Concord, N.H., Dealer Honored For Good Works

Grappone Ford and Mazda owner earns Ford's annual 'Salute To Dealers' award

CONCORD, N.H. - Robert J. Grappone is a man with a mission: help ensure the best possible health care for New Hampshire residents. That might seem an unlikely commitment for an automobile dealer, but Grappone is a businessman who sees the big picture.

Grappone, who owns Ford and Mazda dealerships in New Hampshire as part of the Grappone Automotive Group, and his wife, Beverly, a registered nurse, know that a shortage of nurses coupled with capacity limitations of nursing programs could endanger not only lives but the state's reputation and economy as well. So they put their full support behind a statewide initiative, taking the leadership on a capital campaign for the New Hampshire Technical Institute to build a new wing for its nursing program as well as providing scholarships for students. The Grappones kicked off the campaign with a $1 million donation and have worked with state and local governments and public/private partnerships to raise awareness of the critical needs.

"My attitude is, if you've got it, share it," Bob Grappone said. "As an ongoing civic achievement that will make a lasting and discernable difference in the lives of New Hampshire citizens, Beverly and I are honored to make this project a legacy goal of the Grappone family and companies."

Grappone also has given $250,000 to the Concord Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to build a training facility for classes such as licensed nurse assistant, home health aid training, CPR, life-guarding, HIV/AIDS education and babysitter training.

Grappone's focus is community and he has given generously to help build much-needed meeting, athletic and entertainment facilities in Concord. The Grappone Conference Center filled a void and helped boost the local economy. Grappone Stadium at Saint Anselm's College, named in honor of Grappone's parents, John and Ruth Grappone, was built with more than just football in mind. The facility can host large crowds for outdoor events as well as other civic uses. And the restored Capitol Center for the Arts hosts a wide mix of performances and conferences.

Among the other numerous organizations Grappone supports are Concord Hospital, Salvation Army, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, Junior Achievement, local sports and schools, Audubon Society, United Way, Capitol Center for the Arts and more.

For his outstanding corporate citizenship, Ford Motor Company has named Grappone among the nine recipients of its sixth annual Salute To Dealers award.

"The Grappones' leadership brings energy and inspiration to the entire region," said Lynn Kilchenstein, president of New Hampshire Technical Institute. "Through such purpose-driven giving not only at the community college but also in the arts, in health care, in child welfare, in fact, throughout the social fabric, Bob and Bev foster change that benefits everyone."

The Grappones don't stop at nursing. They have worked closely with the Easter Seals in fighting autism after being inspired by a friend's autistic child. Bob, a former Easter Seals chairman, donated $25,000 to create the Autism Diagnostic and Treatment Network for parents and doctors to help alleviate stress and change lives. The Grappone Companies partnered with Easter Seals to create an auto donation program to help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

"Bob's steadfast involvement and generous support of Easter Seals is a true testament of his caring and compassion for those in need," said Larry Gammon, president and CEO of Easter Seals NH. "With the many time constraints of a successful business leader, Bob has never said no. Bob understands that it takes all of us working together to create a community where even the most disadvantaged can succeed."

Helping the disadvantaged is the mission of the Salvation Army, which Grappone supports through monetary and transportation donations as well as rallying the community in times of need. "The Salvation Army never asks for anything," Grappone said. "They just help everyone without judging who they are."

When Grappone found out the local chapter of the Salvation Army was struggling because of budget shortfalls from the demands of caring for the victims of the 2005 hurricanes, East Coast flooding and higher energy costs, he stepped up with a $5,000 donation and placed an ad in the local paper encouraging others to give what they could. "We were completely humbled and taken aback," Salvation Army Major Bob Kountz said. "Bob really prompts the community and helps out for the right reasons."

The Grappones are generous supporters of Concord Hospital. They donated their home to the health care facility and funds for a new lobby, name after their son, Gregory, at the main entrance of the hospital.

"With 80 years of commitment, I'm proud of the Grappone Companies' continuous innovation, and strong track record of forming community partnerships," Grappone said. "I'm honored to give back to a community that has given us so much."

Salute To Dealers was established in 2001 to demonstrate Ford Motor Company's commitment to its dealer principals who improve the lives of those in need in their communities while providing outstanding products and services. The program is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of Henry Ford and a member of Ford's Board of Directors.

"Bob Grappone's dedication to enriching the lives of people in his community is a commitment that extends beyond his showroom," Edsel Ford said. "He is an inspiration."

This year, 62 nominations for exceptional individuals representing 30 states were received for the award. Dealers representing all Ford Motor Company brands - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Volvo, Mazda, Land Rover and Aston Martin - are eligible to be nominated by a regional representative. A panel of judges selects the honorees based on the dealer's individual activities, length of participation and personal motivation.

This year's award recipients will be honored February 10 at a private reception preceding the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Orlando. Ford commissioned a portrait of each award honoree depicting in montage form the dealers' involvement in their communities. These portraits commemorating the corporate citizenship efforts of the 2006 honorees will join those of previous honorees in a special display in the lobby of Ford Motor Company's World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

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