Salute to Dealers

Dealer Principals Honored with the 2010 Salute To Dealers
Left to right: Phil Smith of Dick Smith Ford, Raytown, Missouri, Dan Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Lincoln Mercury, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Edsel B. Ford, Don Price of Lafayette Ford, Inc, Fayetteville, North Carolina and Gregg Middlekauff of Middlekauff Ford/Lincoln Mercury, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Ford annually recognizes dealers' outstanding contributions to their communities through its "Salute to Dealers" program. The program was established in 2001 to demonstrate our commitment to dealers who provide outstanding products and services and improve the lives of those in need. Dealers from all four of our brands (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo), representing nearly 4,000 dealership franchises in the United States and Canada, were eligible to be nominated. Ford is very proud of the contributions made by the dealers who are nominated for this award and the 82 men and women who have been selected as Salute to Dealers honorees since the program's inception. Considering the high quality and community spirit of our dealer body, this is a tribute to their hard work and dedication to make the world a better place.

Of the 69 nominations received, four dealer principals were chosen for the 2010 Salute to Dealers award. They are:

• Daniel Pfeiffer, Pfeiffer Lincoln Mercury, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  Through the years, Dan Pfeiffer has positively affected countless lives by actively participating in fundraising for charitable organizations and community development projects. His dealership recently donated time and materials to repair vehicles for more than 20 needy families in the area. As a huge supporter of the arts and culture, Dan was also instrumental in bringing to the community a botanical garden and sculpture park, which attracts nearly 600,000 visitors a year. His fundraising efforts and donation of family land were also key to the construction of Faith Hospice of Byron Center, which provides compassionate, end-of-life care and allows family members to stay with their loved ones.
• Don Price, Lafayette Ford, Fayetteville, North Carolina
  Family values and a tradition of respect and personal involvement characterize Don Price's commitment to the community, where he serves an active role in the Kiwanis Club, the local school system and the Military Affairs Council. With a focus on education and military sponsorship, Don is dedicated to improving education and the quality of life for our military troops and their families. He regularly holds "welcome home" and other celebrations at his home for the soldiers and airmen of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base and their families, as well as raising funds to support educational scholarships and grants.
• Gregg Middlekauff, Middlekauff Ford Lincoln Mercury, Twin Falls, Idaho
  Gregg Middlekauff has a deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of children in the community, as witnessed by his active leadership roles in key organizations and causes. These include serving as President of the local Boys & Girls Club, where he contributes his time and funding; the establishment of the Middlekauff Foundation, whose motto is, "Change a child's life...change the world;" and his Commitment to Kids event, where his dealership performs free safety checks on car seats and bicycles. Gregg also contributes considerable time and funds to support the Southern Idaho Learning Center, an organization that works with children who have learning disabilities.
• Phil Smith, Dick Smith Ford, Raytown, Missouri
  Reaching out to neighbors, whether they are thousands of miles away or just down the street, is the passion behind Phil Smith's life. His support and on-site involvement in the Guatemala Ministry and the annual Labor of Love fundraising walks have touched thousands of lives. In addition to these efforts, he regularly volunteers at a local soup kitchen and at the Jackson County Prison, where he provides spiritual support and guidance to prisoners.