I often like to use this space to discuss the positive events that are happening in this industry. Rather than focusing on what’s going wrong out there, I like to look on the bright side and find the good. 

The AutoSuccess editorial team receives many emails and press releases touting the good works of the OEMs, vendors and industry associations, as well as those of the extremely generous dealer network. 

Recent ones include: 

Hyundai Hope On Wheels, supported by Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealers, has recently provided $11 million in new grants to continue its mission to end childhood cancer.

Craig Zinn, who owns and operates the Craig Zinn Automotive Group and Subaru of Pembroke Pines, FL, presented a donation check to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation in the amount of $154,373. 

On Fridays, the American International Automobile Dealers Association’s newsletter highlights dealers who are going above and beyond to give back to the communities in which they operate. Using the hashtag #DealersDoGood, AIADA is sharing dealers’ good works on social media. (So be sure to tag your dealership’s posts to be included.)

Two recent standouts from AIADA were:

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan announced that eight nonprofits providing services to children and youth in southeast Michigan will receive grants totaling $300,000.

“This has been a tough and unusual year for many in southeast Michigan,” Rod Alberts, executive director, DADA told WXYZ Detroit. “Our dealers wanted to ensure we do our part to support the nonprofits we’ve had a relationship with over the years to help them continue their work with youth in our region.”

Findlay Subaru St. George in St. George, UT, recently made a large donation to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah. Dealership General Manager Dave Gourley presented a check for $12,444 to SWF founder Martin Tyner. SWF provides wildlife rehabilitation services and promotes wildlife education, and Tyner, who has more than 50 years of experience in taking care of wild birds and other wildlife, told the St. George News that the “Share the Love” program was “a godsend.”

I have a soft spot for people who help kids and animals, so I personally want to thank the above for all that they’ve done. And we know there are so many more of you out there. 

We’ll be watching the hashtag for more dealers’ good works. We can’t wait to see and share yours as well.