LEDFORD AUTOMOTIVE CENTER in Cleveland wins GMC and Buick 2011 Mark of Excellence award, becoming one of the highest performing dealerships in the country. Here Debbie Melton, general manager/partner, 10th from right, poses with staff whom she credits with earning the distinguished recognition from GMC and Buick for last year’s performance. Submitted photo
Debbie Melton, general manager/partner, said receiving the recognition is a tribute to the “professional team in place at the dealership and to the customers who have been loyal through the last two years of tough times.”
During the past two years, the family-owned operation, was among those across the nation whose GM franchises were pulled. During that time, Melton worked to regain the brands of Buick, GMC and Cadillac, and then added Chevrolet, after the local dealership closed.
Today, Don Ledford Automotive Center is building a new “super center” at its current location at 4595 N. Lee Highway, at the north entrance to Bradley Square Mall.
When complete, it will house showrooms and an expanded service department and a customer service area. Showrooms will feature the Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles. In addition, the refurbished and expanded lot will allow for better visibility and display along the high traffic area of North Lee Highway’s business district.
In a letter to Melton from Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of sales and service for Buick and GMC, he wrote: “Your business acumen and willingness to push your performance to new heights last year has resulted in this distinct recognition of your accomplishments. You are a role model for dealers across the country and I’m proud that we are working together to build success.”
As a result of the 2011 Mark of Excellence designation, the Don Ledford Automotive Center staff will receive a Dealer Recognition Award Plaque and a personalized set of 500 Mark of Excellence business cards.
Melton said her family and the staff at the dealership are indebted to this community for “its support during the past two years. Without our loyal customers we could not have achieved this designation. It says a great deal about our community when we rise to this level in our industry.”
