FALL RIVER – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today honored Fall River Ford with the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award.
“We are pleased to recognize Fernando Garcia and Fall River Ford for their dedication and leadership in the business community,” said Healey. “At one time, Fall River Ford faced near closure from its parent company, but through perseverance and vision, has risen to become one of the top 10 automotive dealers in New England.”
Healey added, “Fernando Garcia and his team have endured during difficult times and made Fall River Ford a true success story, highlighting the importance of business investment in urban communities.”
Presented monthly, the Inner City Investment Award is given to individuals whose leadership and business success have brought new economic investment and jobs to the Bay State’s cities.
Currently, Fall River Ford is one of the most successful automotive dealerships in New England and employs over 90 people. In 1998, the company faced closure from its corporate parent, the Ford Motor Company, when it struggled to meet management expectations.
In an effort to save the business and numerous jobs, Garcia persuaded Ford Motor Company officials to give him the opportunity to build the dealership into a profitable business. Ford officials agreed to Garcia’s acquisition of the dealership and as a result, he has turned Fall River Ford into a successful business and an industry leader in the New England region.
“We are most appreciative of Lieutenant Governor Healey’s presence here today and are honored to receive the Governor’s Inner City Investment Award,” said President and General Manager Garcia. “This is testimony to the fact that a company can meet their business goals and be socially responsible simultaneously.”
Fall River Ford’s civic involvement has an extensive reach in the Fall River and Southeastern Massachusetts region. Garcia was recently inducted into the New Bedford Area Business Hall of Fame and currently serves as chairman of the New Bedford Economic Council, in addition to serving as a board member on several community organizations including, Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, the local chapter of the American Heart Association and the Fall River Office of Economic Development.
The company is a sponsor of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Buttonwood Park Zoo, and the First Night Celebrations in both Fall River and New Bedford.
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