FireFighters of Southern Nevada Kick Off Of the Burn Foundation's Annual Toy Drive

The FireFighters of Southern Nevada met here at Findlay Chevrolet today to kick off The Burn Foundation's Toy Drive. Miss Nevada was here, along with Santa Claus 

This is the 12th year for the toy drive and, unfortunately, the amount the children in need rises yearly.  Last year there were approximately 14,000 requests and already this year they have received over 20,000 requests.  That is a lot of needy children in Southern Nevada and those are only the ones that The Burn Foundation know of.  If you are looking to give back this year the Toy Drive is a great way to do it! Without your generosity many Southern Nevada children will be without a Christmas present this year.

The Toy Drive covers three weekends and is staffed by 300 volunteers.  Help us make a difference by donating a toy - we are filling up a Silverado with toys! The Burn Foundation is asking for new, unwrapped gifts appropriate for the ages of 0-16 and/or gift cards in $10 increments.  

1951 Restored Firetruck

Great Firetrucks from all over Southern Nevada

FireFighters of Southern Nevada with our GM, Jamaal McCoy, and Santa

A great start to filling up the Silverado with toys!

Santa, Warren Whitney (The Burn Foundation) and Hilary Billings (Miss Nevada United States 2013)

 Some of this year's recipients:

1. The Boys and Girls Club
2. Family to Family Resource Centers
3. UMC Burn Center
4. The Las Vegas Urban League
5. Child Focus
6. The Salvation Army
7. Transition Services
8. Candlelighters Childhood Cancer
9. Children’s Center for Cancer
10. Local Churches
11. Local Schools

Bring your gift/toys in to help us fill up a Silverado - let us know.  You will receive a $10 Gift Card as a thank you for your generosity. One gift card per family but you are more than welcome to bring in more than one toy/gift!

Besides donating toys here at Findlay Chevrolet, there will be drop boxes at the following WalMart stores:  Arroyo Crossing, Decatur & N. 215, 95 & Centennial, Sunset & Marks..

For more information you can email Keith Armington or call him at 702.485.6820.

Update to the GRC....

Since we sold the Sonic our High Performance team had built for the GRC this coming weekend - we had to build another one fast!  Here it is!

If you are looking for a high performance vehicle - raised or lowered truck - you need to stop by and talk with our High Peformance team or email your wish list.  Our High Performance Department rocks!

For more info on the GRC race this weekend click here!

Justin Findlay nominated for Time Magazine's Dealer of the Year

ALLY SALUTES AMERICA’S

LOCAL BUSINESS HEROES

"The most rewarding part of the car business for me has been empowering and encouraging employees to extend their boundaries and achieve personal greatness far beyond what they believed was possible," nominee Findlay said. "Our organization has been blessed with exceptional expansion over the past 30 years, and we reward our staff by filling new positions by promoting existing employees whenever possible."

A third-generation dealer, Findlay graduated from Valley High School in Las Vegas in 1992 and California's University of San Francisco in 1996, where he earned a degree in business. His family has been selling cars in Las Vegas since 1961, and he feels privileged to have been mentored by his father and grandfather. "I'm extremely proud of the legacy they have built for me and my family," he said. "And I'm dedicated to continue growing our family business for future generations."

Findlay opened Findlay Chevrolet as general manager in 2006 and today is operations director for two dealerships in Henderson and one in Reno, representing brands Audi, Volkswagen and Lamborghini, which is only part of his family's dealership holdings. "We pride ourselves on the reputation we've established within our community," he said.

That reputation extends well beyond the car business, as Findlay is strongly committed to bettering local life. He recently served on the advisory boards for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. His work for the Boys & Girls Clubs garnered him a Golden Boy award from the local chapter in 2010, given to the incoming volunteer who had the biggest impact on the group. "I'm very proud of my contribution to this great organization which provides a safe and positive place for young people to spend time," he said. "Most of the kids are from underprivileged families and wouldn't have a place to go without the Boys & Girls Clubs."

In addition, Findlay's company supports many local activities, including the University of Las Vegas athletics, Las Vegas 51s minor league baseball, Little League and Southern Nevada Soccer Association, as well as the Las Vegas Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Findlay was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Wayne A. Frediani, executive director of the Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association. 

GRC Comes To Las Vegas!

Global Rallycross, a global racing series featured in the X Games and on ESPN, will be having their season finale on the strip in Las Vegas November 6-7, 2013.  We are excited to be able to watch Team Chevy and their Sonic tear up the course.

