Ford Lincoln Mercury
1108 W. Main Street, Van Wert, OH 45891
- New: 800-262-3866
- Used: 800-262-3866
- Service: 888-781-0117
- Parts: 888-781-2134
Editorials
“Enjoy Your Vacation”
Sometimes it feels like we live in a leisure-time-all-the-time world. Many folks work just so they can relax and that’s okay. Still, even with that round the calendar “on-vacation” attitude that is so pervasive August remains the most popular month for actual vacations. To that I say, “Enjoy Your Vacation.”
Rest assured the StateWide companies never take a vacation. We are here ready to serve you 52 weeks of the year. Though we provide products to a wide variety of consumers and municipalities the essence of what we do is service intensive. Service companies are needed year round, so we will not be at DisneyWorld or Cedar Point or The Great Smokey Mountains or any other vacation destination during August.
Before you go, while you’re gone, and when you return StateWide will be open for business. Here are four StateWiders waiting to serve your automotive needs.
- Ben Showalter is a Service Advisor in the Ford Lincoln Mercury Service Department. Ben lives right here in Van Wert and has been with StateWide for 5 years. He is reliable and has the car business in his DNA because his grandparents owned and operated Wells Motors for years. Engaged to be married he is also a big NASCAR fan.
- The sometimes tricky administrative part of the car business runs smoothly at StateWide because of Cindy Grubaugh, Office Manager. She’s been serving our customers for 2 years and is married with one child. “The job’s not done until the paperwork’s done,” is a phrase that doesn’t worry us because we have Cindy on our team. However, whatever you do don’t complain to her about Ohio winters. She lived in Alaska for six years.
- Who ya gonna call next time you have a fender bender? Call Jesse Hardesty, Estimator for Superior Collision. A Van Wert resident Jesse is happily married, has one child, and has been with the StateWide companies for 3 years. The innate ability to envision how to piece together a damaged vehicle to be like new might stem from Jess’s skill as an unbelievable Quilter.
- Steve Munroe, General Manager of StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury, has served Van Wert car buyers for 17 years. Married with three well behaved children Steve is an Elder (church term, not in reference to his age) at First Presbyterian. In the early part of his career he worked for eight years at the World Trade Center in New York City.
These are just a few of many faces of StateWide. They are valuable team members not on vacation in August, so you can relax and “Enjoy Your Vacation.”
August 2010
“Courage”
Nearly all characteristics and traits in human beings are loved and despised by different people. There are only a few we can actually agree upon. One of the only traits which is universally admired is courage. Courage is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Most of us would like to say we are courageous. However, courage is not something you can just say you have. Courage must be demonstrated and tested. The vocation often equated with courage is that of being a firefighter. Here in the Midwest with small villages and population pockets separated by miles and miles, the job of being a fireman in many towns falls to volunteers or part timers. No less courageous than career firefighters on Fire Departments in larger towns and cities, volunteers hold down jobs and careers in other fields, too. Even children demonstrate the respect we hold for firefighters by expressing a desire to be a firemen at early ages.
At the StateWide companies we are proud of the Volunteer Fire Fighters who work with us by day and wear their courage 24 hours a day:
· Brandon Bowen, Chief, Ohio City Volunteer Fire Dept
· Dave Matarese, Captain, Ohio City Volunteer Fire Dept
· Pat Freeman, Captain, Middlepoint Volunteer Fire Dept
· Nate Wiechart, Fireman, Middlepoint Volunteer Fire Dept
· Ryan Wiechart, Fireman, Ottoville Volunteer Fire Dept
These guys are valued employees who contribute to our success at StateWide. Additionally, they courageously contribute to the safety and security of their communities. Having gone through rigorous training and having passed difficult tests, they have earned the right to risk their own safety and lives to try to save the property and lives of others. They are courage personified.
April 2010
“Luke 12:48”
Those who know me might be surprised to hear me quoting scripture. I do not wear my faith on my lapel. However, Luke 12:48 is timely and topical. To save you the trouble of looking it up, it goes like this “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” Maybe you’re more familiar with the quote from John F. Kennedy, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Basically, Luke and JFK were saying, we should step up and take responsibility.
The United Way of Van Wert County is wrapping up the current year’s campaign and they are short of their goal. Our local United Way is not an extravagantly run organization. In fact, it’s a very lean operation with the vast majority of the budget going directly to those in Van Wert County requiring the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. There are no luxurious offices, high salaries, or fancy cars for the staff. Van Wert’s United Way works hard and is prudent with expenses. The contributions collected locally stay local and benefit local families. And it is not a new institution in Van Wert -- the United Way of Van Wert County was established in 1922 to "increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another." If ever there was a charity worthy of your support, your local United Way is it.
