Ford Launches Beekeeping Program At World Headquarters

Posted on June 20, 2018 by admin

At Planet Ford in Spring, we recognize how important it is to reduce our footprint and advance sustainability efforts in our community. We are BEEyond (couldn’t resist) excited to see Ford launch its new global beekeeping program with six new honeybee hives at its Dearborn World Headquarters in support of honeybee populations, the local ecosystem, and gardening and farming communities.

Each hive will have a single queen bee and will hold up to 60,000 bees at the height of summer

“Sustainability is more than improving fuel economy and reducing waste,” says Kim Pittel, Ford group vice president, sustainability, environment and safety engineering. “It’s about improving the environment we live in for all, and that includes honeybees, pollinators and the ecosystems that depend on them.”

According to the nonprofit, Pollinator Partnership, honeybees are essential to the world’s food supply and are in dire need of help.

The six new hives will be situated inside a walking path extension north of Ford World Headquarters. Ford employees who initiated the program will serve as beekeepers managing the hives. This effort builds on Ford’s beekeeping initiative at the historic Rouge factory in 2016.

Adding a creative flourish to the installation, the Langstroth hives the bees reside in will be beautified by special hive shells imagined by Ford’s own designers, who participated in a unique competition to see who could come up with the most aesthetically pleasing and functional home for the bees.

Over a dozen design concepts were submitted, spanning a variety of formats and employing numerous materials ranging from wood, plant matter, acrylic, ceramics, mill foam, fiberglass and metal. In the end, the concept of Chris Westfall, a designer of vehicle interiors, was chosen for its overall benefits to colony health. Titled, “Honeycomb Sail,” the design features two sails that wrap around each beehive to provide a peaceful space away from the elements. The design takes cues from both bee wings and a thick drop of honey. One side allows for easy access by the beekeeper and the other entrance is sized just for the bees.

Ford beekeepers will provide data on the 360,000 total honeybees expected to inhabit all six hives as the colonies grow to their full potential of 60,000 bees per hive by the height of summer to the Sentinel Apiary Program, a collective of nearly 70 beekeepers from 26 states who track honeybee health and diseases nationally.

For more information on Ford’s sustainability efforts, visit your Planet Ford in Spring (servicing Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress and Aldine), or go to PlanetFord45.com and send us a quick message.

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Give Dad the Legendary Father’s Day Gift He Deserves

Posted on June 14, 2018 by admin

The ghost of a famous baseball player once said, “there’s heroes and there’s legends: heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

It’s that time of year. That day where we celebrate our legendary dads. They’ve earned that. And such legendary people deserve legendary gifts. Sure, cards are nice, but why not get your dad what he really wants? Maybe he’s fixing up his truck or restoring his vintage car. Don’t worry, our auto experts at Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (also serving Greater Houston, Cypress, Katy, Aldine and Conroe area) are here to help!

Planet Ford has an enormous selection of aftermarket accessories, genuine Ford parts and Service Department Gift Certificates available. We have a myriad of ideas ideal for the car or truck lover in your life. Check out just a few of the accessories we have available for dear ole’ dad!

Ford Performance

Give dad the performance his vehicle has been craving with Ford Performance cutting-edge parts and accessories. From superchargers and camshafts, to crate engines (Coyote 5.0 anybody?) and muffler kits, there are hundreds of parts to choose from to complete his project or upgrade his existing ride.

Tint It Up!

It’s almost summer time and what better way to beat the car heat than with super tinted windows? Keep those rays out and keep dad cool with various tint options available.

Music Lover?

An expertly tuned sound system can make those morning commutes much more enjoyable. Help him enjoy his tunes with an enhanced audio system and pump up the volume with all the top audio brands. Let our experts help you! Enjoy uninterrupted, commercial-free music via satellite radio (subscription required) or GPS units to help you navigate to that fancy restaurant you made Father’s Day reservations for. If it’s audio or video, we have you covered!

Bedliners 

An all-time favorite for our truck lovers… a quality bedliner. It offers dad’s truck bed added protection from corrosion, scrapes, dents, and can even help protect cargo. Whether your father prefers a drop-in or spray-in bedliner, We can help you find what you need. Drop-in bedliners are usually thicker and are easy to install and remove. Spray-in liners can be thinner, but they provide a permanent and often, more sleeker option. Protect your truck bed with a drop-in or spray-in bedliner. Installation included.

Time’s Running Out!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t delay! Come into Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring today and let our team help make this Father’s Day a holiday to remember. Visit www.PlanetFord45.com and browse our inventory and accessories from anywhere!

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Planet Ford Continues to Build Lasting Relationships with Community

Posted on June 12, 2018 by admin

Here at Planet Ford in Spring, community is extremely important to us. Serving our community helps build lasting relationships and we pride ourselves on that. We are very honored and humbled to have helped out the Westfield High School Science Club.

