which is full of games and rides for kids of all ages. For you race fans, check out the #88 AMP & #48 Lowe's Hendrick Motorsports cars on display at Matthews Alive! Local sponsors include Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, the Town of Matthews, Hendrick Automotive Group, Lowes Foods, Windstream, WJZY/WMYT, K-104.7, Wendy's, Bojangles, The Charlotte Observer, and many others. Visit http://www.matthewsalive.org/ for more information about this fun-filled weekend!

City Chevrolet President's Club 2007

SIMPLY THE BEST!

The Hendrick Automotive Group President's Club Awards Ceremony and trip have come and gone. This year, City Chevrolet's top 5 salespeople were honored at a magical ceremony, the type that only Disney and Hendrick Automotive Group could produce, which was held at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Those in attendance were Dan Franklin (Commercial Sales), James Potter (New Car Sales), Andy Snyder (New Car Sales), Phil Goodin (Pre-Owned Sales), and Keith Black (Commercial Sales), along with their guests.

The theme of this year's awards banquet was "Simply the Best" and featured praises and words of wisdom from Kirk Heppler (Senior Vice President and Western Division C.O.F.), Tom Blocker (Senior Vice President and Eastern Division C.O.F.), Jim Huzl (President/Chief Executive Officer), and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group, Rick Hendrick himself. Mr. Hendrick spoke about the philosophy of the Hendrick Automotive Group and the characteristics that the company prides itself on--character, hardwork, enthusiasm, a team spirit, and family. Above all else, Mr. Hendrick believes in taking care of his employees, the importance of family, and doing what is right for his customers.

As Rick Hendrick's flagship store, City Chevrolet has held itself to the same standards as Mr. Hendrick, right from the onset. He also spoke about what the President's Club represents to him. This elite group is the best of the best and together they uphold the highest standards in regards to personal growth, ethical conduct, and teamwork. The 2007 President's Club recipients accounted for 27,465.75 units sold, which is 22% of the total sales amongst the Hendrick dealerships. Congratulations to City's "best of the best" and we look forward to serving you, our valued customers, throughout the rest of 2008!