Dealership celebrates 25 years with Ford

HURRICANE, W.Va. -- Midway Ford recently received recognition from Ford Motor Credit Company for 25 years of partnership with their organization as well as service to the Putnam community.

Steve Fraser, territory sales manager for Ford Motor Credit Co., presented dealer/owner Donald Kinneer with a framed letter of recognition and medallion.

"With the changing business climate today, business relationships come and go, but not this one," Fraser said.

Fraser attributes Kinneer's success in business to the dealer's strength, longevity and loyalty.

"While we're here celebrating our relationship with Midway Ford, we're celebrating with the community as well," Fraser said. "Without the community, Don wouldn't be here. And without Don, we wouldn't be here."

Kinneer there were about 12 employees and 12 cars on the lot the first day he opened. His goals were simple: To sell 10 cars in the first month.

"We thought that would mean we were doing OK," Kinneer said.

To his surprise, the first day of business Kinneer saw the sale of 10 cars, meaning the second day he had to send someone shopping for new cars to put on the lot.

"We couldn't believe it," Kinneer said.

Since then, Midway currently employs roughly 33 staff members while selling over 500 vehicles, new and used combined, in 2007.

Midway Ford is located just off the Hurricane exit at 201 Orchard Park. For more information, call the dealership at 304-562-3315 or visit www.midwayfordsut.com.