Salute To Dealers is a Ford Motor Company initiative that recognizes Dealer Principals who improve the lives of those in need while providing outstanding products and services. The nominees and honorees have made a remarkable impact, with each year's group participating in hundreds of causes. Among the 2010 honorees are a dealer who has spearheaded countless mission trips to Guatemala to provide much needed aid to the poorest of the poor, while also making twice weekly visits to a local county jail in his own community to provide volunteer assistance to inmates; a North Carolina dealer who has committed limitless hours and resources to improving the quality of life for those serving in the armed forces and their families, including hosting “welcome home dinners” at his home for returning troops; a dealer and his wife who donated a large parcel of prime land for the construction of a new hospice center in Michigan as well as leading volunteer efforts and fund-raising for the American Cancer Society and a dealer in Idaho who created a successful foundation to benefit children and youth in his community, while providing hundreds of educational scholarships for students in need and serving as President of the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Salute To Dealers, now in its tenth year, is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “It is remarkable to reflect upon the efforts made by our nominees and honorees. Their unselfish commitment to better the lives of those less fortunate, in their communities and around the world, is something that can only be born in the heart,” Ford said. “The example they set for others is truly uplifting and inspiring.” This year, 69 exceptional dealers from 31 states and two countries were nominated for the tenth annual award. Dealer Principals representing all Ford Motor Company brands – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo – are eligible to be nominated by regional representatives. A panel of judges selects the honorees based on the dealer’s individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation.

Edsel Ford led Ford Motor Company in recognizing the 2010 Salute To Dealers honorees at a February 12 reception preceding the annual National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. The honorees receive a portrait depicting the dealers' involvement in their communities. Duplicates of the portraits will take their place in the Salute To Dealers exhibit in the lobby of Ford's World Headquarters, where they will join those of previous Salute To Dealers honorees for year-round viewing.

“Business must be run at a profit, else it will die. But when
anyone attempts to run a business solely for profit and thinks not
at all of the service to the community, then also the business
must die, for it no longer has a reason for existence.”
HENRY FORD, 1926

To view a list of the 2010 Nominees, click here. For more information about Salute To Dealers honorees, visit the Award Recipients section. For questions about the program, e-mail smcqueen@ford.com.