“Dear Planet Ford,

On behalf of Westfield High School Science Club and the children we serve, thank you for your generous donation! This donation has helped our organization fulfill the hopes and dreams of some very special students. It is the heartfelt efforts of sponsorship from Planet Ford that enabled Science Club to create amazing experiences for our students. The contributions of caring individuals, like Planet Ford helped the Science Club with the resources to grant a hands on experience for our Students to Moody Gardens. Your contribution is more than just a gift. For these students, its great opportunity to experience what is taught in the Science Class such as relationship among species that contribute to the growth of our ecosystem; different biomes and the characteristics that helps for the biomes to bloom. The students were, well behaved, and participated actively in the learning process. When we got to the aquarium, we saw the cleaner shrimps that cleans parasites and gills of fish. It is a decomposer, many students put their fingers for the shrimp to clean because the supervisor allowed them to do so. When the students were asked what kind of interaction was taking place, they all proudly said symbiotic relationship. They were so excited to see the barnacles that carry out commensalism relationship with the whale. When we got to the rainforest, they could link it to their background knowledge of the different biomes in the terrestrial environment. My team and self we want to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the kids. When you help grant wishes, you may find your own life as greatly enriched as the students whose lives are changed forever with precious memories that last a lifetime.Attached is one of the pictures we took.

Thank you,

Mrs. Ntasin
Science Club Coordinator”

For more information on how Planet Ford in Spring (servicing Greater Houston, Cypress, The Woodlands, Aldine, Katy and Conroe areas) contributes to its surrounding communities, visit PlanetFord45.com/about/community.

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Lynx Baseball Players Present Planet Ford GM/OP Team Plaque

Posted on June 11, 2018 by admin

Planet Ford in Spring cares about the community and we love to meet those who are part of it. Friday, the Houston-area Ford dealership team had a pair of very special visitors. Two very appreciative young Lynx baseball players stopped by Planet Ford 45 to present Shawn Burns, General Manager/Operating partner, with a team plaque.

We truly do love being part of the team.  We are so proud and can’t wait to add this latest honor to the dealership’s Hall of Fame Wall. This wall is filled to capacity of plaques from all levels of youth athletic programs to non-profit organization sponsorships from over the years in the community we serve. We are honored to be able to add this plaque to this wall and watch it continue to grow!

From Mr. Burn, Randall Reed, Planet Ford owner and our entire team, we thank you for the amazing gift. We can’t wait to hear more get things from this local youth sports team.

To learn more about Planet Ford in Spring (servicing Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress, Aldine and Conroe areas), visit PlanetFord45.com.

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Waze, Amazon Alexa Get SYNC 3 Connectivity

Posted on June 4, 2018 by admin

Ford & Waze. Your commute just got better.

The team at Planet Ford in Spring loves using Waze and now using Waze inside your Ford vehicle is easier than ever since the much-loved, crowd-sourced navigation and traffic app is now compatible with available SYNC® 3 AppLink.® By accessing Waze through SYNC 3 AppLink, you can collaborate with other users, outsmarting traffic by sharing information to get the best routes, and receive real-time alerts about accidents, road hazards and traffic jams.

Moving Waze to the dash screen allows you to conveniently access the app’s features on a larger display.  You can operate Waze through your vehicle’s touchscreen, as well as use voice commands for hands-free control, helping to keep your eyes on the road.* Available via iPhone® in Ford vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 with Software Version 3.0. Waze is also available on Android Auto.™

Commands may vary by phone and AppLink software. Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. iPhone is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android Auto is a trademark of Google Inc.

Ford+Alexa, a match made in tech heaven.

Introducing Ford+Alexa–bringing the amazing capabilities of Amazon Alexa from your home to the road. By using the Ford+Alexa app and connecting via SYNC® 3 AppLink® , you’ll have access to Voice Navigation, Traffic Information, over 30,000 Skills, Amazon Prime shopping and can even control your supported Smart Home devices. Stay connected, no matter where you are.

To learn more about Waze and Alexa connectivity, visit one of our Ford specialists at Planet Ford in Spring (servicing Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress, Katy and Conroe).

*Requires available SYNC 3 AppLink version 2.2 or higher. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart home technology.

 

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Planet Ford Recognizes May Employee Milestones!

Posted on June 2, 2018 by admin

A special “Happy Birthday!” wish to all of our employees with a birthday this month at Planet Ford in Spring!

On Monday, we celebrated employees with anniversaries and birthdays in May. Shawn Burns, GM/OP recognized Sean Currie for 24 years of service at Planet Ford along with Daniel Trevino for 21 years and Jesse Williams for 17 years.

Shawn also presented Frances Ramos with a gift for her milestone anniversary of 10 years, Marco Moreno for five years, and Alex Chavarra for five years. Rogelio Gonzales was recognized for his milestone anniversary of 15 years of service, although he was not present. Shawn recognized our Employee of Month for May. Congratulations to Anthony Hoyuela for achieving the honor of Employee of the Month.

Each employee received a free spin and chance to win some extra cash by taking a turn at the Planet Money Wheel, a longstanding tradition at our dealership. Thank you to all of our employees for your hard work daily to help make Planet Ford the best dealership around!

For more information about Planet Ford in Spring (servicing Greater Houston, Cypress, The Woodlands, Aldine and Conroe areas), visit PlanetFord45.com.