GRC will be transforming the old Wet 'N Wild property into a high-flying, dirt throwing rally race course. If you are ready for 600 horsepower, bumper to bumper racing action you can't miss this event.  Contact Kevin Terrell at 702.982.4000 to get your discount tickets so you can cheer on Pat Moro Racing and his Chevrolet Sonic! 

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, Nov. 6

8:00AM – Ticket booths open

9:00AM - Gates Open

9:15AM-12:00PM – Supercar & Lites Practice

1:00PM-3:00PM – Supercar & Lites Qualifying

3:00PM-4:45PM – Supercar & Lites Heats

5:30PM-6:30PM – Driver Autograph Session

7:00PM – Paddock Closed to Fans

Thursday, Nov. 7

10:00AM – Gates Open

10:30AM-11:40 – Supercar & Lites Warm-up

12:00PM-3:00PM – Lites Heats, Last Chance Qualifier and FINALS!

3:30PM – Supercar Driver Introductions

4:00PM-5:30PM – Supercar Heats, Last Chance Qualifier and FINALS!

5:30PM – Medals & Trophy Ceremonies

TICKETS:

General Admission 2-day ticket = $35

General Admission 2-day ticket (12 & under) = $10

·        Open Seating in Grandstands

·        Free Paddock Access

VIP 2-day ticket = $65

·        Trackside Covered Seating

·        On-Site Parking

·        Private Bar

·        Paddock Access

RACETRACK LOCATION:

Located south of the old Sahara in between Las Vegas Blvd and Paradise Rd (old Wet & Wild location). Just 2 blocks north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Entrances at…2601 Las Vegas Blvd S -or- 2737 Paradise Rd

TRANSPORTATION/PARKING:

Public parking NOT available on site

Parking at nearby hotels…

·         Hilton Grand Vacation Suites (across from venue) - $8

·         Las Vegas Hotel - free

·         Riviera Hotel - free

·         Fremont - free

·         Circus Circus - free

MONORAIL STOP: Sahara

FOR SEMA ATTENDEES: Track is within walking distance, just 2 blocks north of the LVCC. Or watch for shuttles from the SEMA show to the racetrack! 

This is a great article!

I thought I would re-share this article on the new Stingray.  We should be getting ours any day now and the whole family is talking about it. It's a big family because here at Findlay Chevrolet we consider all of our Employees and Customers family. If you have any questions or want to know more about the Findlay Chevrolet family - just let us know. 

The 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray Lets The Driver Tailor The Drive

By Greg Barbera

The 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray is one of the most technologically advanced high-performance automobiles ever to hit the streets. Five distinct driver modes electronically calibrate up to 12 performance variables to customize your Stingray with the appropriate handling and steer-ability for any road. Modes can be changed on the fly, enabling drivers to tailor the behavior of the car to any situation—an experience that’s part intuitive and part educational. The result? Drivers get maximum performance from a vehicle that can function as a daily driver, a luxury vehicle or a racecar.

1. Weather: Probably the most self-explanatory of all the modes. It adapts the vehicle to road conditions by distributing the appropriate power to the rear wheels, which promotes more confident driving in rain or snow. Tailored Traction Control is at the heart of this mode.

Road: Good for many road conditions you encounter in inclement weather. Probably would be really helpful on US 24 in the heart of the Rocky Mountains or on Interstate 75 in Florida’s Everglades (a.k.a. Alligator Alley).

2. Eco: This mode is designed to conserve fuel and provide the best gas mileage. Through Active Fuel Management, it limits your car’s power when traveling at cruising speeds. An Eco index display is available.

Road: Flat, open roads. For instance, Interstate 15 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through the Mojave National Preserve or possibly Interstate 10 from Houston to San Antonio.

3. Tour: Ideal for your everyday driving, this mode offers quiet comfort (by relieving the stiffness from shock damping) during the start-stop of your daily commute. Customizable gauge cluster can display audio, navigation and phone data.

Road: That one you take to and from work.

4. Sport: As the name of the mode implies, this works best when aggressive responsiveness and power are needed. Available Magnetic Selective Ride Control is stiffened but tempered (like the steering). The dashboard display changes, easily revealing RPMs, and the throttle note becomes more audible (in other words... LOUDER).

Road: Tail of the Dragon, Deal’s Gap, NC. This road features 318 curves in 11 miles.

5. Track: Best used in autocross or on lapping days, this mode is exclusively for driving on a track. With legitimate race settings that provide maximum responsiveness (through available Magnetic Ride damping and Performance Traction Management) and throttle progression, it also displays a lap timer on the dashboard.

Road: Ron Fellows Performance Driving School, Parhump, NV or Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, Phoenix, AZ.