Here at the StateWide companies we support the United Way. Our employees, associates, and companies give as generously as they are able. We all benefit from the support the community gives us and the United Way is how we can give support back to the community.
Perhaps you don’t feel you’ve been given much and much should not be expected of you. However, if you don’t receive assistance from the United Way, then you have more than those who do. Rewording the quote, “To whom more is given, more is expected.” It won’t take many more people to either give the first time or to give a little more a second time for the goal to be reached. So, step up and give more to the United Way of Van Wert County. Please, mail a contribution to the United Way or Van Wert County, 1151 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.
March 2010
Several years ago I heard a motivational speaker discuss the concept of an anchor and how it relates to our lives. Most think of boats or ships and how an anchor prevents the boat from drifting when sitting idle. However, to venture forth and do more a boat has to raise its anchor. Similarly, in life we need to “raise our anchor” to improve our status, excel at a job, get a job, enrich a personal relationship, improve our physical fitness, or achieve our financial objectives. We have to break with what we are doing to do something new and different and better. Sometimes your anchor can be a level of comfort with a situation as it is. Raising that anchor requires doing something uncomfortable and that’s not easy. It takes courage and commitment. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with cancer that was supposed to take my life. It would have been easy to say glad I have a lot of life insurance, it’s been a good life, and to quietly slip away. I decided to raise my anchor, to seek difficult and painful treatment, experience hell on earth, and to live. I just celebrated my 9th birthday since the bone marrow transplant and I am cancer free. Ford Motor Company was part of the damaged and hurting Big Three Detroit auto manufacturers whose death knell had sounded for years. Fords leadership raised its anchor, did not take government bail-out money, made difficult financial decisions, and designed cars that today’s consumers need and want to buy. Eleven months ago Ford stock traded at $1.58 a share, today it is trading at over $12.00 a share (nearly an eight-fold increase) and its CEO, Alan Mulally, has been named Man of the Year by Automobile Magazine . . . because Ford raised its anchor. For nearly two decades StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury has served Van Wert consumers one vehicle at a time like most car dealers. We have been thrilled with every sale and intend to continue to supply new & used vehicles, service, parts, and the many other ways StateWide contributes and participates in the community. Yet, StateWide raised its anchor and left its comfort zone to pursue contracts with agencies and municipalities throughout the state. Recently, this anchor raising has won a contract for Ohio Law Enforcement vehicles for $15 million, a contact with City of Columbus to supply Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, and is the low bidder on a yet to be awarded contract for Ford Expeditions for the State of Ohio. My question to you . . . What are you doing to raise your anchor? Jan 2010
“At least there’s hope,” overheard about a sick patient. “Hope springs eternal,” a poet wrote. Roy Rogers wife, Dale Evans, sang, “. . . faith, hope and charity, that’s the way to live successfully.” Hope is offered up when there’s little else. Hope is the last jutting rock to grab onto as we slide over the edge of the cliff. Much is made of and much is spoken of hope. Hope is important. However, in 2010 in Van Wert, Ohio we have much more than hope. First, we have each other. In years past the collective strength of our friends, family, and fellow residents has seen us through the ravages of weather catastrophes, the uncertainty of political upheavals, and the difficulty of tough economic times. “We” will sustain us again. Technically, the economic recession is over and, whether or not you agreed with the method, a financial sector meltdown was averted. Ford Motor Co. turned a profit in the 3rd quarter and its U.S. competitors have emerged from bankruptcy. For the first time in nearly a year, monthly consumer spending is up. Throughout 2009 consumer debt has fallen and few gift-givers are racking up big debts compared to past Christmas seasons. And though the County still has budget woes, the City of Van Wert will end the year with a surplus -- a feat previously considered impossible. It seems that making prudent business decisions in our personal, political, and professional lives has become the norm. This all bodes well for 2010. On New Year’s Day 2009 very little seemed promising. We and the entire country rode the lack of promise down the face of the economic wave to the trough. There we have worked to get into position to catch the building swell and ride the new wave to its crest. It has not been easy, but we have survived to make a difference in 2010. So, in the Prosperous Promise of the New Year: 1) Do a good deed. 2) Donate to those less fortunate. 3) Hug your kids. 4) Visit the elderly. 5) Give of your time to a good cause. 6) Be thankful for good health and commit to a healthier year ahead. 7) Be glad to live in a land of freedoms without civil unrest or war. 8) Take the initiative to individually and independently improve your life and the lives of loved ones. 9) Spend more time with family. 10) Look forward not back. Hope is good. Hope should be embraced in all aspects of life. Hope is uplifting even when at our lowest. We’ll always have hope and we have More Than Hope in 2010. November 2009 “Raise Your Anchor”
“More Than Hope in 2010”
October 2009
“United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
In the year 1768 the American Revolutionary War patriot John Dickinson wrote “The Liberty Song.” It was in response to the Townsend Act, a new unjust tax foisted upon the American Colonies. The lyrics are mostly forgotten, but two lines have been paraphrased and used repeatedly over the years and still have significance for us today right here in Van Wert, Ohio.
“Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;”
We have accomplished much by uniting around common causes. Recently, as a united community we passed the Vantage Levy and made the Van Wert City Schools Levy permanent. We recognized and supported the need for and value of vocational education. Together we voted aside the absurd notion of having to decide every few years whether or not to fund our public schools.
The time has now come for us to apply the same fortitude and unity to resolve the serious issues that confront our city and county during challenging times. Bickering over personality conflicts, squabbling over petty differences, and elevating egos over the common good must be set aside. There is real work to be done and it can only be done collectively, together, as a team – UNITED.
Attention is paid to politics mostly during election campaigns. However, all the work of politicians is done between elections. That is where we are now and it is incumbent upon our elected and appointed officials to make hard choices and implement difficult changes to get our city and county through hard and difficult times. Maybe it’s time city and county create joint ventures in the areas of common interest and duplicated services to generate efficiencies to save money and resources. Some examples may already be implemented or impossible to put into action, but surely there exist many subjects to explore and areas to harvest cost-savings from. If you see one of our officials out and about, tell them how much you appreciate their service and efforts. Then, ask them what they are doing to save our money and resources and how they intend to work together to get us through these times. Oh, and don’t settle for the standard self-serving tripe that’s so often dished up. Insist on real answers to our real problems. Hold their feet to the fire, just as John Dickinson held King George’s feet to the fire in 1768.
These are serious times. We face serious issues. It is time for serious work. Let’s get started – together. “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
September 09 “Let’s Get Real!”
If it’s not happenin’ in Hollywood or Washington, DC or New York City, then it’s not worth our energy or attention. That’s the impression we get from the news, entertainment shows, popular magazines, and even our own conversations with friends and co-workers. It’s exciting. It’s glamorous. It’s . . . well . . . it’s not real.
So, what is real? What’s real is our day to day struggles and successes right here in Van Wert County. And even though not covered by the national media these efforts are extremely important and deserving of recognition and our support. For instance, an essential part of our nation’s existence and an industry that makes up over 50% of our local economy is agriculture.
There’s no better example of agriculture’s local impact than the Junior Fair Livestock Auction. Just concluded during the annual Van Wert County Fair, the auction raises tens of thousands of dollars for the young participants who dedicate tremendous amounts of time, money, and energy on their livestock projects. Additionally, it provides local youths with hands-on active involvement and quality experiences, which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. StateWide Ford Lincoln-Mercury is proud to be a bidder, a buyer, and a supporter of the Junior Fair Livestock Auction, which teaches our young how to control their own destiny.
One of the ways you can help our local farmers continue to control their own destiny is by voting Yes for Issue 2 on Election Day. Yes on Issue 2 will create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Not usually in favor of additional regulation or oversight, Van Wert farmers enthusiastically support this Board. It will be made up of Ohioans, including three family farmers, two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a local humane society rep, two members of Ohio farm organizations, an Ohio Ag college dean, and two members representing Ohio consumers. These Ohioans will keep out-of-state activist groups from setting rigid, inflexible and impractical rules for how livestock and poultry are raised. It will also keep our food supply safe and affordable, while keeping Ohio Agriculture’s destiny under the control of Ohioans. I will be voting Yes on Issue 2 and I’m encouraging all my friends, employees, and customers to vote Yes on Issue 2, as well.
So, Let’s Get Real! Join me in voting Yes on Issue 2 on Election Day.
August 09
“If you can’t buy from me…”
Anybody who knows me knows I am competitive. I want to win. Every challenge throughout my life has demonstrated this. It’s never more evident than when selling a vehicle at StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in VanWert.
At StateWide we do whatever it takes to win the deal. We work hard to earn your business and do everything within our power to make the car buying experience satisfactory. And we certainly do not expect customers to pay more or extra to deal with us. In fact,our goal is to give the highest trade in allowances, the lowest prices, award winning customer service, and the best financing on the area’s finest selection of new and used cars and trucks. We want to win!
However, if for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for at StateWide and you can’t buy from me,please take your business to one of the other Van Wert car dealers like Kinstle’s, Greve’s, or Taylor’s. Some may think I have lost my senses or my competitive spirit, but I assure you they are all intact.
