Valencia Acura

 Best for Women

 

Inspiration comes to us in many ways. It might be the momentary glimpse of a beautiful sunset, the ever-present smile of a loved one, or knowing that you're a small piece in a big puzzle of amazing women committed to improving the lives of women and girls around the world.

 

I am inspired everyday. It doesn't matter whether I'm working behind the desk at the dealership or out in the community or just spending time with my family - inspiration finds me.

 

This summer brought inspiration to a new level. First stop was Montreal for a Soroptimist International (SI) Board Meeting and Convention. This is a time when all four of our federations throughout the world meet and share global projects.  It was during this time when I also had the privilege, honor and good fortune to participate in a run-off election for President-elect of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA). SIA represents around 1,300 clubs encompassing 36,000 members. I extend best wishes to fellow Soroptimist and incoming President-elect Raquel Arreola Ruiz of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and I'm excited to support her in my role as the newly-elected Secretary/Treasurer for our federation.

 

Next stop was Hawaii where I once again joined Soroptimist friends and colleagues for a Leadership Institute in Honolulu. The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's exactly what the organization is all about. Our programs effect fundamental change for women through economic and social empowerment. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.

 

Valencia Acura is proud to sponsor the "Drive for Dreams" campaign, a fundraiser and opportunity drawing to win a one-year lease for an Acura TSX or $10,000 cash. The campaign launched at the Leadership Institute and runs until next year's 42^nd Biennial Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2012. I encourage everyone to support the work of Soroptimist by visiting http://www.soroptimist.org/Drive4Dreams.html.

 

On a local level I also invite you to join Valencia Acura and my Soroptimist club SI of Greater Santa Clarita Valley for their 4th Annual "The Wine Affair?Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds".  On October 16th we will walk the streets on and around Valencia's Town Center Drive and at The Patios - tasting, eating and socializing in support of women's health issues. Restaurants, wine bars and retailers will once again join together and host a delicious selection of wines, appetizers and great live entertainment.  For more information please visit http://www.thewineaffair.org/topics/news/.

 

So how did I become involved in Soroptimist in a way that truly changed my life? It all started in 1999 when someone asked me to come to a local club meeting. And the rest of the story is pure inspiration!

 

 

Character Counts

 

I love when I'm driving and happen to catch Michael Josephson's "Character Counts" segment on news radio. His rhythmic tone and motivational words combine to truly inspire and give me pause to reflect on the character building moments in my own life.

 

When Don and I opened the doors of Valencia Acura in April 1997, we knew we wanted to build our brand based on reputation. We also knew that typical dealerships spent a great amount of time and money on advertising to develop their brand.

 

But we're not typical. From the very beginning, we chose to focus on relationships allowing "Friendship" and reputation to become our brand. Fifteen years later we're still living our dream each and every day.

 

We're proud of the fact that our dealership has the highest customer loyalty rate in the nation! Some customers have been with us seven, eight, nine, ten years or longer. Others walk in the door for the first time. Whether a customer is new or established, we strive to treat everyone with respect and appreciation.

 

The same can be said for our amazing staff, many who have been with us for what seems like since the beginning of time. We know you can't have great customer service without a high level of employee satisfaction. The two go hand in hand.

 

I'm reminded of a customer who recently stopped me in the grocery store to thank me and shake my hand. They were purchasing their tenth Acura and wanted to express their gratitude for the relationship and friendship they felt with Valencia Acura throughout the years. You can bet I was thanking them for their loyalty and support but, more importantly, for letting us know we were on the right path. This simple gesture let us know that we had made a positive impact in our customers' lives and indeed we were more than a dealership and brand name to them. We had built a friendship. Yes, character does count.

 

Don and I are honored to be recognized by the Boy Scouts of America as one of this year's "Leaders of Character" on September 17^th. With this honor, we reaffirm our commitment to community, customers and country.

Coming Home Again; A Perfect Fit

 

We're thrilled! We're ecstatic! We're dancing on air! Our family is home again and working under the same roof!

 

Our son, Brian Fleming, worked for Valencia Acura eight years before venturing off with his family to explore life in Colorado. Separated by distance for the past seven years, Don and I enjoyed traveling to the beautiful state of Colorado as time allowed spending time with our son and his growing family.

 

But now they're back! Living, working and playing in Santa Clarita!

 

Brian rejoined our team the first week in June as Valencia Acura's Sales Manager. Working so well with General Sales Manager Daniel Choe, it feels like he never left.

 

What's more, customers are thrilled to walk through the door and see Brian's familiar face. We're living our "Friendship" motto with customers and family alike, each and every day!

 

Our grandson, Bradley, was a mere babe when they left for Colorado. Now he's a seven-year-old chip-off-Papa-Don's-block. The two chum around taking golf lessons these days. (I'll leave it to each and every reader to come up with their own humorous remark as to who's really benefiting from the lessons!)

