Bartow Ford Co News and Events

Bartow, Fl May 2010 -Bartow Ford hosted its 17th annual "Drive for Excellence," an achievement program that offers Polk County juniors and seniors the chance to win a 2010 Mustang.

Anjali Nair, senior at Bartow High, won a new 2010 red Mustang Coupe when her key turned the lock of the vehicle. She was fifth in a line of 20 top qualifiers who all randomly picked keys for their chance to win a new car.

“I can’t believe I won. I’m the pessimist in the family” Anjali gushed. Upon graduation she will attend Polk State College and The College of Medicine at the University of Florida with plans on becoming a family doctor. Sanal Nair, Anjali’s father, proudly notes “She’s an excellent student.”
The Drive For Excellence program encourages junior and senior high school students attending public and private schools in Polk County to submit their grades and attendance each grading period to Bartow Ford. Students register three times for every A, one time for every B and three times for perfect attendance. Twenty finalists are randomly drawn a week prior to the giveaway event.
Benny Robles, President of Bartow Ford, explains how the program began. “The Drive For Excellence morphed 17 years ago from another program we started. We would acknowledge the student with the highest GPA for a grading period with the free use of a Mustang the next quarter. Due to insurance liability we could no longer do that so we decided to give a car away. Celebrating the students’ achievements is what’s important.”    
“97 Country WPCV Radio has had the privilege to partner with Bartow Ford and its "Drive for Excellence" program from the very beginning” declares Art Rowbotham, President of Hall Communications. “Benny Robles and the Bartow Ford family are committed to recognizing education excellence, and helping our children have as many opportunities for growth and success as possible.   Bartow Ford's commitment to the education of our children is truly extraordinary.  This program also reflects Bartow Ford's commitment to excellence in all aspects of their business.  Congratulations to Bartow Ford on another successful year of the "Drive for Excellence."
For more information about the student achievement program go to www.DriveFordExcellence.com or contact Brittany Decker at 863.533.0425 or marketing@bartowford.com

About Bartow Ford
Bartow Ford Company has served Polk County, Central Florida and the Tampa Bay market since founded in 1948. A volume Ford dealer for Ford Super Duty and Commercial Trucks, cars and SUVs’ on 30 acres of property in Florida. As a premier Ford Motor Company Dealer, additional services are provided. To learn more about Bartow Ford Company go to www.BartowFord.com.

###

---

A NATIONAL AWARD PRESENTED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SUPERIOR SERVICE
AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS EARNED BY BARTOW FORD FOR THE 15TH TIME

Bartow, Fl April 23-Bartow Ford is among an elite group of Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealerships to be recognized with The 2009 President’s
Award by Ford Motor Company. The prestigious award honors dealerships
that have excelled in automotive retailing in 2009, by providing exceptional
customer service and satisfaction.

This year, Ford honors 380 Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers across the country
for delivering a superior customer experience in sales, service and overall
ownership of their Ford vehicle.

“Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff’s commitment to delivering
the best customer experience possible” says Benny Robles, President/Chairman.
“I couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition; especially since it comes
from people we value the most-our customers. They’re the reason we were able to
achieve this award.”

The President’s Award was developed in 1998. The previous award, The Chairman’s
Award, Bartow Ford first won in 1986. “Our customers and family have been very
loyal for so long, it’s something to admire.”

“The President’s Award signifies our gratitude for those dealers who reach beyond
and make a difference to their customers,” says Frederick Toney, vice president of
Ford Customer Service Division.

“We award our dealers for their outstanding commitment to our customers because just
as Ford strives to deliver, our dealers share the same passion in providing world-class
experience in vehicle sales and service.”

Note to Editors:
Bartow Ford Company has served Polk County, Central Florida and the Tampa Bay
market since founded in 1948. Ford’s #1 volume dealer in Florida and #2 in the Nation
for Ford Super Duty and Commercial Trucks on 30 acres of property provides an inventory
selection to suit everyone. As a premier Ford Dealer, additional services are provided.
To learn more about Bartow Ford Company go to http://www.BartowFord.com or
Contact Brittany Decker at 863.533.0425 or marketing@bartowford.com

###

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   

Contact: Brittany Decker                       
Ph: 800.533.0435 ext 286
Email: brittanyd@BartowFord.com


Bartow, FL – December 29, 2009 For the first time in Bartow High School history, the Bartow Varsity Cheerleaders advance to the UCA National Competition.  Bartow Ford took part in supporting their program by presenting $6,000 raised during the Ford Drive One 4 UR School fundraiser. 

Tina Ford, Inventory Manager, and Kristy Carter, Commercial Sales Manager at Bartow Ford, along with the cheerleading team, conducted the test-drive fundraising event at Wal-Mart in Bartow on October     9-10.  Bartow High received $20 from Ford Motor Company for each of the 300 valid test-drives completed.