The aforementioned businesses are all local to VanWert. They pay a lot of taxes that help maintain our city streets and pay for our police and fire protection. These are good, solid business-citizens who employ many people (probably neighbors or relatives of yours) and support other businesses within our community. The ripple effects of these competitors and StateWide are positive and far-reaching throughout the city and county. All of us contribute to charities, serve on committees and councils, belong to clubs, and most of the time when asked to donate to a worthy cause we dig into our pockets and give generously. In short, Kinstle’s, Greve’s,Taylors, and StateWide are the backbone of the community. Give them a chance at your business.
So, I guess what I’m saying is that if you can’t buy from me, at least buy local.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury
July 09
An Open Letter to Area Residents
“Congratulations, and the Future . . . ”
Congratulations to my new car competitors here in VanWert. Both Lee Kinstle GM and Greve Chrysler survived mandatory closings that befell thousands across the nation during recent dealership reductions. Some see only doom and gloom in the reductions,but I see that two of the largest manufacturing and marketing concerns in the world have said YES to Van Wert. These large corporations bear heavy costs associated with supporting a car dealership and the savings from these reductions will spur future growth and prosperity. Both GM and Chrysler believe enough in Van Wert to keep supporting its dealerships.
Whenever I see people out and about they ask me what it all means, what’s going to happen, what about Ford and StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in Van Wert. Ford Motor Company and its leadership had the foresight to get ready for the current situation. In the Fall of 2007 Ford borrowed $23-billion, sold off their Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin divisions. Additionally, the worldwide known nameplate Volvo is on the selling block awaiting the right buyer. The United Auto Workers have renegotiated a new contract with Ford making us competitive with the imports.
While Ford has not taken a single dime of government bail-out money,we have reduced our debt by more than 10 billion dollars and raised more than 1 billion in additional equity. We have created the model for the recovery of the auto industry. Without government ownership or intervention, Ford has revamped their entire line of vehicles including the all-new F-Series Trucks (the best selling line in the world), the New Fusion Hybrid that gets 41 mpg in the city, the New Ford Focus at 38 mpg runnin’ around town, and many vehicles with 5-Star Safety Ratings.
At StateWide, we run a lean operation so we can give you the best possible pricing on the best possible cars. Like Ford, we’re poised for economic recovery, but we aren’t waiting on the recovery to do whatever it takes to make you a 100% satisfied customer. We work hard to be worthy of your business and do everything within our power to earn it. So, congratulate our friends across town. They are worthy competition and stalwart VanWert citizen companies. StateWide wants your business and will do everything to earn it. We want to sell every car in the community, but if, for whatever reason, you can’t buy from us, please support our other local car dealers and keep your dollars circulating in and benefiting VanWert.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury
June 09
An Open Letter to Area Residents
“Congratulations, and the Future . . . ”
Congratulations to my new car competitors here in VanWert. Both Lee Kinstle GM and Greve Chrysler survived mandatory closings that befell thousands across the nation during recent dealership reductions. Some see only doom and gloom in the reductions,but I see that two of the largest manufacturing and marketing concerns in the world have said YES to Van Wert. These large corporations bear heavy costs associated with supporting a car dealership and the savings from these reductions will spur future growth and prosperity. Both GM and Chrysler believe enough in Van Wert to keep supporting its dealerships.
Whenever I see people out and about they ask me what it all means, what’s going to happen, what about Ford and StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in Van Wert. Ford Motor Company and its leadership had the foresight to get ready for the current situation. In the Fall of 2007 Ford borrowed $23-billion, sold off their Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin divisions. Additionally, the worldwide known nameplate Volvo is on the selling block awaiting the right buyer. The United Auto Workers have renegotiated a new contract with Ford making us competitive with the imports.
While Ford has not taken a single dime of government bail-out money,we have reduced our debt by more than 10 billion dollars and raised more than 1 billion in additional equity. We have created the model for the recovery of the auto industry. Without government ownership or intervention, Ford has revamped their entire line of vehicles including the all-new F-Series Trucks (the best selling line in the world), the New Fusion Hybrid that gets 41 mpg in the city, the New Ford Focus at 38 mpg runnin’ around town, and many vehicles with 5-Star Safety Ratings.
At StateWide, we run a lean operation so we can give you the best possible pricing on the best possible cars. Like Ford, we’re poised for economic recovery, but we aren’t waiting on the recovery to do whatever it takes to make you a 100% satisfied customer. We work hard to be worthy of your business and do everything within our power to earn it. So, congratulate our friends across town. They are worthy competition and stalwart VanWert citizen companies. StateWide wants your business and will do everything to earn it. We want to sell every car in the community, but if, for whatever reason, you can’t buy from us, please support our other local car dealers and keep your dollars circulating in and benefiting VanWert.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury
“Enjoy Your Vacation”
Sometimes it feels like we live in a leisure-time-all-the-time world. Many folks work just so they can relax and that’s okay. Still, even with that round the calendar “on-vacation” attitude that is so pervasive August remains the most popular month for actual vacations. To that I say, “Enjoy Your Vacation.”