 

And now there's our beautiful three-year-old granddaughter, Farah. Can I tell you how nice it is to have someone to oodle over and share lip gloss with? Yes, grandkids spice up life and, in the grand scheme of things, are the perfect companions for golf, barbeques, swimming, sleepovers and just about everything associated with fun!

 

All in all, it's been an amazing family and business experience. Life is good!

 

 

 

There's a first time for everything. Bradley played a few rounds of golf with Papa Don and Brian at the Big "V" recently, and got to drive the golf cart!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Loss is no stranger to any of us. We lose things everyday. Sometimes it's something as small as spare change, directions, phone numbers or as big as a friend, family member, or business deal. The feeling is always the same: a sense of emptiness and sometimes bewilderment. Seldom can we add awe-inspiring and overwhelmed by true joy to the emotions we feel even with the pain of losing a dear companion. Today, Don and I can.
Let me back up. Don and I came to the Santa Clarita Valley 13 years ago tasked with the challenge of acquiring a flailing dealership. We put our nose to the grindstone, worked hard and turned our business around. We didn't do it alone, though. Loyal customers, dedicated employees, and a world of wonderful family and friends made the difference for us. At the top of the friends-and-family list has been our three mascot dogs: Scooter, Spark Plug and Speed Bump.
Scooter was with us on Day One and an integral part of our business and family life every day up until just a few short weeks ago. His passing has sent shockwaves through our dealership and our home. While not unexpected - Scooter was diagnosed with intestinal cancer several months back - he crashed in a single day leaving us far too quickly.
What came next was totally unexpected: an outpouring of compassion that would rival a head-of-state passing. Don't get me wrong; we are blessed with wonderful friends and employees who feel our pain and understand the depth of our loss. In many ways, Scooter was as much a part of their lives as ours. What we weren't prepared for was the amazing outpouring of compassion and kindness of humanity we received from casual acquaintances, business relations and even strangers.
We understand that this is a crazy, busy world for all of us. It's easy to get caught up with the difficult economic times upon us and other pressures that stress the best of us daily. But at the time of our loss, so many people set aside the difficulties in their own lives to extend their heartfelt sorrow to us. All the pressures of the world turned into a sea of compassion. That groundswell of love and compassion is truly appreciated and has given us a whole new look on humanity and the times we live in.
Thank you to the community for your outpouring of love and support. Thank you Dr. Lisa Pope at the Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center for the loving care you and your staff gave Scooter, and thank you to the professional staff at All Creatures Emergency Center who made those final moments with Scooter the most loving ones we could have imagined. And thank you, Scooter, for the amazing, uplifting life lessons you gave us each and every day.
Official greeter, loyal companion and beloved friend - Scooter, you will always be a special part of Valencia Acura and the Fleming household, and sorely missed. Best friends forever.

TWO FURRY REASONS VALENCIA ACURA IS "THE FRIENDSHIP DEALERSHIP"

 

          If you've ever been to Valencia Acura or seen its advertising, then you know why the dealership owned by Don and Cheri Fleming was the natural choice to be the Pet Adoption Sponsor of the SCV Pet & Family Expo.  To the Flemings, their family dogs are a whole lot more than just pets.  Spark Plug and Bumper are Valencia Acura's Official Greeters and a friendly, tail-wagging presence in the showroom every day.

            "It's been that way since we opened - because we've always looked at our dogs as family members," said Cheri, "So it made perfect sense to bring them into the family business." Don added, "Now if customers don't see them running around the place, they always ask us where they are - and we wouldn't have it any other way."

            Not surprisingly, both dogs have a slightly different perspective on the relationship. 

            "Don't let Don and Cheri fool you. We are the real masterminds behind Valencia Acura," asserted Spark Plug.  Bumper continues, "They're well-trained, but do you really think they could run a world-class organization like this on their own?"

            Everyone agrees the family dynamic has worked very well for the dealership. The dogs have helped enhance the friendly atmosphere in the showroom.  As a result, many customers have become friends and Valencia Acura is now known as "The Friendship Dealership".

            Valencia Acura has often featured the line "It's not just a dealership, it's a friendship" in its advertising.  But it's clear those words are meant to be much more than just an ad theme.  The entire team considers it to be their personal commitment to every customer - and it has apparently worked very well.

             Earlier this year, Valencia Acura was awarded Acura's most prestigious honor - the Dealership of Distinction award - which is reserved for only those dealers that excel in providing "an exceptional customer experience".  Then in February, their award-winning service department achieved the highly coveted position of Number One in the Nation for Customer Satisfaction.

