GNYADA December 2017 Newsletter

Helms Bros Gives Technical High School Students a Dealership Walkthrough 13

In an effort to attract young talent to the automotive retail industry, GNYADA has begun organizing opportunities for local technical high school students to experience the inner workings of new car dealerships. Most recently, students from Thomas Edison Technical Education High School were taken on a full tour of Helms Bros’ facilities on Northern Boulevard, exploring each department and learning about the numerous opportunities available. Helms Bros General Manager, GNYADA Education Committee Chair, Suzanne Cochrane, welcomed the visiting eleventh- and twelfth- graders. She spoke about the importance of a positive outlook and a strong work ethic.“You can teach almost any job skill but the right attitude is everything. Attitude increases your altitude,” said Cochrane. The tour included stops at Helms Bros’ Mercedes-Benz showroom, as well as the dealership’s DMV desk, sales offices, payroll department, and service center. Throughout the morning, students were highly attentive and engaged, eagerly sharing thoughts and questions with each team they met.

The student group featured a mix of young men and women, prompting Cochrane to highlight her own dealership as an indicator of the opportunities open to women in the industry. “Our goal with these visits is to open young people's eyes to the world of diverse job opportunities and good salaries they’ll find at a franchised new car dealership,” said GNYADA Vice President of Education Eddie Gazzillo. “We’re very grateful that GNYADA members, like Helms Bros, understand the importance of

showing these eager minds what working in a dealership is all about.” The Association thanks Suzanne Cochrane and the staff at Helms Bros for volunteering their dealership to provide this rewarding and instructive experience to local automotive students. This visit was also covered in NADA’s November 20th “Headlines” newsletter, under the title “Promoting Industry Careers, NYC Car Dealers Open Their Doors to Local Students.”

2018 OSHA Compliance Seminar | January 17, 2018 8:30am-10:30am

Center for Automotive Education & Training 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone, NY 11357

FREE FOR ERP Members. Reserve your seat today. Contact: Kelsey at kelsey@gnyada.com or 718.746.5900

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Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association • www.gnyada.com

The Newsletter • December 2017 9