Bartow High took home the UCA Regional title on December 5 in Orlando and won the bid for the national competition, which will be televised on ESPN.  The funds raised will send the Bartow Varsity Cheerleaders to the UCA National Competition at the Wide World of Sports Disney Compound on February 14, 2010, making history.

The co-ed BHS Cheerleading team will also be competing for their second FHSAA state title at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee on February 6. They will be attending the American Championships January 15 in Daytona Beach and hosting 2nd annual Cheerleading Championship January 30. 
Coach Lori Jolliff believes the Drive One 4 UR School fundraiser is very important to Bartow High School.  “We are so thankful to Bartow Ford for their endless support of BHS Cheerleading.  Your dedication to our program has made a lasting impact on these kids’ lives, and you have provided opportunities that, without your help, these kids would not be able to have.” 

Bartow Ford President Benny Robles adds, “We’ve always believed in rewarding a commitment to education. We’ll continue to support Bartow High School, and other schools in the area with programs dedicated to education, like Drive One 4 UR School and Drive for Excellence.”

Bartow Ford supports Polk County’s educational system by participating in fundraisers and car giveaways that benefit local students.  One mustang is given away each year to a Polk county high school student in the Drive for Excellence program based on good grades and attendance.

Bartow Ford Company, an award winning Ford dealership, has proudly served Polk County and Central Florida since its founding in 1948. Florida’s #1 volume Ford Super Duty and Commercial Truck dealer is located on 30 acres of property, assuring a large inventory selection.  A premier Ford Dealer, Bartow Ford is able to provide addition services including expert service technicians using OEM Ford auto parts, full commercial services, a body shop, car rental service, full detail service and financial services. To learn more about Bartow Ford Company go to www.BartowFord.com.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Benny Robles Sr., please contact Brittany Decker at 863.533.0425 ext 286 or brittanyd@bartowford.com

---

2009 DRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE Mustang WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS Amanda Burke of Sonrise Christian. Drive for Excellence WINNER of a NEW 2009 Ford Mustang.

At Bartow Ford we believe it is our responsibility to cultivate great leadership by actions of integrity and acknowledging standards founded in excellence.

For 16 years the "Drive for Excellence" program inspires students to achieve good grades and perfect attendance by giving away a NEW Mustang to a drawing winner.

Our 16th annual Drive for Excellence event awarding Polk County Junior and Senior high school students who are dedicated to academic achievement and perfect attendance. Each year Juniors & Seniors at Polk County Schools, public or private, have multiple chances to be entered into a drawing to win a NEW Mustang. Throughout the school year students submit a copy of their report card to Bartow Ford. Students register 3X for every "A", 1X for every "B" and register 3X for Perfect Attendance. 20 finalist are drawn over the course of a week prior to the event.

This year's finalist are:
Rochelle Hoyt of Kathleen, Catherine Vega of Lake Region, Dana Winter of Harrision, Tiffany Porter of Ft Meade, Jonathan Munoz of George Jenkins, Joshua Jones of Auburndale, Andrew Miller of Lake Gibson, Dezirae Ketterman of Tenoroc, Jessica Lyle of Lake Region, Danny Shoumake of Lake Wales, Jessie Pratt of George Jenkins, Katie Welch of Sante Fe, Courtney Trudell of Auburndale, Meagan Jones of Bartow, Trey Taylor of Mulberry, Paris McKinnish of Ft Meade, Jessica King of Summerlin, Christian Taylor of Bartow, Lindsey Bedsole of Mulberry, Kristen Lane of Haines City, Ashley Mutzker of Lake Gibson, Justin Cervllo of Lake Wales.

We are very proud of ALL the students who qualified for the giveaway.

"Back-to-School" Drive

In conjunction with Publix Supermarkets and the local Wal-Mart, Bartow Ford participates in the "Back-to-School" drive assisting in the collection of donated school supplies that are distributed by the school system to those in need.  

Polk Education Foundation

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".

FFA Polk County Youth Fair

Every January the FFA Polk County Youth Fair receives $10,000 towards the purchase of livestock from Bartow Ford.


In addition to exceptional business leadership, Bartow Ford offers outstanding automotive expertise as a by-product of our sustained interest in industry trends.

We are privileged to share the latest news, promotions and events with you and hope the information will enhance your research experience.

Bartow's New Road Has Old Name

By Suzie Schottelkotte
THE LEDGER

Published: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 10:24 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 10:24 p.m.

BARTOW | When the new connector road is built north of Bartow, it will bear the same name as the initial leg of the roadway - Ernest Smith Boulevard.

City commissioners have agreed to keep that name as the road is extended east to U.S. 17.
The existing road hugs the northern boundary of Bartow Ford, the car dealership Smith founded more than half a century ago. Read more here...