Cox Automotive presented its inaugural Leader in Sustainability Award to George Matick Chevrolet (Redford, Mich.) at the 2015 Automotive News Best Dealerships to Work For celebration. Presented by Janet Barnard, president of Manheim North America, this award recognizes dealerships that not only pave the way as good corporate citizens, but also demonstrate their commitment to shaping a better world through sustainable business practices.

“Environmental stewardship, community service, and inspiring others to protect our national resources has long been a part of our culture,” said Barnard. “I’d like to congratulate George Matick Chevrolet for embodying these principles and for demonstrating how every person, every organization, every day can make a difference when it comes to sustainability.”

George Matick Chevrolet, a 2014 Chevrolet Dealer of the Year, was honored by Cox Automotive for successfully embedding sustainable business practices and community service into its DNA. Chief among their many initiatives this year was a $9 million LEED renovation and expansion of its 108,500 square-foot facility, which included integrated energy management systems, LED site lights, rooftop skylights, and CO2 monitoring.

One of only eight dealerships to be recognized by GM’s Green Dealer program, the 13-acre dealership also installed electronic vehicle charging stations and a wireless heating and cooling system as well as implemented a campus-wide recycling effort. On the community service front, George Matick Chevrolet was acknowledged for its sponsorship of local neighborhood organizations, the Redford Veterans Court, youth sports teams and fundraising efforts supporting local elementary schools.

“Like our Matick team, Cox Automotive understands the importance of being good citizens of the communities it serves and helping shape a better world for those who come after us,” said Molly Williams, general manager of George Matick Chevrolet. “We are honored to be the first recipient of the Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award and to be recognized for creating positive change in our community by operating in ways that reduce our environmental impact and inspire our employees to be good citizens.”  

For their leadership in promoting green business practices and making a difference through community service, George Matick Chevrolet will receive $20,000 to fund two sustainability projects – one at the dealership and another in partnership with a local community organization of their choosing. Added Williams, “This will allow us to continue doing the things we are passionate about not only at our dealership, but throughout our community.”

As a part of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive participates in the national Cox Conserves sustainability program. The vision of Cox Conserves is to create positive environmental change in communities by operating in ways that reduce the company’s impact and inspire employees, customers, suppliers and partners.