Rest assured the StateWide companies never take a vacation. We are here ready to serve you 52 weeks of the year. Though we provide products to a wide variety of consumers and municipalities the essence of what we do is service intensive. Service companies are needed year round, so we will not be at DisneyWorld or Cedar Point or The Great Smokey Mountains or any other vacation destination during August.
Before you go, while you’re gone, and when you return StateWide will be open for business. Here are four StateWiders waiting to serve your automotive needs.
- Ben Showalter is a Service Advisor in the Ford Lincoln Mercury Service Department. Ben lives right here in Van Wert and has been with StateWide for 5 years. He is reliable and has the car business in his DNA because his grandparents owned and operated Wells Motors for years. Engaged to be married he is also a big NASCAR fan.
- The sometimes tricky administrative part of the car business runs smoothly at StateWide because of Cindy Grubaugh, Office Manager. She’s been serving our customers for 2 years and is married with one child. “The job’s not done until the paperwork’s done,” is a phrase that doesn’t worry us because we have Cindy on our team. However, whatever you do don’t complain to her about Ohio winters. She lived in Alaska for six years.
- Who ya gonna call next time you have a fender bender? Call Jesse Hardesty, Estimator for Superior Collision. A Van Wert resident Jesse is happily married, has one child, and has been with the StateWide companies for 3 years. The innate ability to envision how to piece together a damaged vehicle to be like new might stem from Jess’s skill as an unbelievable Quilter.
- Steve Munroe, General Manager of StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury, has served Van Wert car buyers for 17 years. Married with three well behaved children Steve is an Elder (church term, not in reference to his age) at First Presbyterian. In the early part of his career he worked for eight years at the World Trade Center in New York City.
These are just a few of many faces of StateWide. They are valuable team members not on vacation in August, so you can relax and “Enjoy Your Vacation.”
August 2010
“Courage”
Nearly all characteristics and traits in human beings are loved and despised by different people. There are only a few we can actually agree upon. One of the only traits which is universally admired is courage. Courage is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Most of us would like to say we are courageous. However, courage is not something you can just say you have. Courage must be demonstrated and tested. The vocation often equated with courage is that of being a firefighter. Here in the Midwest with small villages and population pockets separated by miles and miles, the job of being a fireman in many towns falls to volunteers or part timers. No less courageous than career firefighters on Fire Departments in larger towns and cities, volunteers hold down jobs and careers in other fields, too. Even children demonstrate the respect we hold for firefighters by expressing a desire to be a firemen at early ages.
At the StateWide companies we are proud of the Volunteer Fire Fighters who work with us by day and wear their courage 24 hours a day:
· Brandon Bowen, Chief, Ohio City Volunteer Fire Dept
· Dave Matarese, Captain, Ohio City Volunteer Fire Dept
· Pat Freeman, Captain, Middlepoint Volunteer Fire Dept
· Nate Wiechart, Fireman, Middlepoint Volunteer Fire Dept
· Ryan Wiechart, Fireman, Ottoville Volunteer Fire Dept
These guys are valued employees who contribute to our success at StateWide. Additionally, they courageously contribute to the safety and security of their communities. Having gone through rigorous training and having passed difficult tests, they have earned the right to risk their own safety and lives to try to save the property and lives of others. They are courage personified.
April 2010
“Luke 12:48”
Those who know me might be surprised to hear me quoting scripture. I do not wear my faith on my lapel. However, Luke 12:48 is timely and topical. To save you the trouble of looking it up, it goes like this “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” Maybe you’re more familiar with the quote from John F. Kennedy, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Basically, Luke and JFK were saying, we should step up and take responsibility.
The United Way of Van Wert County is wrapping up the current year’s campaign and they are short of their goal. Our local United Way is not an extravagantly run organization. In fact, it’s a very lean operation with the vast majority of the budget going directly to those in Van Wert County requiring the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. There are no luxurious offices, high salaries, or fancy cars for the staff. Van Wert’s United Way works hard and is prudent with expenses. The contributions collected locally stay local and benefit local families. And it is not a new institution in Van Wert -- the United Way of Van Wert County was established in 1922 to "increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another." If ever there was a charity worthy of your support, your local United Way is it.
Here at the StateWide companies we support the United Way. Our employees, associates, and companies give as generously as they are able. We all benefit from the support the community gives us and the United Way is how we can give support back to the community.
