Drive $ UR School & Eat 4 A Cure

Gresham Ford hosts another Drive 4 UR School

Ford and its Dealers are aiming to raise $1 million dollars for high schools.  Gresham Ford is excited to do its part for local high schools and the first chance to participate is September 21, 2013.  Please Put it on your calendar!  The idea is simple, high schools work with their local Ford and Lincoln dealers to schedule a test drive fundraiser event.  The dealers have a selection of the latest Ford has to offer in Cars and Trucks this includes hybrids, electrics and the new Energis.  The schools promote the event to their students, parents, staff and supporters and then they just show up and take a no pressure rest drive and Ford Motor Company donates $20 to the school up to $6000 per event.  It is a clear win-win.  Ford puts its vehicles in front of potential customers, and high schools raise money for special projects - in this case of our local schools the money has gone to support both boys and girls sports programs and choir and drama programs.  Over the past five years nationally, schools have raised over $10 million through this program.

However, here in Gresham the local Gresham High Boosters Club is taking this to new heights by not only participating in the Drive Event but combining it with an "Eat 4 the Cure" Event.  So you are going to be able to test drive and then have a great meal prepared by local vendors that will benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and there are more details to come-stay tuned!!! Like this on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drive4school.

The Bite of East County

Give your senses a treat at "The Bite of East County".  The first sense to be affected is the nose, imagining smells from a mixture of fantastic food.  The next sense of taste comes to life when the mouth begins to water and you can just imagine the deliciousness of the fine cuisine.  The ears then begin to hear a far off echo of laughter from happy people and music ringing through the air.

The Bite of East County will not let your senses down.  The BOEC is offering all of these sensory experiences and more.

Vendors will include a variety of Mexican, Asian, American and European dishes, all vying for the "Best Bite of East County".  The beer and wine garden will offer selections of Northwest origin as well. The BOEC is being hosted 
by the Fairview Business Association and Zarephath Kitchen and Pantry will be the beneficiary of this event.  For the past 24 years, 
Zarephath has helped the homeless and low income by offering more than 42,000 meals per year to the hungry.  Prime Sponsorship
of the Bite of East County comes from Harry's Fresh Foods.  Featuring sponsors include First Community Credit Union and Teeny 
Foods.  Community sponsorship from Gresham Ford and promotional partnership with KINK FM.  The Inaugural Bite of East 

County is being held in the Fairview Park on August 10th 2013 from 11am to 7pm.  More information on the Bite of East County
can be found at www.BiteOfEastCounty.com PS.  Congratulations to Terri Lynn and Al Link and all their furry friends in "The Tails
of Abbygail" for making their debut into national distribution at Wal-Mart.  Please tell all your friends and family nationwide that they 
can now pickup this great kids program anywhere in the United States. 

Simply - Thank You!

It is so exciting when the circle is complete and people are being hired because  many of you had the faith in Ford Motor Company to purchase our vehicles.  Because of your dollars spent buying Fords - Ford Motor Company will hire an additional 800 salaried employees in 2013.  The new hiring represents a 36 percent increase over the original projection of 2,200 additional salaried jobs announced in January.  With only a 2.7 percent attrition rate, the majority of these jobs are new!

They have also initiated an all-new recruiting campaign.  To attract potential employees, Ford recently launched a large social media recruitment titled "The Distance Between You and an Amazing Career Has never Been Shorter."  The campaign encourages candidates to bring their talents to Ford and contribute to serving customers through ingenious solutions.  In addition to the all-new social media campaign, Ford also is increasing its presence on college campuses.  These salaried hires are matching the growth Ford has seen on the hourly side.  It is a great thing when American companies are in the job creation mode!!

Locally we can do the same thing, small businesses are the biggest creators of jobs in the US so don't forget to shop local (remember 1 million dollars in retail creates approximately 21 jobs).  Also, again thanks to Governor Kitzhaber for declaring July "Made in America" month in the State of Oregon to encourage builders to use American made products.  If every builder around the nation increased the number of American products used by as little as 5% it would create more than 220,000 jobs!  More jobs a better economy, a better economy more money for better schools.....well you get the picture.  It is a circle!  Again, thank you!