Cheri proudly concludes "We've been number one in our district and zone many times - but being number one in the nation is especially gratifying for everyone here."

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sometimes the only thing more difficult than living with arthritis is talking about it. Diagnosed at what now seems like the very young age of 29, I have lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). As my age advanced, so has my disease and the limitations its effects bring. While it is impossible to ignore, I have never allowed it to define me. Quite the opposite, actually.

Many RA sufferers find themselves completely debilitated within three years of diagnosis. I have been fortunate to have maintained a very active lifestyle for nearly 30 years. Before you get too excited, let me assure you that there have been tough choices and lifestyle adjustments necessary to make that happen.

Mobility is a top priority. Between work, personal life and a number of charitable boards and leadership positions that I hold, I travel extensively and often log a ghastly number of hours behind the wheel.

I've always seen myself as the sporty-type, driving close to the ground in 2-door sports vehicles. As my disease progressed, I moved to Acura's MDX model several years ago when it was first introduced. At the risk of sounding like a car commercial, can I tell you how much easier it has made my daily life?  I'm sure there are many good choices on the market from other car brands that have vehicles with arthritis-friendly features, but I can only tell you about the model I drive day in and day out and the difference that it has made.

It's the little things you might not think twice about if you are able-bodied that to arthritis suffers can have the greatest impact. For example, my MDX has an automatic back hatch, which means I can easily slide groceries in and out (yes, even with a loving husband I still have primary responsibility for stocking the household and making sure there's food on the table!) I opted for running boards, which makes it simple for me to step in and out.

The vehicle ergonomics are easy to navigate and functionally grouped together making it easier for someone like myself who doesn't have full dexterity. There are even voice controlled features that allow me to change air temperature, radio, and phone with just the sound of my voice. Pretty standard these days but equally important for sufferers and non-sufferers alike are the heated seats and lumbar support.

And just when I thought my sporty days were over, the MDX allows me to switch from comfort mode to sporty mode. Maybe it can't exactly replicate that close to the ground sensation, but it does take me back to those younger days. And when I've had my thrill, it is back to comfort mode for the duration of my travels.

To all who suffer from RA or know someone who does, my heart goes out to you and I wish you the best in moving forward in your daily lives. Look for the little things to make a big difference.

Here's one more thing to consider? why not make a difference in the lives of many by supporting the Arthritis Foundation. Within my local community, I have had the pleasure of chairing the Santa Clarita Arthritis Walk for the past four years. It's a cause near and dear to my heart and I'm proud to say we grew from a $15,000 event to a $210,000 fundraising event over that time period despite the ebb and flow of a shaky economy. That means people care about the plight of arthritis sufferers. I invite you to walk with me next May as we continue to spread the word and walk for a cure.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I guess it has become a fact of life: The warm temperatures of late summer/early fall is an indication that wild fires are in season. A single spark can trigger massive destruction, as we witnessed with the recent Station Fire. Not only were homes lost, property damaged, and natural habitats destroyed, but even those of us not in immediate danger found ourselves inhaling smoke-filled air for days on end and anything exposed to the outdoor elements covered in ash.
Needless to say, smoke and ash aren't good for people, pets or property.
In the aftermath of the fires our attention quickly turns to other things that threaten our daily existence. Perhaps we turned too quickly on this one. Sure, the fires are almost extinguished and the air has returned to normal (or at least as normal as Southern California air can be). But what about the smoke trapped in our car's air filter system?
If your car's air filter system did its job (and we certainly hope that's the case!) then all the dirt and debris associated with the smoke and ash was collected before it could gain access to the car's engine. For vehicles with a cabin air filter, same thing applies; pollutants were seized before driver and passengers could breathe them in.
It's worth noting that the foreign elements caught in the air filter's snare didn't miraculously transform their chemical makeup to become good air nor did they vanish into thin air. Rather, these harmful elements continue to reside in the air filters until physically removed. So even though traces of smoke in our outside air have vanished, today's breathable air still cycles through your car's smoke and ash-filled filtration system.
Think about the last time you went to a campfire and came home smelling like smoke. The first order of business is usually showering, shampooing your hair and washing the clothes you wore to remove the residual smoke trapped in the fibers. Same thing should apply for your car's air filter.
Time to replace your air filter? You bet. Considering the investment you make in your vehicle, not to mention your health, an air filter change is typically one of the lowest cost services available. With the intensity of this last fire and the pollutants it generated, I recommend changing air filters now rather than waiting until a regular maintenance visit. After all, we are only as healthy as the air we breathe, and our cars are no different.
And one more thing? the outside of your car is also important for preserving your investment. A good detailing for your car helps lessen the effects of fallen ash. In other words, don't expect a fast drive on the freeway to just blow the ash away. Take the extra care now to detail your car to avoid negative effects later.