Sparr Elementary Goes Green with Ford of Ocala!

Ford of Ocala is a proud supporter of Sparr Elementary in their commitment to educate students on going green. Myself and Noland Lancaster, Ford Certified Sales Consultant, joined together to talk to 3rd through 5th graders regarding Hybrid vehicles and what Ford is doing to be more green. One topic the students found particular interesting was the Smart Gauge in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, pictured below.

We first told the students that Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide coaches drivers on how to drive more fuel efficiently by displaying leaves growing on a vine. We then had to clarify that this does not mean that a vine grows within the car but instead appears in the dash. We saw many disappointed faces after we clarified that. Noland then invited the students to come and learn more about what makes the Hybrid different from other vehicles. He also invited them to sit in the Fusion Hybrid and see the EcoGuide display up close.

Though not as popular with the students, we also brought a 2010 Ford Focus to demonstrate Ford's commitment to fuel economy. The students shared that they had been learning about the different uses for Soy and we shared with them that Ford has increased its use of renewable and recyclable materials with examples as tangible as the soy and bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks.

Though our visit today was sparked by Mrs. Carrington's passion for Earth Day, it is not the end of Ford of Ocala's committment to Education and to the wonderful community that we live and work in. Please check back soon for more posts.

Synergy in Motion

As I sit at my desk, taking a moment to let myself catch up, I look out into a showroom of synergy in motion. A glimmer of opportunity that turned into a blinding light of business excellence!

Several weeks ago, I was planning our Marion County Chamber of Commerce “After Hours Event”, when I got the idea to invite the students of MTI (Marion Technical Institute) to participate in the event and gain real life work experience. Little did I know the upcoming week and the week before our event was Spring Break. But even with that obstacle in my way and time not on my side, I pressed forward with unhindered enthusiasm and optimism.

Sitting here now looking at our showroom packed beyond its capacity, mixed with eager young minds and esteemed business professionals, I can see that my optimism has turned to reality. Students were able to setup tables to showcase and market their businesses while other students learned valuable lessons about networking and working in a large professional environment. The smell of delicious food from Sky HI catering fills the room along with the enlightening chatter of hundreds of people. To me this demonstrates that together we can build a brighter future for our youth, one step, and one event at a time.

-Tegan Dover
Business Development Manager
Ford of Ocala

19th Annual Golf Tournament

Ford of Ocala is proud to be a sponsor of the 19th Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit Ocala Civic Theatre hosted by Candler Hills Gold Club, April 16, 2010. Join us for Dinner, Dinner, On-Course Beverages, Range Balls, Greens Fees, Cart, and Goodie Bag with Golf Balls and More! Hole-In-One Prizes on ALL Par 3s including two nights of luxurious accommodations for two (single room, double occupancy) at The Peabody Memphis, welcome amenity and all taxes and hotel service fees. For more information or to register click here or visit http://www.ocalacivictheatre.com/

Ford of Ocala supports Marion Technical Institute!

Community Involvement is extremely important for Steve Hollosi; General Manager at Ford of Ocala. Steve encourages his entire staff to become active supporters throughout the community. Often Mr. Hollosi visits the students of the Marion Technical Institute where he offers his counseling and advice. Seen in the photos, Mr. Hollosi and Jaye Baillie of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce received Certificate's of Appreciation from the students of the Business and Finance Academy at Marion Technical Institute.

Quoting Stacey Rutherford, instructor at MTI, "We really appreciated your visit with our Business and Finance Academy this week! Thanks again for supporting our academy, students, and school! We couldn’t be successful without you!"

Ford of Ocala, sells and services New and Used Ford vehicles located at 2816 North Pine Ave. in Ocala Florida. Visit us online at http://www.fordofocala.com/.

The High Schools at Ocala usually got their senior portraits taken in the School's gymnasium. After recent budget cuts, the schools no longer opened during the summer, leaving the seniors without a location to have their portraits taken. Ford of Ocala came up with a solution and offered to host the Senior Portraits for the local High Schools affected by the budget cuts at no cost to the school and students. The participating schools were North Marion High, Vanguard High, Trinity Catholic High, and Dunnellon High.

Steve Hollosi and the Ford of Ocala team were commended by the local community for allowing several hundred students to be photographed for senior portraits in their dealership over the last several weeks. Jeff Wilkinson from SWI Photographers was very grateful because he could not find a place which could accommodate this number of students anywhere in Marion County. We all know what an important milestone senior portraits represent, and it goes without saying that the students were very appreciative as well.

Teaming up with Marion Technical Institute for Career Day

February 2, 2010

Dear Tegan Dover,
Ford of Ocala

Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to participate in the MTI Career Expo. We hope you enjoyed the experience and we believe our students benefited from the personal? Professional interaction they received from the positive experience you provided. It is our hope; you will continue to work with us to build a more skilled workforce.

Again, thanks for your dedication and commitment to our future generation.

Sincerely,
Diane Clinton