No need to be bored!

The Greater Gresham Area is bursting with events this summer and we are fortunate enough to be a sponsor of several of these events.  So please mark your calendar for Saturday July 20th for the following:

Summerfest Parade and Festival in downtown Troutdale!  This parade is so much fun as lots of folks line the streets and kids wait for the candy to be thrown from each parade participant!!  This year's theme is "Celebrating Local History" and the Grand Marshall of the Parade is the Troutdale Historical Society.  As an interesting side not of local history; Ford Motor Company filmed the first automobile to drive the first designated "Historical Highway" in the Columbia Gorge.  That was in 1916 and now nearly 100 years later, Fords still travel that same beautiful drive.  Henry Ford would love that fact!

That same Saturday the shoe poles will be up and it will be time to walk the streets of Historic Downtown Gresham for the 12th Annual Art Walk.  THe event is from 9am to 5pm with entertainment every hour.  Hundreds of well-known artists and craftsmen will be displaying their works and if you have never been, please take a couple of hours and stroll the streets.  You will not be disappointed.

While it is fun to travel, some of the best kept secrets are often in our own backyard.  These two events are really a great way to spend some quality time as a family and participate in our community!  Gresham Ford hopes to see you there.

Very Professional! Good Experience!

We took our 2009 Ford Escape into Gresham Ford for a new water pump and other damage created by the pump going out on the freeway.  They were very professional, fixed the problem in a short amount of time, then returned it to us.  We we will go back there because of our good experience.
J.T.

Fast! Fast! Fast! I am impressed!

I bought a used 2005 Ford Explorer.  This is the first time I ever bought a vehicle from Gresham Ford.  Van was our sales man and he had us in and out faster than I can do my grocery shopping.  This is very important to me because I am a busy gal.  We had a hick up with the vehicle and it needed a repair.  Gresham Ford's repair shop had me in a rental that evening when I dropped it off and it was fixed the next morning.  Fast Fast Fast!  They did this as a courtesy to make a customer happy and that was very cool.  They are "The Dealer with a Heart".  I am impressed.+
L.F.

Gresham Ford went out Their Way

Gresham Ford went out of their way to make getting new/used car as painless as possible.  I recently went there for the first serivce (oil change) and was greeted most fiendly and treated as a member of the family.
F.D.

Great People Who Care About Their Customers

Great people to work with.  I have used their Quicklane for LOF several times and they are great from your check in to keeping you appraised of how they are doing.  If you need something they thoroughly explain what it is and why.  I have observed how they treat other customers and it is always with respect and they make you feel like you are very important to them.  Any work that I need done I will have them do it.  Nice score card given to you when you complete the service that tells you what things you may want to consider in the future.

Observant Customer

Thank you and Thanks to Bruce!

Hello,
I just wanted to take a minute to compliment one of your service technicians.  I had some minor service done on my truck yesterday and asked that someone look at a couple of areas that were of concern.  Bruce not only did just that, but was kind enough to come out and explain, not only what he had done, but offer some suggestions on how to prevent the same situation in the future.  I think that this is a nice touch to a vehicle service.  I'm always interested in what was done or found and the opportunity to actually talk to the person working on the vehicle really adds to the experience.
Thank you and thanks to Bruce!
R.R.

I recently had my 2005 Ford Freestar transmission worked on at Gresham Ford's Service Department.  I was disappointed to find out that the replacement transmission that was put in at a California Dealer was the wrong transmission.  Gresham Ford did a fabulous job representing me with the California dealer in getting a replacement transmission.  The gentleman who helped me was very accommodating and did many things to make the week or so without a car tolerable.  I appreciate the service and positive attitude from the service department.  Great Job!  I live in inner SE Portland, but will drive the 30 minutes for service like yours!  Please thank Ryan for me!
In HIM,
D.P.