The trademarks mentioned in this story are held by their respective owners.

Greg Barbera of DadCentric is a dad blogger, beer magazine editor and the singer/bass player for the punk band Chest Pains. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You can follow him on twitter @gregeboy, tumblr, Facebook and Blogger. Want to know more? Just Google him.

Jason Line wins NHRA Pro Stock in Dallas

We are so proud of you Jason!  Team Findlay Chevy is doing great! Let's keep the points going!

Two-time Mello Yello Pro Stock world champion Line earned his second victory of the season and first in the Countdown by outrunning Shane Gray in the final round. Line powered his Summit Racing Equipment Chevy Camaro to his second Texas Motorplex win with a performance of 6.590 at 211.16 to hold off Gray’s Camaro. With the victory, the 31st of his career, Line claimed the Pro Stock points lead for the first time since 2011.

“I’m happy to get a cowboy hat,” Line said, referencing the prize winners at Texas Motorplex receive. “The points lead is definitely a big deal. From where we were two months ago to leave here as the points leader is a small miracle for sure and a testament to all the Summit folk.”

Line outran Texas native Rodger Brogdon, reigning world champ Allen Johnson and veteran V. Gaines in the first three rounds.

“It was definitely a strange final but we won,” Line said. “Timing is everything and this is a big win being that it’s my 31st. You have to be willing to go backwards sometime in order to go forward. We have a great car and we’re going the right way.”

Pink Camaros Are All The Rage

 

Findlay Chevrolet's Pink Camaro as our tribute to the American Cancer Society.

"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer"  pink Camaro pace car made it's debut last weekend in Atlanta.

Whether or not you can see yourself driving a pink Camaro - lots of celeberties drive pink cars- you have to admit that the color makes a statement. A statement for a good cause.  I believe that the pace car raised around 9 thousand dollars last weekend.  A great start to raising money.  

Here at Findlay Chevrolet we are "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer"! Please help us make a difference and make this horrible disease a thing of the past!! Join us October 5th, 2013, at the JW Marriott in Summerlin for this amazing annual Walk/Run Event! Please click on the link provided here to become a part of TEAM FINDLAY CHEVROLET! We need Team Members!! Don't forget to donate! No donation is too small! We need your help!! If you need information please contact Mike or Kat at 702.982.4093 or 702.982.4016.  They are our Team Findlay leaders and will be more than happy to help.

Our pink Chevy Camaro is for sale now - the pace car most likely at the end of the season.

Exec trades in retirement for position with Findlay!

• August 12, 2013

Written by

Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Chevrolet rental fleet manager John Comport oversees 53 vehicles that are rented to customers at the dealership.

SPECIAL TO DRIVE

To ensure that their customers had a vehicle to drive when their primary car was out of service, Findlay Chevrolet executives decided in November 2011 it was time to get into the rental car business.

Since then, the fleet of rentals has gone from 20 to 53 and become a popular and successful addition to the dealership at 6800 S. Torrey Pines Blvd.

“This was the brainchild of General Manger Jamaal McCoy, Tony Smith and I,” said John Comport, rental fleet manager. “We crawled for a while before the entire idea absolutely erupted in popularity and we discovered that we needed more vehicles.”

The dealership in the southwest valley has an array of vehicles ranging from a Sonic for $30 a day to a Silverado four-wheel drive crew cab pickup for $65 a day. Other options include Volts for $60 a day, an Equinox for $45 and a Camaro for $60 a day.

“Our customers come from all over,” said Comport, a native Pennsylvanian, who has worked with Findlay Automotive Group for 3½ years after retiring from a large automotive conglomerate in Pittsburgh.

“I really came here to remarry my first wife, who is the love of my life and my best friend,” he said. “A friend of ours in Pittsburgh provides computer work out here and told me to go to Findlay because they’re just like the Baierl family (of auto dealers) back in Pittsburgh.”

Comport said the popularity of the service is illustrated by the fact that customers rent the vehicles and do people who have never walked into the dealership before.

“I have one man who’s a poker player from Florida and he rents every time he comes to Vegas for a tournament. He plays in the World Series of Poker at the Rio; and I have people from California, Utah, Colorado and other states who learn about us by word of mouth,” he said.

Findlay’s involvement in various athletic events also leads to coaches, players and fans renting cars from the dealership, Comport said.

“Nobody in town can beat our rental department. Some days we actually run out of cars, so that just shows how popular this has become. The calls and email requests from customers is unbelievable.”

Comport said one couple even rented a Chevy Tahoe for two months.

“They ordered a car from us and it’s on order,” he said. “Until their car arrives, they’re happy renting a vehicle from me.”

Findlay Chevrolet is part of Findlay Automotive Group, which was founded more than 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff Findlay, now operates 27 dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

For additional information regarding Findlay Chevrolet, call 702-982-4000 or visit www.findlaychevy.com

Diversity key to success at Findlay Auto Group

Jamaal McCoy

For us at Findlay Auto, our belief in diversity starts with our owners, Cliff and Justin Findlay, and our Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder, who, collectively, have done an excellent job in creating an organization where people’s differences are acknowledged, appreciated and, more importantly, respected. In fact, these gentlemen have used these differences to achieve a common goal of providing a unique experience for our customers when they visit our dealerships.

The Findlays and I, a general manager for Findlay Chevrolet, have a clear understanding of the benefits that diversity has had to the success of our organization. We have found that to have a staff that is representative of our community, we may effectively relate to and understand our customer’s objectives, and how to best satisfy their needs.

By no means does this imply that people will only work with their respective demographic; however, it does mean that as a company, we have a better understanding of the Southern Nevada population as a whole.

The Findlays and I believe that a company is only as good as its team of employees; and in order to hire the best and most talented individuals, a company must have access to a greater pool of prospects. This can be achieved by expanding the diversity of the available candidates.

Diversity differences are more than race and ethnicity , but also gender, religion, age and sexual orientation. The recruitment and retention of exceptional employees has been one of the biggest challenges facing corporate America during the past few years; however, by fostering a workplace that invites a diverse workforce, we have achieved improved employee loyalty and reduced turnover.

Happy employees create a happy company that creates happy customers.

What is diversity? The condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially, the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization — like the Findlay Automotive Group.

About Findlay Automotive Group

The Findlay Newsroom is your source for news and information from the family-owned Findlay Automotive Group with 27 dealerships in four states.

- See more at: http://news.findlayauto.com/diversity-key-to-success-at-findlay-auto-group-100329#sthash.DXVntsro.dpuf

Latin Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

Last Saturday we sponsored a "Hole In One" at the 26th Annual Latin Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament held at The Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort's signature course Wolf.  It was the 15th hole at 165 yards, par 3.  It was a gorgeous day - not too hot - and approximate 40 foursomes showed up. The closest someone came to that hole was within 5 feet.  Impressive.  Our team got there at 430am to start setting up for the 6am tee time.  We had a tent with water and, of course, the gorgeous 2013 Malibu that would have gone to the winner.  Joey, from our BDC Department stayed through the whole tournament.  He was attacked by wasps and had to go swimming after a big wind sent our tent into the pond...but other than that he had a great time!

Mark and Tony - Holding the Rope!

We have a saying here "Hold the Rope" which loosely translates to "everyone helping everyone."  While we have a great group of people here, we have 2 employees that epitomize Holding the Rope.

Mark Rolands and Tony Tonkin have known each other for four years and are best friends.  They met when Mark was working at a different dealership and sold Tony a truck.   Mark is the Business Development Manager here and Tony is a Sales Consultant.

Tony has been having kidney problems - and that's putting it mildly.  He was hospitalized in October 2011 and diagnosed with Good Pastures Syndrome. This syndrome is a very rare auto immune disorder that destroys the filters in the kidneys - destroying their ability to function.  Tony spent the next 5 months having Hemo Dialysis.  This is where the blood is filtered and returned to the body.  After the 5 months Tony's health hadn't improved and he had to endure Peritoneal Dialysis for 12 hours every night.  This lasted for 15 months before Tony's doctors informed him that he needed a kidney transplant.

This is where Mark stepped in.  He was tested and found they had the highest percentile match - higher than siblings.  Tony never asked Mark for his help. "I just determined that I wanted to do something."  Both men had to go to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale for testing to see if they were healthy enough for the 4 hour surgery. After everything came back fine they scheduled the surgery.  

The surgery was scheduled for May 28th and they traveled to Scottsdale on the 28th.  14 hours later Tony received Mark's kidney.

It's been about 2 months since the surgery and both Tony and Mark are feeling great.  Tony needs to take anti rejection pills for the rest of his life but is looking forward to the future. He had no complications after surgery, his health is good, he is engaged and has a good job. 

Meanwhile Mark has gotten healthier too.  He's gotten back to exercising and his remaining kidney will grow to make up for the one he gave to Tony. 

Our store’s philosophy is different from most. We are as much in the people business as in the car business.  (of course selling cars is very important) We believe in respect, support and loyalty.

Tony and Mark epitomize how to Hold the Rope and we are both proud and happy to have them at our store.

