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Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville, IN, on June 10 presented local charity Chasing Dreams, Inc. with a $24,208 check.

The check presentation took place at the dealership's showroom with Denise Babjak, Chasing Dreams' founder, and several leaders and beneficiaries accepting the donation.

“It was a very heartfelt experience presenting the check to Denise and her team. We're humbled by the opportunity to support Chasing Dreams, Inc. and honored to be able to give back to such a great cause,”said Kyle Faiman, Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville's general manager.

The donation was made possible by the Subaru Share the Love Event sponsored by Subaru of America, Inc. During the promotional event the automaker donates $250 for every Subaru vehicle purchased or leased. The dealer, in turn, donates an additional $50.

The customer purchasing or leasing the vehicle then gets to choose where the money goes, with the majority of Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville customers choosing Chasing Dreams, Inc., a local charity committed to to providing integrated and vital programs for individuals with special needs and their families, that facilitate an environment of growth, learning and independence.

Mark Artibey, Zeigler of Merrillville's new car director, nominated Chasing Dreams, Inc. during the Share The Love Event as the store's choice after the issue of lack of support for people with disabilities hit close to home. He was surprised to learn about the lack of funding for people with Down syndrome at a federal and state level from a close friend who had a child with Down syndrome.

“I really started getting more involved when my friend Denise Babjak, who has a child with Down syndrome and autism, started the nonprofit organization Chasing Dreams, Inc.," Artibey said. "They basically take anyone at any age, with any disability, and help with education, life skills and anything else they may need without charging the family for anything. It's 100% free!”

He also noted it was heartwarming to see more and more people choosing to donate to the local charity, where the community could see and feel the impact right here at home. As for what the nonprofit plans to do with the donation, the founder says there are plans to expand Chasing Dreams' education programs because she feels education is the basis for everything the organization provides.

“We are beyond grateful to Zeigler Subaru for sharing so much love with us," said Babjak. "We have never felt so loved before. This will make a huge impact in providing educational programs to the community.” She also said the organization is always looking for volunteers for those wanting to contribute within the community.

Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville also announced it will be once again supporting Chasing Dreams Inc. during the upcoming Share The Love Event.

Source: Zeigler Auto Group The UAW International Executive Board (IEB) on June 28 unanimously elected Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry to serve as UAW president upon the retirement of Rory L. Gamble for the remainder of the current term, which ends in June 2022 at the 38th Constitutional Convention.

Curry, 55, will officially assume the office of president July 1. The UAW implemented comprehensive top-to-bottom financial ethics reforms while Curry served as secretary-treasurer, the union’s CFO.

Within his bargaining sector assignments, the members of UAW-Heavy Truck and UAW-General Dynamics sectors have enjoyed financial gains and increased job security provisions, while the members of the Agricultural Implement sector have continued to enforce current contractual terms along with health and safety provisions.

Source: UAW

Illinois Community College’s Collision Repair Program Receives Highest Level of ASE Accreditation

The automotive collision repair program at Richland Community College in Decatur, IL, was recently recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for receiving Master accreditation—the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the ASE. The program received the accredidation in damage analysis/estimating/customer service, painting and refinishing, non-structural analysis/damage repair, structural analysis/damage repair and mechanical and electrical components. “Richland now offers the only ASE-certified collision repair program in Central Illinois,” said Andy Hynds, dean of mathematics, science and business. “Courses are hands-on and are taught in the state-of-the-art Workforce Development Institute. Certificates can be earned in as little as five months, with degree options to enhance one’s skills.”

The Decatur area has seen growth in job openings in this field, added Hynds. “The collision repair industry is a clear path to a rewarding career,” Hynds said. “In recent years, there have been an average of 25 job openings annually in Decatur and surrounding counties. A specialist in the field can expect to earn an average of $20 per hour, with plenty of opportunities for work.” Kent Mears, assistant professor for the program, has been working in the collision industry for more than 43 years and has been at Richland for eight. He feels the program has been a success because of its emphasis on training students for long-term careers. “I ask my students the first day if they want a job or career where you can receive benefits and take great pride in your work,” Mears said. “This program opens the door for you to find positions that are open all over the United States. You can even be done with your training in just one year or less.” Registration for fall classes is currently underway. Visit richland.edu/registration to find out more or call (217) 875-7211, ext. 6267 to talk about this program and many more. Classes begin Aug. 12.

Source: Richland Community College