Thank you to you and your awesome Sales Team!

Hi Bess,
I would like to send a personal "Thank You" to Mr. Van Austin for his awesome help with my recent purchase of a 2013 Ford Escape from your business.

I have found that often times when shopping for a large purchase being a single, senior, female is sometimes a challenge, but certainly NOT the case with Mr. Austin. Van was friendly, courteous and very professional while sharing his vast knowledge and answering ALL my questions.

Mr. Austin voluntarily came in on his day off to go through everything in the car with me and finalizing the entire process.  (Not an easy task with this Senior and my lack of tech knowledge!!)

I just want to say "Thank You" to you and your awesome sales Team!  I LOVE my new car and I am proud to refer Mr. Van Austin and Gresham Ford to any and all of my family and friends!

He even invited me to call or come back with any/all new questions that may come up in the near future.  For that I am grateful.

Thank you again for the awesome, positive car shopping experience, Van!

Sincerely,
K. R. S.

It is a Proclamation!

Did you know?  Governor Kitzhaber has signed a proclamation proclaiming July 2013 to be MADE IN AMERICA MONTH in Oregon and encourages all Oregonians to join in this observance.

Some interesting facts:  If every builder in America increased their use of US made products by as little as 5% it would add more than 220,000 construction jobs and $14 billion dollars to the national economy.  It is a little like recycling just by making a few small change we can save our planet or in this case create lots of jobs.  There are really good social, economic and environmental reasons to buy American.  Locally, a group of builders, manufacturers and distributors have formed the BBAC - Building a Better America Council supporting and educating other about the importance of this concept.

Since the World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer "Made in America" series aired, builders nationwide have embraced this concept with some great results!  It is exciting that local builders are on the cutting edge of this concept.  Don't know if you have had a chance, but Gerald Rowlett of Westlake Development Group did, a "Made in America" prototype with "American Interiors" for the Portland Home and Garden Show - there are several segments with Holly Resnick on YouTube.  Watch for the "Made in Maerica" home this year at the Street of Dreams and please visit BuildingForAmerica.org for more information!!! Just like recycling, we can make a difference in our future by buying American!

Gresham Ford wants to be your Oregon Ford Dealership of choice - give us a try!

We All Can Drive for Someone!

There is no greater joy than the satisfaction of doing something that makes a difference in the world we live.  To do that something in memory of a loved one is even more special - just ask Tam Driscoll who lost her sister Nancy to blood cancer on June 22nd 2009.  Before and since that time Tam has made it her personal mission to help find a cure and more effective treatment for blood cancers.  Tam has done everything from bake sales to marathons to raise money for the cure... but, she hasn't done a "Food Truck Challenge and Test Drive Event" so with Ford Motor Company's help we are going to make that happen.

On Thursday, June 6th from 4-7pm you can do a test drive comparison.  (Click Here to See Pictures from the Event)  Ford vs. Toyota, Ford vs Subaru, etc and for your test drive you will:
1 - Be entered to win some really cool prizes
2 - Win a ticket for a "Free Taste" at the Food trucks.
3 - Be able to vote for your favorite Food Truck
4 - Music, Food, Fun and no pressure!!!
5 - And MOst Important earn $10 for Tam's Leukemia & Lymphoma Project.  The girl is going to find a cure!

We all have been touched by the heartache caused by cancer.  Just recently our Sales Manager, Jim Rodey lost his brother to cancer so like Jim and Tam we all have the name of someone special that we want to find the cure "in memory" of.  So please mark this date on your calendar and simply take a Drive for the Cure!!!  Bring the whole family  - why cook when you can drive and taste.

Lades, Girls, Madames!

Indulge in an anfternoon of events and activities that will tantalize your senses and enhance your well-being.  Call your mom, your sister, your daughter or a friend and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at the Women's Works Health Fair this Sunday April 28th at 1pm.  The event will be held in the Adventist Medical Center Amphitheatre, 10123 SE Market Street Portland.

