May a Shamrock Find You....

Two years ago, thought it seems only yesterday we were fortunate to spend our vacation on the beautiful emerald isle of Ireland.  The people there are truly the nicest people on earth and some of the best writers or recent generations have been Irish.  Their wit and humor is something not easily replicated and always seems to put a smile on your face!  Here are a few examples: "May good luck be with you wherever you go and your blessings outnumber  the shamrocks that grow!"  "May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.  May songbirds serenade your every step along the way.  May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.  Any may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through."  "May you have the hindsight to know where you've been.  The foresight to know where you're going.  And the insight to know when you have gone too far."  "May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past."  Wish I could write such fare but nonetheless I love to share!

Tom Thanks Bess and the Gresham Ford Family

Dear Bess -

My wife and I took a 5,500 mile road trip in our 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid in late October and November 2011.  The vehicle had 79,000 miles on it and while I had not had any problems with it I was a little leery about taking it on a 19 day trip into the wilds of Montana, Utah and California.  It performed beautifully - giving us 30 mpg and only 1 time did it need extra attention- new front windshield wipers (replacing the originals).  I love this vehicle!

~Tom

Gresham Ford is recognized as a GREAT Business by the City of Gresham

Congratulations to all of our certified GREAT Businesses.  As a thank you, we work to let the community know of your efforts.  We’ve included your business name in our recent “GREAT News” newsletter sent to 2200 businesses, we link to your business from our webpage, and we run ads in the Outlook. We’ll be running another ad listing our certified businesses on March 28th and 31st.    

GREAT Businesses

The Gresham Resource Efficiency Assistance To (GREAT) Businesses program offers free assistance, resources and recognition to help businesses conserve natural resources, protect the local environment, and help the bottom line.

The latest GREAT News newsletter features: 

• Gresham Composts, including a video of Albertsons
• A list of our GREAT Businesses 

 About the Program 

Our team of trained resource conservation specialists can provide one-on-one assistance in many areas: 

 

• recycling and waste reduction
• water conservation 
• energy conservation 
• pollution reduction of local streams and rivers  
• wastewater best practices 
• alternative transportation options 
• food donations to SnowCap Charities 
• food scrap composting program 

The GREAT program can help your business create an environmental strategy tailored to your business's specific needs.

• Analyze your water and energy usage, waste reduction and recycling efforts, and stormwater and wastewater practices; often saving you money..
• Prepare a detailed plan with recommendations specific to your business.
• Provide your business with free resources, including water-saving devices, boxes, stickers, posters and educational materials.
• Help you find the right service for hard-to-recycle items such as computers, batteries and packaging material.
• Provide public recognition when your business meets its goals as a certified GREAT Business in Gresham.

Gain Recognition

Businesses that perform well in the above areas are eligible for recognition. Read more about our recognition programs.  

Start Today

Join over 130 businesses and take the Pledge to be GREAT.  This rewarding program has brought publicity and awards to many Gresham area businesses. Your business can take the pledge to start receiving free assistance today. We will help you reach the criteria in the areas listed below. Once you meet all of the criteria your business can also be GREAT.

To schedule a consultation with a GREAT Business program educator or have free resources delivered, call 503-618-2694 or e-mail GREATBiz@GreshamOregon.gov.

Attend a Sustainable Event

The Sustainable Business Events Calendar lists local classes and events designed to help you and your business grow greener.

Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist

Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist church has met in Gresham since 1956 and is located at 1133 NE 181st. Their status a qualified non-profit organization has paved the way for them to take advantage of the Gresham Ford "Commitment to the Community" program.  With over one hundred members and friends who live in the East Portland, Gresham, Troutdale and Sandy areas, the Gresham Ford service department is close and services all makes and all models.  When members have, for instance, an oil change and they are paying the receptionist/cashier, they ask for their tithe to go to the Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Church.  Gresham Ford then donates 10% of the invoice on a monthly basis.

On Saturday April 21st 2012 they will be having the annual 19th Annual Service and Goods Auction for their fellowship.  The theme this year is "Green and Growing!"  Gresham Ford is donating three $25 gift certificates good to the Gresham Ford Quick Lane; where you never need an appointment and we service all makes and all models.

If you are interested in attending or donating yourself you can contact 503.665.2628 or by fax at 503-465-8978.  

Letter from Jerry and Hanne

As a qualifying statement; let me begin with: I have over the past 50 years been a "FORD Guy".

Since 1987, (Returning to Gresham/Home) me and my family members extended, have purchased several automobiles, trucks and SUV's from Gresham Ford.  In the past 5 years or so; collectively we have noticed an extreme change in how Gresham Ford conducts business and has integrated into the Community in such a positive manner.

Community action, support and like contributions on your part demonstrate a sound commitment to the Community and is most appreciated.  Among the many other attributes, Gresham Ford enjoys a sound reputation for sales and service.  I'm not sure that standard applies to many "Car Dealerships" both locally and in you're doing at Gresham Ford, your doing it right.

Putting sales aside (Which has always been a painless experience for us): having maintenance services done by Gresham Ford is the timeliest and most professional adventure in Vehicle Maintenance Services I've ever experienced at a "Dealership"!  The "Staff", starting with Ryan and ending with Cher is by far the most congenial and positive fraction anyone entering the Maintenance area could ask for.  Never have I had an issue that didn't gain their full attention, always ending with a just resolve.

Recently, (during a routine maintenance check), I was advised that my truck was in need of tires.  I was given printouts with several price and tire options...  Knowing a "dealership " is the last place to buy tires; I spoke to Cher about prices, etc. she mentioned that "Gresham Ford would match the price if I found like tires cheaper or equal elsewhere."

I did my homework and went shopping ...of all the Brand Name Tire Stores in the surrounding area, I could not match the price offered by Gresham Ford...ion fact, for the same tires, Gresham Ford was several hundred dollars cheaper an hosted the same level of warranty.  Clearly impressed, I purchased the tires at Gresham Ford.  Ryan had the tires mounted, tweaked and I was outta there in little over an hour; satisfied with the product and the outstanding service.

If the plan is to become a "Full Service Dealership"... your well on the way.  I appreciate good service and enjoy dealing with the great folks and personalities at Gresham Ford, it more "Communal than Business" first,  I'm just not sure you can mass that many good folks in one company anywhere else, from sales to service you have much to be proud of.

Respectfully,

Jerry and Hanne
Gresham, Oregon

What would they say?

Bess Wills - General Manager
Gresham Ford

It was flattering to have my picture on the front page of the Gresham Outlook and thank you Sarah for taking time to interview local women and myself in honor of 100th year anniversary of women's suffrage.  To be honest I truly hadn't thought about this historical celebration until she called for the interview.  It caused me to think about how my life would have been different if I had been born in another generation.  These thoughts have me reason to honor some great women in my family - I never knew them personally and would be so curious to have had the change to hear their feelings on this subject.

My paternal great-grandmother left Missouri around the age of 11 in a covered wagon and headed to California to find their fortune!  She married, raised 8 children, buried one; help build 3 houses, two burned to the ground.  Planted a garden, cooked, cleaned, and did the hundred other things that were required to live on a ranch 22 miles from the nearest town for the near 90 years of her life.  She lived most of her life without the right to vote.

My maternal grandmother was born in Oregon then went to Chico in Northern California and earned her college degree as a teacher.  Her father had left her mother with three daughters to raise and only one of them had the opportunity for college - luckily it was she.  After graduation she found a job teaching at several small country schools, she worked to care for her grandmother, mother and sisters.  She met my grandfather they married and she lived a tough country life thru the great depression while her husband lost his sleg while she was in the hospital giving birth to their second child.  Then she passed way too early from breast cancer.  The year she left for college was the same year the 19th Amendment was ratified to the United States Constitution.  For all those women that preceded us - Thank you.

Gresham Ford helps Columbia Community Church with the "Contribute to the Community" Tithe Program

Columbia Community Church has utilized the Gresham Ford "Contribute to the Community" Tithe program.  Their members visited the Gresham Ford service department for brakes and Gresham Ford donated 10% of their invoice to charity of their choice, in this case Columbia Community Church.

Next time you visit the Gresham Ford Service department, ask about our Tithe program and donate 10% to local charity or non-profit.

7th Annual Gresham Barlow Parent Teacher Club BINGO Family Night

The Gresham Barlow Parent Teacher Club for Hall Elementary School is looking for continued participation, support and generosity towards the children and their education.  Tuesday, April 17th, 2011 will be the 7th Annual BINGO night held at the school during the evening.  This event involves teachers, staff, students, parents and other businesses.

The goal is to earn $2500 for school field trips and new technology.  In addition, the school needs to replace its ten year old laminator.  Gresham Ford has donated two $25 gift certificates towards the effort.  Ford more information contact Kristin Hendrix, PTC President at hendrix.02@hotmail.com.

Harold's Thank You Note to Bess

Dear Bess:

Please forgive me for not writing sooner, to express my appreciation for your outstanding help in the purchase of my 2012 Expedition King Ranch.

The vehicle is the best I have ever owned; I am so very pleased with the complete experience at Gresham Ford.  My new Expedition in little words is just plain exciting.

I not only purchased, a new vehicle; I was able to make many friends at Gresham Ford and that is worth more than any amount of monetary transaction.

My fondest regards to Preston and Jim whom I found totally priceless.

Sincerely,

Harold