Park Place Salutes Community Partners – Grapevine/Colleyville Education Foundation

The Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation was founded in 1998 to provide funds for programs and opportunities that benefit GCISD students and staff. While core educational needs are met through the allocation of tax dollars, the margin of excellence is possible only by contributions and efforts that go above and beyond the minimum. Foundation funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, recognize and encourage staff excellence and expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations. Since its inception, the foundation has funded 875 projects, distributing more than $1.4 million to GCISD, affecting more than half the teachers and all the students.

janice_kane_05“Like most Texas schools, our school district is facing unprecedented budget challenges under the current school finance laws. Park Place Motorcars has generously donated resources for the past few years to the Education Foundation whose sole purpose is to provide resources needed to our school district and where 100% of all donations stay within our school district to assist our students and teachers. Not only has Park Place been the featured sponsor for our Celebrating Our Stars Academic Recognition Banquet for several years, but also for the second year donates scholarships to graduates for continuing education. Park Place understands the importance of successful schools in communities and how communities must work together to ensure the success of our schools. Park Place’s support is a shining example of the need for and importance of collaborative efforts between our schools, community, and corporations. Our heartfelt thanks to Park Place!”  says Janice Kane, Executive Director.

With the unprecedented budget challenges facing Texas schools, the Foundation’s efforts are more critical than ever as educators are being forced to seek funding avenues outside the regular budget in order to continue vital educational programs. 100% of all donations to the Education Foundation stay within GCISD to assist GCISD students and teachers.

Park Place Dealership Group Seeks Summer Interns

Park Place Dealerships is seeking interns for the summer following a successful inaugural year with its internship program.  As part of the company’s effort to recruit students, Park Place headed to area college campuses such as Baylor, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Dallas, and University of North Texas to find interns.

Currently, Park Place is looking for candidates who would be interested in sales, service, finance, IT, training, accounting, and marketing.  The program is designed to provide students with meaningful work experiences, on the job training and ongoing personal development.

“Our primary objective at Park Place is to ensure an extraordinary experience for our clients,” said Kurt Vanous, human resource brand manager at Park Place. “Through our internship program, we can teach students the importance of building relationships and the fundamentals of working on a team for the sole benefit of making the client purchase or sales experience the best it can be.”

The ideal candidates are confident, passionate people looking to grow and succeed with one of the most successful organizations in Dallas/Fort Worth. All candidates must currently be enrolled in college and working towards a degree program.

Farah Ellenbogen, marketing intern from UTD began her internship with Park Place Motorcars Dallas last summer and has continued working with the company. “I was looking for a well-rounded internship experience that allowed me to work on a variety of projects and have some autonomy,” said Ellenbogen. “Park Place offered just that. I was given the chance to take ownership of projects and really get some great hands-on experience. My internship at Park Place has given me the opportunity to hone the skills that I needed to begin my professional career.

To apply for an internship, please contact Kurt Vanous at kvanous@10.2.54.33.

The 2012 Dallas Auto Show Is Underway

The 2012 DFW Auto Show in Dallas is underway, and will run from March 21-25, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center. Here is a quick preview of what you will find at one of the most anticipated annual events in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The DFW Auto Show in is the ideal opportunity for consumers to compare styling and pricing of most every major manufacturer new cars for sale under one roof, and in just a few hours.

Kidd Kraddick Visits Park Place Motorcars Ft. Worth And Checks Out 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe

Kidd KraddickKidd Kraddick, the frenetically energetic host of the Kidd Kraddick morning show on KISS FM, kicked off his third year as Park Place endorser with a visit to Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth.

Kidd met with General Manager George Johnson and Sales Manager Herb Lockhart and enjoyed a tour of the dealership and overview of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. Kidd, who was a Park Place client himself before taking on the endorsement, is a strong believer in the extraordinary level of service you find at all of the Park Place dealerships. “I get frequent calls and emails from my listeners thanking me for suggesting Park Place’ said Kidd. ‘They all report on what a great experience they had buying a car – how easy it was and how well they were treated.”

