Environmentally friendly
FD Toyota dealership honored for their efforts; Becomes only second in US to receive award
About 15 employees of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota spent part of a scorching summer day pulling junk out of the Des Moines River.
Those employees work in a facility that is illuminated by energy saving LED lights and warmed in the winter by a heating system that burns the waste oil left over from oil changes.
That combination of community commitment and environmentally friendly technology has resulted in the dealership becoming just the second one in the nation to receive a prestigious award from Toyota.
That honor — the Dealership Environmental Excellence Program Award — was presented Tuesday morning by Geoff Schick, who traveled to Fort Dodge from Toyota Motor North America headquarters in Plano, Texas.
Schick, who handles market network planning and dealership facilities, presented the award — a large disc — to Casey Johnson, the dealership’s co-owner, and Matt Johnson, the dealer and director of happiness. He also addressed the staff, which was assembled in the showroom.
He said there are 1,238 Toyota dealerships in the country and the local one is only the second one to receive this award.
The award, he said, is the result of the staff’s attention to detail and continuous efforts to improve.
“It’s all intentional efforts from you,” he said.
“I think there’s no better store than Fort Dodge,” he added.
Matt Johnson said he feels “so blessed” to be able to work with such a dedicated staff.
Casey Johnson thanked all of the employees for their work that resulted in this honor.
After the presentation, Schick said dealerships are evaluated for the award based on their energy conservation practices, water usage, waste reduction, and community efforts. He said dealerships are not required to take part in the environmental program.
He said the award for Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota was two years in the making.
Nancy Lombard, the dealership’s controller, plays a key role in coordinating all the environmental-related work, according to Matt Johnson.
“She’s really taken the lead on facilitating,” he said.
The river cleanup was held on Aug. 6. Organized by Webster County Conservation, the effort was called Picking Up While Paddling Down.
Matt Johnson said the cleanup was a good way to build camaraderie, get engaged with the community and be good stewards of the environment.
“I believe it’s everybody’s responsibility to take care of our natural resources,” he said.