Perhaps you don’t feel you’ve been given much and much should not be expected of you. However, if you don’t receive assistance from the United Way, then you have more than those who do. Rewording the quote, “To whom more is given, more is expected.” It won’t take many more people to either give the first time or to give a little more a second time for the goal to be reached. So, step up and give more to the United Way of Van Wert County. Please, mail a contribution to the United Way or Van Wert County, 1151 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.
March 2010
Several years ago I heard a motivational speaker discuss the concept of an anchor and how it relates to our lives. Most think of boats or ships and how an anchor prevents the boat from drifting when sitting idle. However, to venture forth and do more a boat has to raise its anchor. Similarly, in life we need to “raise our anchor” to improve our status, excel at a job, get a job, enrich a personal relationship, improve our physical fitness, or achieve our financial objectives. We have to break with what we are doing to do something new and different and better. Sometimes your anchor can be a level of comfort with a situation as it is. Raising that anchor requires doing something uncomfortable and that’s not easy. It takes courage and commitment. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with cancer that was supposed to take my life. It would have been easy to say glad I have a lot of life insurance, it’s been a good life, and to quietly slip away. I decided to raise my anchor, to seek difficult and painful treatment, experience hell on earth, and to live. I just celebrated my 9th birthday since the bone marrow transplant and I am cancer free. Ford Motor Company was part of the damaged and hurting Big Three Detroit auto manufacturers whose death knell had sounded for years. Fords leadership raised its anchor, did not take government bail-out money, made difficult financial decisions, and designed cars that today’s consumers need and want to buy. Eleven months ago Ford stock traded at $1.58 a share, today it is trading at over $12.00 a share (nearly an eight-fold increase) and its CEO, Alan Mulally, has been named Man of the Year by Automobile Magazine . . . because Ford raised its anchor. For nearly two decades StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury has served Van Wert consumers one vehicle at a time like most car dealers. We have been thrilled with every sale and intend to continue to supply new & used vehicles, service, parts, and the many other ways StateWide contributes and participates in the community. Yet, StateWide raised its anchor and left its comfort zone to pursue contracts with agencies and municipalities throughout the state. Recently, this anchor raising has won a contract for Ohio Law Enforcement vehicles for $15 million, a contact with City of Columbus to supply Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, and is the low bidder on a yet to be awarded contract for Ford Expeditions for the State of Ohio. My question to you . . . What are you doing to raise your anchor? Jan 2010
“At least there’s hope,” overheard about a sick patient. “Hope springs eternal,” a poet wrote. Roy Rogers wife, Dale Evans, sang, “. . . faith, hope and charity, that’s the way to live successfully.” Hope is offered up when there’s little else. Hope is the last jutting rock to grab onto as we slide over the edge of the cliff. Much is made of and much is spoken of hope. Hope is important. However, in 2010 in Van Wert, Ohio we have much more than hope. First, we have each other. In years past the collective strength of our friends, family, and fellow residents has seen us through the ravages of weather catastrophes, the uncertainty of political upheavals, and the difficulty of tough economic times. “We” will sustain us again. Technically, the economic recession is over and, whether or not you agreed with the method, a financial sector meltdown was averted. Ford Motor Co. turned a profit in the 3rd quarter and its U.S. competitors have emerged from bankruptcy. For the first time in nearly a year, monthly consumer spending is up. Throughout 2009 consumer debt has fallen and few gift-givers are racking up big debts compared to past Christmas seasons. And though the County still has budget woes, the City of Van Wert will end the year with a surplus -- a feat previously considered impossible. It seems that making prudent business decisions in our personal, political, and professional lives has become the norm. This all bodes well for 2010. On New Year’s Day 2009 very little seemed promising. We and the entire country rode the lack of promise down the face of the economic wave to the trough. There we have worked to get into position to catch the building swell and ride the new wave to its crest. It has not been easy, but we have survived to make a difference in 2010. So, in the Prosperous Promise of the New Year: 1) Do a good deed. 2) Donate to those less fortunate. 3) Hug your kids. 4) Visit the elderly. 5) Give of your time to a good cause. 6) Be thankful for good health and commit to a healthier year ahead. 7) Be glad to live in a land of freedoms without civil unrest or war. 8) Take the initiative to individually and independently improve your life and the lives of loved ones. 9) Spend more time with family. 10) Look forward not back. Hope is good. Hope should be embraced in all aspects of life. Hope is uplifting even when at our lowest. We’ll always have hope and we have More Than Hope in 2010. November 2009 “Raise Your Anchor”
“More Than Hope in 2010”
October 2009
“United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
In the year 1768 the American Revolutionary War patriot John Dickinson wrote “The Liberty Song.” It was in response to the Townsend Act, a new unjust tax foisted upon the American Colonies. The lyrics are mostly forgotten, but two lines have been paraphrased and used repeatedly over the years and still have significance for us today right here in Van Wert, Ohio.
“Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;”
We have accomplished much by uniting around common causes. Recently, as a united community we passed the Vantage Levy and made the Van Wert City Schools Levy permanent. We recognized and supported the need for and value of vocational education. Together we voted aside the absurd notion of having to decide every few years whether or not to fund our public schools.
The time has now come for us to apply the same fortitude and unity to resolve the serious issues that confront our city and county during challenging times. Bickering over personality conflicts, squabbling over petty differences, and elevating egos over the common good must be set aside. There is real work to be done and it can only be done collectively, together, as a team – UNITED.
Attention is paid to politics mostly during election campaigns. However, all the work of politicians is done between elections. That is where we are now and it is incumbent upon our elected and appointed officials to make hard choices and implement difficult changes to get our city and county through hard and difficult times. Maybe it’s time city and county create joint ventures in the areas of common interest and duplicated services to generate efficiencies to save money and resources. Some examples may already be implemented or impossible to put into action, but surely there exist many subjects to explore and areas to harvest cost-savings from. If you see one of our officials out and about, tell them how much you appreciate their service and efforts. Then, ask them what they are doing to save our money and resources and how they intend to work together to get us through these times. Oh, and don’t settle for the standard self-serving tripe that’s so often dished up. Insist on real answers to our real problems. Hold their feet to the fire, just as John Dickinson held King George’s feet to the fire in 1768.
These are serious times. We face serious issues. It is time for serious work. Let’s get started – together. “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
September 09 “Let’s Get Real!”
If it’s not happenin’ in Hollywood or Washington, DC or New York City, then it’s not worth our energy or attention. That’s the impression we get from the news, entertainment shows, popular magazines, and even our own conversations with friends and co-workers. It’s exciting. It’s glamorous. It’s . . . well . . . it’s not real.
So, what is real? What’s real is our day to day struggles and successes right here in Van Wert County. And even though not covered by the national media these efforts are extremely important and deserving of recognition and our support. For instance, an essential part of our nation’s existence and an industry that makes up over 50% of our local economy is agriculture.
There’s no better example of agriculture’s local impact than the Junior Fair Livestock Auction. Just concluded during the annual Van Wert County Fair, the auction raises tens of thousands of dollars for the young participants who dedicate tremendous amounts of time, money, and energy on their livestock projects. Additionally, it provides local youths with hands-on active involvement and quality experiences, which stimulate lifelong learning of values and skills. StateWide Ford Lincoln-Mercury is proud to be a bidder, a buyer, and a supporter of the Junior Fair Livestock Auction, which teaches our young how to control their own destiny.
One of the ways you can help our local farmers continue to control their own destiny is by voting Yes for Issue 2 on Election Day. Yes on Issue 2 will create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Not usually in favor of additional regulation or oversight, Van Wert farmers enthusiastically support this Board. It will be made up of Ohioans, including three family farmers, two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a local humane society rep, two members of Ohio farm organizations, an Ohio Ag college dean, and two members representing Ohio consumers. These Ohioans will keep out-of-state activist groups from setting rigid, inflexible and impractical rules for how livestock and poultry are raised. It will also keep our food supply safe and affordable, while keeping Ohio Agriculture’s destiny under the control of Ohioans. I will be voting Yes on Issue 2 and I’m encouraging all my friends, employees, and customers to vote Yes on Issue 2, as well.
So, Let’s Get Real! Join me in voting Yes on Issue 2 on Election Day.
August 09
“If you can’t buy from me…”
Anybody who knows me knows I am competitive. I want to win. Every challenge throughout my life has demonstrated this. It’s never more evident than when selling a vehicle at StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in VanWert.
At StateWide we do whatever it takes to win the deal. We work hard to earn your business and do everything within our power to make the car buying experience satisfactory. And we certainly do not expect customers to pay more or extra to deal with us. In fact,our goal is to give the highest trade in allowances, the lowest prices, award winning customer service, and the best financing on the area’s finest selection of new and used cars and trucks. We want to win!
However, if for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for at StateWide and you can’t buy from me,please take your business to one of the other Van Wert car dealers like Kinstle’s, Greve’s, or Taylor’s. Some may think I have lost my senses or my competitive spirit, but I assure you they are all intact.