Kidd was particularly impressed with the laid-back atmosphere of the Fort Worth dealership. He noted that it had a “definite Fort Worth vibe.” While there, Kidd picked up a shiny new 2012 E350 Coupe which he will be driving for the next few months.

Park Place Sponsors Accessible Luxury Charity Fashion Event In Dallas

Set against the luxurious back drop of Park Place Dealerships, Accessible Luxury is one of Dallas’ most exciting events to hit the fashion scene. The event, benefiting the patients at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, is set to impress, once again, this year on April 21, 2012.

Under the leadership of 2012 Accessible Luxury honorary event chairs Lisa and Ken Schnitzer and event chairs Heather and Robert Murphy, the highly anticipated evening will provide guests exclusive access to fashion, cars, art, jewelry and delicious cuisine by notable area chefs.

Runway

“Robert and I are so proud to be at the helm of an event that benefits Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children which has such an important role in the community,” said event chairman Heather Murphy. “To have a night that is dedicated to celebrating some of Dallas’ finest, it only seems fitting that it would benefit such a medical jewel in our city. We are also thrilled to have Lisa and Ken Schnitzer involved in this special night. Their support of Accessible Luxury since the first year has been vital to the event’s success.”

Party attendees can expect a vast selection of activities throughout the night:

  • McLaren State-of-the-Art featuring Wisby-Smith Fine Art Browse and buy original art from one of Dallas’ finest art galleries. You won’t find a better exhibition space than in the company of a McLaren Roadster, a super performing, adrenalin-pumping sports car. As one of only 6 McLaren dealers in the United States, Park Place McLaren Dallas is at your service.
  • Maserati Man Cave featuring Beretta This male-dominated cavern showcasing Beretta’s polished apparel and gear awaits you for an evening of luxury cars, specialty drinks and hand-rolled cigars.
  • Bentley Bubble Roomfeaturing Eiseman Jewels Sip champagne as you pick out a new precious gem from Eiseman Jewels. Browse the collection of Texas native and jewelry designer Katie Decker.
  • Rolls Royce Runway Show featuring Oscar de la Renta Be inspired by the new fashion obsessions and vogue looks of Oscar de la Renta at this 8 p.m. show featuring Model Citizens and Campbell-Wagner models.
This accessible chic event is anything but typical and is sure to entertain guests from the time they arrive on the red carpet.
To be a part of one of the best fashion events Dallas has to offer, visit www.tsrhc.org/AL or call (214) 559-7656 for ticket information
or sponsorship opportunities.

Pictured, above  – Heather and Robert Murphy (Photo by Rick Smith)
Pictured, top – Models show off Barneys Spring 2011 collection
(Photo by Bob Manzano)

Park Place Dealerships Honors Extraordinary Members With Annual Celebration

Park Place Motorcars in Dallas, Motorcars Grapevine and Motorcars Ft. Worth, as well as Park Place Porsche in Dallas recognized outstanding members including “Member of the Year” in several departments as well as “Coach of the Year”, “Dealership Support Member of the Year” and other awards and recognition a couple of weeks ago at a celebration at Medieval Times in Dallas. Members and Award recipients were treated to an exclusive dinner and night of jousting and chivalry as General Managers and President Neil Grossman honored attendees and spotlight members recognized for outstanding performance during 2011 at this annual celebration of ongoing excellence. Congratulations, winners!

Park Place Community Partner Spotlight: Children’s Medical Center

Children’s Medical Center is private, not-for-profit, and is the seventh largest pediatric healthcare provider in the country with 559 licensed beds, two full-service campuses and 10 outpatient sites.

“Since 1999, Park Place Dealerships has been a loyal supporter of Children’s Medical Center. Park Place’s contributions have totaled more than $250,000 cumulatively over the last decade, and they have graciously hosted numerous fundraising events for the hospital. Children’s is proud to call Park Place Dealerships a corporate friend, and salutes the organization for its years of support of our mission to make life better for children throughout North Texas.” Said Pete Kline, President of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

Children’s was the state’s first pediatric hospital to achieve Level 1 Trauma status and is the only pediatric teaching facility in North Texas, affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical Center. For more information about Children’s or how to give, please visit www.childrens.com.