This is a free event but registration is required.  There will be door prizes and delicious food samples.  Theses events are always well planned, educational, good for you and most of all FUN!  So call 503.256.4000 to RSVP, register today!  For more information for more information go to www.AdventistHealthNW.com.  Adventist Health as a great community partner continues to promote preventive health programs and initiative free of charge.  The above mentioned event is just one of the many that are scheduled for the general public (not just for girls) throughout the year.  Adventist Health is an important member of our Easy County Business Community so please join us in congratulating them on their recent award.  Adventist Medical Center, Portland received the 2012 heath Grades Patient Safety Excellence Award.  This award means that they are in the top 5% of the US hospitals for patient safety.  Way to go team- Adventist!

"Terrific Turnaround Award"!

 

 

Bess,

 

Due to travel, I'm just getting around to catching up on my "Gresham Outlook" reading.  I enjoyed very much your April 5 column titled "No April Fools".

 

I'm glad you took the space to toot your own horn for a change.  What an exemplary auto dealership you've built.  I'm sure you're well deserving of the many awards that have poured into your business recently.  Wow!  So, why doesn't Ford have an "Out of the Ashes Award", or "Terrific Turnaround Award", or "Who Are Those Guys Award"?  What you have done with that dealership in a decade is nothing short of miraculous.  I hope someone will tell your full 10-year story some day.  It'll be a best-seller!

 

 

Congratulations!

Your Fan Club



Fusion Hybrid

On Mar 25, 2013, at 4:33 PM,

Bess,

 

I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you again for your help in buying my 2013 Fusion Hybrid.  I read a lot about the new Fusion, and even watched all of the reviews by Car & Driver and others on YouTube.  The reviews spoke highly of the 2013 model ... but after driving it for a week, this car is much better than they described.  I have driven both Toyota and Honda hybrids a lot for business, and the quality and superior hybrid system on the Fusion is so much more refined (and efficient).  It is so quiet, handles exceptionally well, and has more power than I ever imagined.  Plus I’m getting 44-46 MPGs on my back road commute winding up and down hills every day.  If you have someone of the fence over a Fusion Hybrid, have them give me a call … But then again, I think that you are going to have a hard time keeping them in stock for a while!!!

 

RW

 

I can always trust Gresham Ford....

 

Thank you for the great towing recommendation of Loop-Hi-Way Towing. They towed us after another towing company did not shop up after 2.5 hours (and we were sitting in the 34 degree weather with no heat for that long) and quickly dropped our car off at Gresham Ford.  The Loop Towing driver also picked up your garbage and trash cans that had blown around while we were waiting for our ride.  What a great company!  I can always trust Gresham Ford for great and well-rounded service.

Amy

(taken from a post on Gresham Ford Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/greshamford?ref=hl

I was worried....

I had my brakes replaced on my 2008 Grand Caravan 4 times in 4 years and last time, after I picked it up, suddenly the brakes stopped working.  The repair shop didn't feel it could have been caused by them and wanted to charge me.  I didn't have much money for repairs so I was worried.  I was referred to Bess by a friend.  She made sure the car was fixed and safe and charged me a discounted price.  I will now have my Dodge worked on and serviced by Gresham Ford.

Brooke

(Taken from a post on Gresham Ford Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/greshamford?ref=hl

Outstanding Service

Gresham Ford took great care of my car and gave outstanding service.  The icing on the cake was getting in my car yesterday morning (really cold morning) and the service tech, Jordan, had warmed up the car, turned on the heat and made sure the heated seats were turned on.  Now that is service!

Travis

(Taken from a post on Gresham Ford Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/greshamford?ref=hl

Never Had such a Good experience buying a Car!