The aforementioned businesses are all local to VanWert. They pay a lot of taxes that help maintain our city streets and pay for our police and fire protection. These are good, solid business-citizens who employ many people (probably neighbors or relatives of yours) and support other businesses within our community. The ripple effects of these competitors and StateWide are positive and far-reaching throughout the city and county. All of us contribute to charities, serve on committees and councils, belong to clubs, and most of the time when asked to donate to a worthy cause we dig into our pockets and give generously. In short, Kinstle’s, Greve’s,Taylors, and StateWide are the backbone of the community. Give them a chance at your business.
So, I guess what I’m saying is that if you can’t buy from me, at least buy local.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury
July 09
An Open Letter to Area Residents
“Congratulations, and the Future . . . ”
Congratulations to my new car competitors here in VanWert. Both Lee Kinstle GM and Greve Chrysler survived mandatory closings that befell thousands across the nation during recent dealership reductions. Some see only doom and gloom in the reductions,but I see that two of the largest manufacturing and marketing concerns in the world have said YES to Van Wert. These large corporations bear heavy costs associated with supporting a car dealership and the savings from these reductions will spur future growth and prosperity. Both GM and Chrysler believe enough in Van Wert to keep supporting its dealerships.
Whenever I see people out and about they ask me what it all means, what’s going to happen, what about Ford and StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in Van Wert. Ford Motor Company and its leadership had the foresight to get ready for the current situation. In the Fall of 2007 Ford borrowed $23-billion, sold off their Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin divisions. Additionally, the worldwide known nameplate Volvo is on the selling block awaiting the right buyer. The United Auto Workers have renegotiated a new contract with Ford making us competitive with the imports.
While Ford has not taken a single dime of government bail-out money,we have reduced our debt by more than 10 billion dollars and raised more than 1 billion in additional equity. We have created the model for the recovery of the auto industry. Without government ownership or intervention, Ford has revamped their entire line of vehicles including the all-new F-Series Trucks (the best selling line in the world), the New Fusion Hybrid that gets 41 mpg in the city, the New Ford Focus at 38 mpg runnin’ around town, and many vehicles with 5-Star Safety Ratings.
At StateWide, we run a lean operation so we can give you the best possible pricing on the best possible cars. Like Ford, we’re poised for economic recovery, but we aren’t waiting on the recovery to do whatever it takes to make you a 100% satisfied customer. We work hard to be worthy of your business and do everything within our power to earn it. So, congratulate our friends across town. They are worthy competition and stalwart VanWert citizen companies. StateWide wants your business and will do everything to earn it. We want to sell every car in the community, but if, for whatever reason, you can’t buy from us, please support our other local car dealers and keep your dollars circulating in and benefiting VanWert.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury
June 09
An Open Letter to Area Residents
“Congratulations, and the Future . . . ”
Congratulations to my new car competitors here in VanWert. Both Lee Kinstle GM and Greve Chrysler survived mandatory closings that befell thousands across the nation during recent dealership reductions. Some see only doom and gloom in the reductions,but I see that two of the largest manufacturing and marketing concerns in the world have said YES to Van Wert. These large corporations bear heavy costs associated with supporting a car dealership and the savings from these reductions will spur future growth and prosperity. Both GM and Chrysler believe enough in Van Wert to keep supporting its dealerships.
Whenever I see people out and about they ask me what it all means, what’s going to happen, what about Ford and StateWide Ford Lincoln Mercury in Van Wert. Ford Motor Company and its leadership had the foresight to get ready for the current situation. In the Fall of 2007 Ford borrowed $23-billion, sold off their Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin divisions. Additionally, the worldwide known nameplate Volvo is on the selling block awaiting the right buyer. The United Auto Workers have renegotiated a new contract with Ford making us competitive with the imports.
While Ford has not taken a single dime of government bail-out money,we have reduced our debt by more than 10 billion dollars and raised more than 1 billion in additional equity. We have created the model for the recovery of the auto industry. Without government ownership or intervention, Ford has revamped their entire line of vehicles including the all-new F-Series Trucks (the best selling line in the world), the New Fusion Hybrid that gets 41 mpg in the city, the New Ford Focus at 38 mpg runnin’ around town, and many vehicles with 5-Star Safety Ratings.
At StateWide, we run a lean operation so we can give you the best possible pricing on the best possible cars. Like Ford, we’re poised for economic recovery, but we aren’t waiting on the recovery to do whatever it takes to make you a 100% satisfied customer. We work hard to be worthy of your business and do everything within our power to earn it. So, congratulate our friends across town. They are worthy competition and stalwart VanWert citizen companies. StateWide wants your business and will do everything to earn it. We want to sell every car in the community, but if, for whatever reason, you can’t buy from us, please support our other local car dealers and keep your dollars circulating in and benefiting VanWert.
Andy Czajkowski
Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury