Vehicles for Change Best Customer Service Center
It was a beautiful night to be a
t the Inner Harbor in Baltimore to celebrate and recognize some great organizations. Everyone was dressed to impress, even with suits with ties that matched their partners’ dresses. The atmosphere in Federal Hill was perfect for the event. A delicious dinner was served and lots of networking was going on. Dynamic Automotive was there to have a good time and enjoy the night. In all, 13 of us were in attendance to represent Dynamic Automotive and our beliefs. Vehicles for Change, a Baltimore based non-profit organization, wanted to recognize the automotive repair in
dustry that they associate with to help low-income families improve their financial position with access to reliable and convenient transportation and job training. By helping people in need with reliable transportation they are able to get to work, obtain better paying employment and improve the quality of life for their entire family. Much of this is possible through donations made by individuals. Many cars are donated that are in need of repair and Vehicles for Change is able to take a car, fix it up and deliver it to a needing family. This is possible because of its efforts involving Full Circle Service Center. This service center is a low income repair facility, training center and allows Vehicles for Change the ability to place cars in good mechanical condition. Without this combined partnership the program would not be possible. One of the programs that Full Circle Service Center provides is the opportunity for individuals who have run into legal trouble and are in need of a fresh start a means to have one. They train former inmates’ with new skills in the automotive repair and service industry. Their focus is to provide a means to an end. By utilizing education and giving someone a chance, they are able to break the cycle and truly change someone’s life for the better. An automotive service technician is an honorable career that can support a family comfortably. Being able to provide for one’s self and family is essential for someone’s well-being.
Vehicles fo
r Change wanted to recognize Automotive Repair Shops in Maryland for their dedication to exceptional customer service. The automotive repair field has not always had the best reputation but many are excellent organizations that strive to take care of the customer and put their best interest first. Martin Schwartz, President of Vehicles for Change, wanted to recognize automotive repair facilities that provide the best possible customer service. Winners were announced September 21st at the American Visionary Arts Museum. All finalists were recognized for the great work they do in their communities and industry. Two winners were selected from 3 different categories that included dealerships, chain garages and independently-owned garages. A total of 60 entries were received that were narrowed down to 21 finalists based on their written application and video interview. The final 21 contestants were judges on performance in: valet service, staff performance, quoting practices, facility upkeep, timeliness of service and condition of the vehicle when the service was completed. Schwartz says that these finalist represent the “Cream of the Crop” in their field and he went on to say, “As an organization founded on the principle that cars translate to freedom and opportunity, Vehicles for Change is proud to honor these dealerships and garages for the outstanding service they deliver to keep their customers’ vehicles up and running.”
The six winners for the 2016 Best of Service Award Winners were:
Chain Garages
Admiral Tire and Auto Care – Annapolis
Jiffy Lube – Reisterstown
Dealerships
Herb Gordon Subaru
Heritage Mazda Owings Mills
Independently-Owned Repair Shops
Caton Auto Clinic
Dynamic Automotive
About VFC
Vehicles for Change accepts and repairs donated cars and awards them to pre-qualified families for as little as $850, enabling low-income families to become self-sufficient. A nonprofit organization, VFC
receives 99 percent of its car donations from the public. Since 1999, VFC has awarded more than 5,200 cars to low-income families, changing the lives of more than 17,500 people. Eligible families are referred to VFC through partnering social service type agencies. VFC car donors gain a substantial tax advantage that’s not available with most other charities. VFC is one of the few organizations in the country that makes it possible for donors to deduct the full fair market values of their car, because their donation is awarded to a low-income family. (Information attained from Vehicles for Change Email)
For additional information about Vehicles for Change, or to donate a vehicle, visit www.vehiclesforchange.org or call 855-820-7990. Follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter @vehicles4change, and explore their official hashtag “#VFCjourney.”
Dwayne Myers