Sorry, it’s been so long since the last Child Safety post.  We have been very busy here at Findlay Chevrolet – lots of events.   So, here is the final installment on car seats.

This post is going to focus on Booster Seats and correctly adjusted Seat Belts. 

Booster seats are for the older child who has passed the age/height limits of the car seat but can’t fit the shoulder and lap harness as needed, usually when the child reaches 4’9” in height and around 8 years old.  A booster seat is designed so the child is lifted and the seat belts will fit correctly as if they were adults.  The booster seat is not usually attached using the LATCH system rather using the child’s weight and the seat belts to hold your precious cargo in position. 

The lap and shoulder belts should fit your child snugly – with the lap belts lying low and snug and the shoulder belt lying across your child’s chest.  Make sure it doesn’t lie across the neck.  Backless booster seats are less expensive and easier to move from vehicle to vehicle making them a good choice.  The booster seats with backs should be used if your vehicle doesn’t have head rests.

When your child hits the 4’9” height requirement they will most likely fit perfectly in the adult seat belts. Make sure that the shoulder belt lies across the chest and should – not touching the neck or throat. The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs.  If not, back to the booster seat for a little extra growing time.

Children should stay in the back seat until they are 12 or 13 years old – just for extra safety.  After that they can move up front with you.  Be sure to read about the airbags in your owner’s manual at that time.

If you need help with the installation, to double check that you have installed it correctly or to check recalls you can find someone qualified  at your local fire department or police department.  You can find a CPS Certified technician by checking out:

            NHTSA 888.327.4236

            SeatCheck 866.732.8213

            National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technician 877.366.8154

Additionally, here in Las Vegas Sunrise Hospital, St. Rose Dominican Hospital and Summerlin Hospital can assist.

Remember, 71% of all car seats are not installed correctly. All it takes is 15 minutes to ensure the safety of your child.

If you have any questions or suggestions – please let me know.

Child Safety Part 2

This blog is going to concentrate on the little ones that would be most safe utilizing a rear-facing only seat or a rear-facing convertible seat.  These are only general guidelines and do not constitute any recommendation of manufacturer of car seats.

 Infants and toddlers should always ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 2 years old or they reach the highest weight/height recommended by the car seat’s manufacturer.  If a crash happens, a rear-facing only car seat may cradle the child's neck to protect it and help protect against any spinal cord injury.

Rear-facing only car seats are used for infants for approximately 22 pounds, depending on the model. Though convertible seats can be used for a newborn, they will likely fit better in an infant seat. Convertible seats are best for when a baby's weight reaches the infant seat's limit, which may be as early as 6 to 9 months old.

These seats are usually small, have handles and usually have a base that stays in the car. Sometimes they come as part of a stroller system.  The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to reinstall every time you want to travel. Plus you can usually buy an additional base for another vehicle. With its removable carrier and swing-up handle, an infant seat lets you move your baby in and out of the car without disturbing him. Though it might be a better value to jump into a convertible seat first, infant seats, by their design, tend to be more compact and secure infants better when compared to larger convertible models.

The main feature of a convertible car seat which is different than other models of car seat is that they can adapt to suit the needs of your growing child and feature an adjustable harness to fit your child. Convertible car seats generally have padding in the side of the car seat for side impact protection (SIP) and they are generally LATCH equipped. The convertible seats have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips and between the legs. They are larger so be sure there is room in the car.  Also, make sure that the seat belt or LATCH belt is routed through the correct belt path.  If you are not sure, it only takes a few minutes to get it checked out to be safe.

When the child reaches the recommended weight for the current car seat you will need to start shopping around for a front facing car seat or turn your convertible car seat around. Always adhere to the suggested weight because some children grow in height quickly and without putting on the weight. Don't worry if the child's feet hit the back of the seat.  When my grandson started kicking the back of the seat I was tempted to turn the car seat around. Instead I just took his shoes off and let him kick away.  It didn't hurt the seat and my grandson remained protected. Luckily. children tend to be contortionists and having their legs bent is not usually a problem.

Another good rule of thumb is, when you only have one car seat to deal with, place it in the middle of the seat.  This minimizes the chance of side impact injuries. And always, always check with a professional to make sure the car seat is attached correctly. 

In my next blog I will be discussing front facing car seats and booster seats.  Let me know if you have any questions or a topic to discuss.  

Update on Jason Line and Greg Anderson

The Southern Nationals were held last weekend with a rain delay.  Still, our great team of Greg and Jason managed to come in 4th and 5th place in the Pro - Stock division.  Team Chevy came in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th.  Go get em, boys!  We're behind you 100%!