I bought a car at Gresham Ford on Friday - I have never had such a good experience buying a car.  I didn't know it was possible.  Kudos to Bess Wills and her team.
Jim

(Taken from a post on Gresham Ford Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/greshamford?ref=hl

Electrifying!

Ford Motor Company is proud to announce that the Ford Focus Electric earned top vehicle safety ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration).  As more people shop for electrified vehicles, the Focus Electric now offers both a top vehicle safety rating and the fastest charging technology that allows it to fully recharge in 3 to 4 hours.  The Portland Metro has more charging stations per capita than any other metro area in the United States.  So, finding a charge is not hard (and free) and of course, you can always plug it in at home.

Gresham Ford has one in stock with more on the way and Ford Motor Company has come out with a very competive lease. Think about it.  A very low lease payment, no gas expense, and virtually no maintenance expense.  This may be something for your family to consider.  Give us a call.  It might be elcetrifying and save you lots of money all at the same time! 503-665-0101

Superior Service and Customer Satisfaction Earn Gresham Ford of Oregon National Recognition from Ford Motor Company

Gresham Ford is a 2012 Presidents Award Winning Oregon Ford Dealer

Gresham, Oregon, March 2013 - Gresham Ford is among an elite group of Ford and Lincoln dealerships to be recognized with the 2012 President's Award by Ford Motor Company.  The prestigious award honors dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing in 2012, by providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction.

"Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff's commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible" says Bess Wills, General Manager.  "I couldn't be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most - our customers.  They're the reason we were able to achieve this award."

The President's Award was established in 1998.  Dealers become eligible through survey responses from customers related to their sales and service satisfaction.  "In order to achieve the President's Award, dealers must exceed customer expectations every day in every department.  The pursuit of excellence is not for the faint of heart - it requires passion, tenacity and of course, hard work.  This prestigious award salutes those top-preforming Ford and Lincoln dealerships that embrace these philosophies, achieving among the highest levels of customer satisfaction - in both sales and service - in automotive retailing, " said Bess Wills.

Electrifying!

Do not miss the “Electric Car Races” at Mt. Hood Community College this Saturday morning.  Practice rounds start at 9 a.m. with the competition beginning at 11 a.m.  High School students and adults will be racing their individually designed race cars/carts and will lap the back lots of the college.   We have attended for the past couple of years and it is really fun to see all the effort and innovation.  Centennial High School has a particularly great program.   The students involved are the next generation of automotive engineers!  

Speaking of some great engineering, Ford Motor Company is proud to announce that the Ford Focus Electric earned top vehicle safety ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration).  As more people shop for electrified vehicles, the Focus Electric now offers both a top vehicle safety rating and the fastest charging technology that allows it to fully recharge in 3 to 4 hours.  The Portland Metro has more charging stations per capita than any other metro area in the United State – so finding a charge is not hard (and free) and of course you can always plug it in at home.

Gresham Ford has one in stock with more on the way and Ford Motor Company has come out with a very competitive lease.  Think about it.  A very low lease payment, no gas expense, and virtually no maintenance expense…this may be something for your family to consider.  Give us a call it might be electrifying and save you lots of money!

Bully for Happy Hearts

Gordon Russell Middle School in Gresham Oregon

Let me begin that our children are our greatest resource.  Their safety, their education, their health, and their happiness are something we all strive to protect  enhance and provide.  When that does not happen, we as a community are personally responsible.  Yesterday morning I attended an Anti-Bullying Assembly at Gordon Russell Middle School and it shook me to my core.  The statistics are appalling especially in relation to those same statistics less than 20 years ago in regards to suicide and self-mutilation.

The title of the Assembly was "Stand for Respect ....And Be the Change" it was inspired by the PLT and the PBIS Committees and led by School instructor Tim Tetz.  The featured speaker was Erin Van Horn-Wormer, a young man from Vancouver who lost his 14 year old sister to suicide.  Suicide, of course being the worst cast scenario, it was described to the students as a permanent fix, for a temporary situation.  Of course, why is this such a problem and why so severe....the answer may lie in it is easy to text, tweet, Facebook  etc. things that you would never say to another person's face.  We really don't have all the reasons why but know that the cure is in kindness.  One of the presentations showed how hurtful word processed thru the brain really do make your heart physically hurt!

