Local dealership cited for excellent business practices, involvement in the community
By Karen Donato-Duff
Staff Writer
Dick and Jerry York, owners of York’s of Houlton located in Houlton have received the 2007 Toyota Motor Sales President’s Award. The 22nd annual award was presented to a select group of dealerships across the country. It is the first time the York family has received the President’s Award. This is an honor given to those dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining Toyota’s high standards for customer satisfaction and quality.
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Karen Donato-Duff
HONORED BY INDUSTRY — Jerry and Dick York take a look at the September 8th subscriber’s issue of TIME magazine featuring a full-page ad recognizing their excellence in service to their customers and their support of community projects. The York’s substantial donation to build the new Community Arts Center demonstrates their dedication to the area.
In order to qualify as a President’s Award winner, dealerships must excel in delivering great products and providing stellar customer care in all areas of dealership operations. York’s became involved with a program called Image USA II offered by the Toyota Corporation. Employees participated in several training sessions and additional educational programs. From this training they became more aware of the details of the business and how important it was to offer the best quality service to their customers.
The Yorks are very appreciative of the effort their employees demonstrated in supporting this program and their business.
“Our employees are a vital part of our success,” Dick York said. When asked if they ever thought they might receive this award, he replied, “It was always a dream, however we are so far away from the corporate offices in Torrance, Calif. and we are such a ‘small town’ business, I doubted that we had much of a chance.”
Jerry York added that the guidelines were very stringent. However, it just seemed to fall into place as they have been a leader in Toyota sales in New England, and along with the enthusiasm of their employees, and their commitment to detail, it has become a reality.
Another prerequisite to this award is community involvement. York’s of Houlton has been recognized for its ongoing community support, and especially Houlton High School’s drive for a new Community Arts Center. This thriving arts community is raising $5 million to house a new 13,000-square-foot auditorium expansion that will include a new band room, chorus room and dance rehearsal space. In addition to helping jump-start the drive with a sizable contribution, the dealership has worked to keep the project rolling. When completed, the town’s 100-member band, chorus, children’s theater and chamber orchestra will also use the facility.
In recognition of this Presidential Award, a special York’s of Houlton ad has been included in the September 8th subscriber’s issue of TIME magazine. These special issues are not available on the local newsstands, however.
The full-page ad features a photo of the Yorks with Houlton High Band Director Joseph Fagnant and Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick standing in front of the high school. In the ad, Jerry York stated that members of their families are graduates of Houlton High School and that many of their children have been involved in the arts program there. Many other HHS graduates from all across the country are taking the Yorks lead and making donations. They hope you will, too.
Congratulations to the Yorks and their dedicated employees. You have gone the extra mile, demonstrating your hometown commitment and “County” work ethic.