Free Valet Parking for Lexus Owners at Rangers Home Games!

 

Free Valet Parking for Lexus, the Official Luxury Vehicle of the Texas Rangers

As you may know, Lexus vehicles receive free parking at all Lexus valet stands for Texas Rangers home games. However, due to the Rangers’ stellar performance, the valet parking lots fill up quickly. But Lexus owners can now receive updates on their mobile phones to track the valet parking status. There are three new ways to get up-to-date information on game days:

SMS: Text “LexusValet” to 76432 to find out which of the four valet stands have reached capacity and which stands are still available.
Web: Visit texasrangers.com/valet for real-time updates.
Twitter: Follow @RangerBlake for valet and traffic updates.

Keep in mind that we have four valet stands for your convenience (North, South, East, and West). But also remember that lots reach capacity 60 – 90 minutes before the first pitch, so get there early!

Want complimentary parking but don’t yet have a Lexus? Come visit us at Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine to check out our inventory of new and used Lexus vehicles.

Park Place Dealerships Appreciates Its Vendor Partners

Thank you to all of our vendor partners who attended the Park Place Partner Appreciation Event at the Texas Tornados game this past weekend. In attendance were our partners from AIMedia, AutoTrader, BlackBook, CARFAX, Cars.com, Costco, eCarList, WrightIMC, and our content maven, Meryl Evans. “We are grateful for all of your contributions in 2010 to make Park Place Dealerships successful,” said Frank Sobyak, Director of Internet Business Development. “It is your partnership and your expertise that helps put the excellence in Park Place.” Below are some photographs from this memorable family event.

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We all had a good time, and perhaps the kids enjoyed it the most!

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Mike Ostrom works to ensure our paid search campaigns are successful. Mike, his wife and family cheer on the Texas Tornados.

.TexasTornados-Hockey-ParkPlace-MerylEvans

Meryl Evans creates all of the wonderful copy for our new model overviews, and through her words, she has the unique ability to bring our vehicles to life. Here she poses with her family.

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Jerry Salerno from eCarList. He and his team help direct our website functionality and populate vehicle information across the Internet – in addition to hundreds of other things they do to help make Park Place successful. They have an extremely sharp team at eCarList and we are greatly appreciative of all of their efforts, their loyalty and their commitment to Park Place.

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Left to right, Scott Gipson, CARFAX; Frank Sobyak, Park Place; Dwayne Marshall, CARFAX; Jodi Donley, AutoTrader and Scott Horton, BlackBook. Our friends at CARFAX are there to make sure that free CARFAX reports are always available to our clients. CARFAX reports help give our clients peace of mind in knowing that they are getting a quality vehicle.

TexasTornados-Hockey-ParkPlace-AutoTrader

Jodi Donley of AutoTrader is very helpful in making sure we use the AutoTrader service to its fullest extent possible. She is instrumental in helping us understand and try new services.

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Troy Ford is with Costco and he helps coordinate all of our vehicle displays. We are very appreciative of our great vehicle placements over the holiday.

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Big Porsche fans, Meryl’s kids and Kayla get a ride in a 2011 Porsche 911.

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Scott Horton from BlackBook with his family. Scott helps ensure that the BlackBook trade appraisal tool is always functional for our clients so that they can get a true and fair value on their trade-in.

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Arena party photo. Standing, Israel Alpert. Thanks to your and your team for working with Park Place to develop and provide the best vehicle videos on the market. Together we have come a long way.

TexasTornados-Hockey-ParkPlace-WrightIMC

Tony Wright and his team make sure our dealerships can be found online when clients are searching for our products and services. The SEO services of WrightIMC are unparalleled in the industry.

Thanks for a great job and many hours of dedicated commitment to all our Vendor Partners.