|
» Supporting the Community
The NIATA and its members are strong partners in the community. All throughout the year they contribute to local community charities, sports teams, churches, schools, etc. They sponsor little league teams, soccer teams; donate to JDRF, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, CAMP, etc. They award scholarships, attend local churches, belong to local chambers and clubs, and their children attend the local schools. The NIATA will continue to support causes that will directly affect the community and the people that live there.
Once the trade show proved successful in strengthening business relationships and the organization itself, perhaps the most important decision was made. Members voted to begin a scholarship fund for Northwest Indiana high school students seeking to further their education in an automotive field. The first annual fundraising golf outing was held. Dealers and associate members worked hard to raise money, and in 2002 the first scholarships were awarded to five area high school seniors. To date, the NIATA has awarded close to $70,000 in scholarship money to area students.
Another important decision was to get together as a group and hold special sales at their dealerships where a certain dollar amount from every vehicle sold would be given to a charitable organization. They have given to organizations such as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, CAMP (Caring About Military Personnel), and American Heart Association - Go Red for Women, just to name a few.
For 2010, the proceeds from the Spring Sale will go to Campagna Academy and the proceeds from the Fall Sale will go to CAMP. And these are just the donations that are done through NIATA. Each dealership member also gives thousands of dollars on their own to support local little league teams, soccer teams, churches, schools, girl scouts and many, many other organizations.
» Staying Local
Not only do they support your community through giving, but each dealership employs an average of 50 to 60 people (or more) and generates millions of dollars in sales tax revenue. So when you are thinking of purchasing a new or used vehicle, go to one of the members of the Northwest Indiana Auto Trade Association. Help them, to help you!
|
