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 2008 honorees are a former small town mayor who has spearheaded remarkable gains in education, transportation and humanitarian services for the betterment of his community; a father and son who continuously show tireless dedication to their employees, to top teachers in the community and to children with terminal illnesses; a dealer who works with his employees in a soup kitchen and who was instrumental in providing much needed relief to local hurricane victims and a husband and wife team who focuses on improving the lives of women and children in need.

Salute To Dealers, now in its eighth year, is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “These dealers’ efforts to better the lives of those in their communities and beyond are inspiring,” Ford said. “They give their time and money to hundreds of causes and set an example for others to do the same. We are very proud of them.” This year, 65 exceptional dealers from 23 states and Canada were nominated for the eighth annual award. Dealer Principals representing all Ford Motor Company brands – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda and Land Rover – 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.