DEALER PRINCIPAL SALUTED FOR 16 YEARS OF FUELING THE "DRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE."

While auto industry leaders downshift, Bartow Ford Company accelerates commitment to community and education.

In a time of economic tensions and spending reform, the next generations are confronted with tightened budgets, relentless increases in living expenses and an inevitable rise in tuitions. It has never before been so critical for community leaders of honesty, trust and integrity to cultivate education advocacy.

Benny Robles Sr., Chairman and President of Bartow Ford Company, has been that critical community leader in Polk County for over 30 years.

In a recent nomination for Ford Motor Company's 'Salute to Dealers' honoree, Mr. Robles and Bartow Ford Company have been highly regarded for their enthusiastic commitment to learning.

To promote this core belief Bartow Ford Company is involved in several programs that encourage learning and pave the way for students to better afford higher education.

For 16 years the "Drive for Excellence" program inspires students to achieve good grades and perfect attendance. Every junior and senior of Polk County attaining A's, B's and perfect attendance have multiple chances to be entered in a drawing for a free vehicle that is given away at the conclusion of the school year. On the day of the drawing, families gather in an electrified event to see which one of the 20 finalist have the winning key to their new Mustang.

In conjunction with Publix Supermarkets and the local Wal-Mart, Bartow Ford participates in the "Back-to-School" drive where F-150's are staged throughout their trade area to receive school supply donations. These supplies are distributed by the school system to those in need.

Annually, Bartow Ford gives away two $1,000.00 scholarships through Polk Education Foundation. One of the qualifications is an essay on "Honesty, Trust and Integrity."

Art Rowbotham, President of Hall Communications which owns WPCV 97County among other radios stations states, "Benny Robles epitomizes the 60 year tradition of integrity and excellence that is Bartow Ford."

Benjamin J Robles Sr. was born in Spain, grew up in Cuba and was sent to a Cuban refugee camp in Miami as a young man. His personal commitment to excellence while embracing opportunity is the foundation of an involved community member. With passionate fervor Benny adds, "An opportunity to get an education was given to me in this country. I want to give this opportunity to others."

Bartow Ford Company has proudly served Polk County and the Tampa Bay market since founded in 1948. Florida's #1 volume Ford Super Duty and Commercial Truck dealer along with 30 acres of property provides an inventory selection to suit everyone. Being a premier Ford Dealer the additional services provided are; expert service technicians using OEM Ford auto parts, a body shop, car rental service, full detail service and financial services.