So in closing and in celebration of a great leader - Martin Luther King, a quote...."History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people!"  Ashley, a true modern day hero used this quote today to describe part of her journey.  Don't be silent, use your words to make people's hearts feel better.

Fill-A-Bag homestretch

TV morning show celebrity Ann Currie, in light of recent tragedies offered a healing process of a "random act of kindness".  As it is well documented the best way to heal a heart is to do some selfless act of kindness or giving that touches another heart.  Even before the senseless tragedies (some of which were a little too close to home) members of our community were providing food and cash support for Snow-Cap,  This will provide nutrition and support to families, kids, and seniors you've never met!

While none of the following did these acts of kindness for any kind of attention or recognition...we at Gresham Ford this it is important to honor them as they deserve the media attention far more than the dark stories we have been showered with in recent weeks.

Fill-A-Bag would not have been possible without.....Burgerville, Classique Floors, Gresham Outlook, Drake's 7 Dees Garden Center, Riverview Community Bank (Gresham, Wood Village, Gateway), La Petit Academy, Troutdale General Store, Greater Gresham Baptist Church, Portland Adventist Elementary, Caffeinated Coffee Culture  Liberty Lighting, Oregonians Credit Union, Best Burger, Paisano Club, Crismon Lewis, Gresham Breakfast Lions, Gresham Rotary, West Columbia Gorge Rotary Club, Axis Design Group, Rick Stubblefield, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, Bob Battles of Dovetail Construction, Michael Calcagno, Nichole Snell, Kadels Auto Body, Marget Scott Elementary, Ryan & Tammy Johnson, Columbia Symphony, Advo Care Jean Crawford, Skyland Pub, Hems in a Hurry and I am running out of room so thanks to all the others.  Your reward is in your heart!~ Bess Wills

Gresham Ford Service Team,

Thank you very much for going above and beyond your duty to promptly take care of my truck's needs.  I will continue to bring my truck here for service because of the trust I have in your team!

Thanks again,
Cary

...even in the cold wind...

Hi Van,
This is Hannah.  You helped my husband Tim and I buy the Lincoln yesterday :)

I just wanted to send you a big thank you for all of your help.  It was really great to meet you and you made the whole experience so enjoyable...even in the cold wind!!  We feel so blessed to have found your dealership and are excited to know that when we are ready for a second car we can come back and work with great people.

Thanks again and have a great day!

Tim and Hannah

Hi Bess,
Good news travels and circles around.  One of our employees who lives in Gresham told me yesterday that she has utilized your open late auto service...she praised Gresham Ford for doing that, also talked about how good the service was, and especially how you, Bess Wills gives the community in so many ways.  Way to go...just thought you'd like to hear some good news!  Thanks for working with us as well. 

Best regards,
Lynda
Oregon Commission for the Blind

YMCA

Dear Bess,

2012 was an exciting year for the teens in the Teen Leadership Development programs at the Y.  Thanks to you and your support, over 193 teens were able to increase their leadership skills and gain self confidence by participating in leadership clubs, leadership conferences and becoming civilly engaged in our state government in fun and educational ways.  This school year brings even more excitement.  We have expanded our reach into  2 additional middle schools for the YMCA Youth and Government program, as well as 10 teens will be heading to Prague, Czech Republic in August 2013 for the YMCA Europe Youth Festival and we couldn't have done it without YOU!

Again, I want to thank you for your support and belief in the teens.

DB

Hearts of Gold Pet Services

Our 4th Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive for SnowCap was a huge success.  5,309 pounds of pet food were donated.  Amazing!

We couldn't have done it without your help.

Thank you!!

Lauren & Ken
Hearts of Gold Pet Services