BRIGHTON, Mich., January 13, 2009 – Chanting “Go Dogs!” at high school football games is just one way that Todd and Scott Spitler support the Brighton Bulldogs and their community. More significantly, the third-generation automotive dealers are generous in their contributions of time, financial support and other resources.

The sports field’s $15,000 scoreboard was donated by Brighton Ford Mercury, which also rewards fans and the district with giveaways. Home game spectators get 3,000 free raffle tickets, with a $100 winner chosen each quarter. A matching $400 goes to Brighton High School’s Athletic Department for each of the five local games.

“We believe strongly in investing in our community, and what better way to get involved than through the schools,” said Todd Spitler, who joins his brother in operating the dealership their father Jerry started in 1988.

That civic spirit also benefits Brighton’s five elementary schools, which each receive $1,000 annually for art supplies, and to the American Cancer Society, which benefits from a yearly fundraiser.

In recognition of outstanding corporate citizenship, Todd and Scott Spitler have earned a Salute To Dealers award from Ford Motor Company. They are among six North American dealer principals who will receive the ninth annual tribute at a ceremony held Jan. 23 preceding the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention in New Orleans. Honorees were selected from among the nearly 6,000 Ford Motor Company dealers across the United States and Canada for exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities.

“For nine years, Salute To Dealers has recognized some of the very best corporate citizens within the Ford Motor Company dealer network,” said Edsel B. Ford II, member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “The efforts put forth by Todd and Scott provide living proof that despite challenging times, individuals of great character and generosity step forward and support their communities. We have been fortunate that for more than a century, Ford Motor Company has drawn strength from individuals of this caliber.”

As the grandsons of a Ford dealer who operated in the Detroit suburb of Wayne, Mich., the Spitlers extend more than a business legacy. “Our family has a tradition of sharing our success by giving back to the areas we serve,” noted Scott Spitler, whose father now runs dealerships in Florida and North Carolina. “If we do business in a community, we should keep resources there.”

Targeted Contributions Strengthen Schools
In addition to football season support for Brighton Area Schools, the dealers encourage young artists by hosting a holiday painting contest each December at their West Grand River Avenue showroom. Each elementary school receives $1,000 for materials to promote creativity and the importance of art. Student artists decorate large windows at the dealership to compete for a traveling trophy awarded by local judges.

“Athletic and art programs are among the first to be cut when districts trim budgets,” explained Todd Spitler. “Those areas deserve support to strengthen our community.”

Their support makes the brothers trophy-worthy champions in the view of John Thompson, director of interscholastic athletics at Brighton Area Schools. “Brighton Ford’s vision and understanding of our local community and its role as a leader is unparalleled in my experience in education,” he said. “[Todd and Scott] are consistently involved in bettering opportunities for our kids and their families, and call regularly with fresh ideas.”

Another charitable commitment involves the dealership’s 45 mechanics, who wear pink T-shirts each October to support their “Wrenching for a Cure” drive to support cancer research. They and other Brighton Ford Mercury employees solicit donations from customers, friends and family members – an effort that began in 2007 by raising more than $3,700, which the Spitlers matched.

Civic leadership does not end with writing checks. Scott Spitler is vice-chairman at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, for which the dealership hosts an annual Business Breakfast Expo as a networking event. Scott sees it as a way to “promote relationships in the community so dollars don’t leave here.”

The brothers earn gratitude from neighbors and business associates by extending the philanthropic heritage of their father and grandfather. “People know they can count on us,” Todd Spitler said. “We have a good reputation for supporting the community. We’re often the first call.”

The brothers believe good citizenship is a vital part of good business. “If we do the right thing for the community,” Scott Spitler added, “people will do the right thing for us.”

Salute To Dealers is a Ford Motor Company initiative that recognizes Dealer Principals who improve the lives of those in need while providing outstanding products and services. The nominees and honorees have made a remarkable impact, with each year's group participating in hundreds of causes. Among the 2009 honorees are a dealer who has spearheaded countless fundraising efforts to benefit women and children in her community; a California dealer who has committed countless hours and resources to support breast cancer awareness and a youth services program that touches the lives of homeless and low income children by providing basic living essentials and educational services; a dealer who was instrumental in providing much needed relief to local tornado victims and school supplies to children in Afghanistan; and a father of six children who helped save a local YMCA from closing its doors so that it could continue to provide for the community.

Salute To Dealers, now in its ninth year, is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. “I am continually amazed by the unselfish efforts of our nominees and honorees who provide countless hours and resources to better the lives of those in their communities and beyond,” Ford said. “Their commitment and the example they set for others is truly inspiring and very touching.” This year, 60 exceptional dealers from 26 states and Canada were nominated for the ninth annual award. Dealer Principals representing all Ford Motor Company brands – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda – are eligible to be nominated by regional representatives. A panel of judges selects the honorees based on the dealer’s individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation.