Western Massachusetts gets cloaked in a vibrant shade of green every March, and for good reason! Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities are a legendary blend of tradition, revelry, and a deep connection to Irish heritage. Here at Central Chevrolet, we’re proud to be part of this incredible community celebration.

This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, making it not just the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in New England, but a cherished homecoming for generations of Irish-Americans. Past participants include President John F. Kennedy himself, highlighting the national significance of this local treasure.

The festivities kick off with the 47th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Road Race. This isn’t just a race for serious runners – it’s a community event. You’ll see families participating in the fun run, walkers enjoying the lively atmosphere, and cheers erupting for every finisher.

But the real magic unfolds on St. Patrick’s Day itself. Imagine over 400,000 spectators lining the streets, a sea of green as far as the eye can see! The parade is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, featuring marching bands, cultural floats, energetic dance troupes, and of course, plenty of firetrucks (a nod to Holyoke’s rich history as a center for firefighting innovation).

What makes this parade truly special is the sheer number of local participants. Community groups, schools, sports teams, and even local businesses all come together to celebrate their heritage and showcase their spirit. It’s a heartwarming display of community pride, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish immigrants who helped build this great city.

Here at Central Chevrolet, we understand the importance of community. We’re not just a place to buy a car, we’re your neighbors. We share in the joys and traditions that make Holyoke special, and we’re committed to supporting local events like the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Speaking of standing out from the crowd, have you seen the new Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Trax in Cactus Green? They’re the perfect vehicles to navigate the parade crowds (with their spacious interiors) and turn heads with their sleek, stylish design – just like the floats in the parade itself! Plus, with their cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency, you can explore all the hidden gems of Western Massachusetts in style and comfort.

So, whether you’re cheering on the runners in the road race or soaking up the festive atmosphere in the parade, we invite you to join us in celebrating Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a celebration of heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of the Irish spirit. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your own lucky charm at the parade – perhaps a test drive in a brand new Chevy?

We wish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day from your friends at Central Chevrolet!

Tags: cactusgreen, chevy, community, heritage, holyoke, irish, localbusiness, parade, roadrace, stpatricksday, trailblazer, trax, westernmassachusetts
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This International Women’s Day, we at Central Chevrolet are especially proud to celebrate the remarkable women who have driven innovation in the automotive industry, and even more proud of the incredible women who are leading the charge right here at our dealership.

While women represent less than 25% of dealership employees nationwide, and a mere 18% of managers, at Central Chevrolet, we’re shattering those statistics. Over 40% of our managers across variable and fixed operations are women – and they are truly exceptional at what they do.

From the very beginning, women have been shaping the way we drive. Mary Anderson, frustrated by constantly cleaning snow and rain off her windshield, invented the windshield wiper in 1903. Margaret A. Wilcox, a pioneering mechanical engineer, secured a patent for a car heater in 1893, making winter commutes a little more comfortable.

Bertha Benz, wife of Karl Benz, isn’t just considered a car enthusiast – she’s credited with the invention of brake pads (inspired by a discussion with a blacksmith) and even took the world’s first long-distance road trip in her husband’s car, proving its potential to a skeptical public.

These are just a few examples of the countless women who have made significant contributions to the automotive world. Yet, the industry they helped build often overlooks them.

At Central Chevrolet, we believe that’s unacceptable. We’re proud to have strong, intelligent women on our team, and we’re actively working to create a welcoming environment that fosters future generations of female automotive leaders.

Leading the Charge at Central Chevrolet

We wouldn’t be the award-winning dealership we are today without the dedication and expertise of our incredible female leaders. Let’s give a round of applause to:

• Carla Butterfield, Service Manager (7 years) – Carla’s leadership keeps our service department running smoothly, ensuring our customers receive exceptional care.
• Kathy Jones, F&I Director (35 years) – Kathy’s knowledge and experience are invaluable in the finance and insurance department, guiding customers through the buying process with expertise and care.
• Melissa Losito, F&I Manager (14 Years) – Melissa’s customer focus and financial acumen make the financing process efficient and stress-free.
• Jessika Gmachowski, BDC Manager (2 Years) – Jessika’s drive and enthusiasm are instrumental in connecting customers with the perfect vehicle for their needs.

These are just a few of the amazing women who play crucial roles across Central Chevrolet to serve our customers. We want to thank all of our exceptional women for their hard work and dedication.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the remarkable women who have paved the way, and empower the next generation to take the wheel. Visit us at Central Chevrolet and see how our team of passionate professionals, both women and men, can help you find the perfect car for your needs.

Tags: automotive industry, Central Chevrolet, community, customer service, family-owned business, femaleleaders, internationalwomensday, IWD2024, womeninautomotive
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A Legacy Built on Family, Service, and You

Welcome to the first entry on the Central Dealership blog! We’re excited to share our story, our values, and our ongoing commitment to serving the community.

Central Chevrolet is more than just a car dealership; it’s a family legacy that spans three generations. It all began with my grandfather, who moved from Buffalo, New York, to take the helm as General Manager in the early 1960’s. His dedication and passion for the industry led him to eventually purchase of the dealership, laying the foundation for what it is today.

My father followed in his footsteps, starting his journey at Central over 42 years ago. All these years later, Todd continues to lead the company with the same dedication and enthusiasm as his father. In August of this year, I had the privilege of joining the team, carrying the torch and upholding the values that have made Central Chevrolet a pillar of the community.

Family Values, Exceptional Service

At Central, we believe in fostering a close-knit family environment that extends not only to our customers but also to our employees. We are incredibly proud of our team, with over 16 individuals boasting 25+ years of service and 35 employees exceeding 15+ years with the company. In a small business of roughly 85 employees, this loyalty and dedication speak volumes about the culture we’ve cultivated.

Our commitment to our employees is mirrored in our commitment to our customers. As Floyd, our founder, once declared on one of his original billboards, “Service is at the heart of our business.” This mantra guides our every interaction, from the moment you walk through our doors to the long-term care we provide for your vehicle.

Join the Central Family

We invite you to experience the Central difference. Whether you’re searching for your next car, require expert service, or simply want to connect with a team that prioritizes both its employees and its customers, we’re here for you. We’d be honored to have the opportunity to earn your business and become part of our extended family.

Stay tuned for future blog posts as we delve deeper into various topics related to the automotive industry, share customer testimonials, and offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your car buying and car care journey.

Tags: automotive industry, car dealership, Central Chevrolet, community, customer service, employee appreciation, family-owned business, legacy, multi-generational, west springfield
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