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Ford Executives Award Planet Ford in Spring Highest Honors

Posted on May 23, 2018 by admin

Randall Reed, owner of Planet Ford in Spring has achieved a historic Ford first. He is the first independent dealer to win the highly coveted Triple Crown at every World Class Automotive dealership in the same year. In addition, in 2018, Randall Reed became one of only seven dealers inducted into the Ford Dealer Hall of Fame.

One of the biggest highlights from the Grand Opening celebration at Planet Ford came from the awards and ribbon cutting ceremony. Ford Motor Company executives were on site to award Mr. Reed, Mrs. Reed and every World Class Automotive dealership with Ford’s highest recognition, the Triple Crown.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this unprecedented achievement of every independent dealer’s location earning Ford’s highest honor,” said Mr. Reed.  

Planet Ford 45 Triple Crown

Shawn Burns, Planet Ford Spring GM/OP; Randall Reed, Owner; posing with Planet Ford 45 Triple Crown award.

Ford’s CEO, James Hackett; Mark LaNeve, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service; Joy Falotico, group vice president, Lincoln and Chief Marketing Office; and Elena Ford, a member of the Ford family, among many other Ford executives, spoke at the event and presented a selection of the groups 25 awards. From honoring Mr. Reed as being only the 7th Ford Top Sales Hall of Fame inductee to receiving a historic Triple Crown Award for every Randall Reed Ford dealership earned in the same year; it was a momentous occasion.

Planet Ford in Spring Awards:

  • Ford Dealer Hall of Fame–based on sales volume but also requires a dealer be respected and admired loved by the Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit, their own employees as well as other Ford dealers.
  • Ford Triple Crown–awarded to the most elite dealers in the nation. In order to be recognized, a dealership must receive all of Ford’s top awards, which include: the President’s Award for customer service; the Ford One Hundred Club, an honor based on vehicle sales; and the Premier Club.
  • Ford President’s Award–given to recognize that a dealership has achieved excellence in customer satisfaction.
  • Top One Hundred Club–recognition for achieving excellence in Sales, Service or Parts.
  • Partners in Quality–recognizes dealers who have shown the highest level of outstanding customer service and satisfaction as well as their ongoing partnership with Ford Credit.
  • Premier Club–honorees are comprised of an elite group that is truly committed to excellence.
  • Salute to Dealers–a Ford community service initiative that identifies and honors Dealer Principals who improve the lives of those in need.

“This incredible accompaniment recognizes your well deserved commitment to your communities, charities, customers, employees and Ford Motor Company,” said Dianne C. Craig, Director of U.S. Sales for Ford.

Since the inception of the Triple Crown, only 78 dealers have achieved the distinction, with less than half a percent winning it on an annual basis.

“In total, our Ford stores have garnered this amazing honor 10 times, and it marks the 6th consecutive year for a Planet Ford location.” Award-winning service is nothing new; the family-owned dealerships take great pride in garnering top awards for 30 years.

For more award winning service, visit Planet Ford in Spring (The Woodlands, Greater Houston, Conroe, Cypress), or go to www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Michael Page Wins #PlanetFordWhisperer Grand Prize

Posted on May 22, 2018 by admin
Planet Ford Whisperer Grand Prize Winner

Michael Page poses as the Ford Whisperer next to his newly won Mustang GT350 from the #PlanetFordWhisperer contest.

Randall Reed, owner of Planet Ford in Spring, awarded the grand price (choice of either a new F-150 Raptor or Mustang GT350) of the #PlanetFordWhisperer contest to Michael Page. As Reed and his wife, Sherry, along with Dana Tyson from Sunny 99.1 read out the name from the envelope, you could see the look of disbelief and shock on Michael’s face.

The #PlanetFordWhisperer contest moderators and panel of judges had an incredibly hard time choosing the best of the best. “There were so many entries that were deserving of the prize; it was hard to narrow it down,” said Randall Reed, owner of Planet Ford and the Ford Whisperer. But nevertheless, Page found himself sitting in the top five final contestants.

Page’s video, titled Into The Wild, showcases the creativity and originality that embodies the Ford spirit; a true Ford Whisperer.

“When I began, I was searching for an identity” said Page. “But in the end, I found a home.”

And in the end, Page found himself with a brand new GT350.

If you didn’t win, don’t worry. You can still get your dream Ford and a great deal. To learn more about Planet Ford 45 in Spring (The Woodlands, Greater Houston, Cypress and Conroe), visit www.PlanetFord45.com.

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And the Planet Ford Whisperer 2nd Chance Winner Is….

Posted on May 21, 2018 by admin

Tomishia “Liz” Aronson (right) lands a Ford Raptor in the PlanetFordWhisperer.com/2nd Chance giveaway. Michael Page (left) was the Planet Ford Whisperer Grand Prize winner.

The #PlanetFordWhisperer contest was a massive success. The contest had so many amazing entrants, with only one, Michael Page, ultimately winning it all and taking home the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. That left a new Ford F-150 Raptor up for grabs in the PlanetFordWhisperer/2ndChance giveaway.

During Planet Ford in Springs Grand Opening on May 18th, Randall Reed, the Ford Whisperer and owner of Planet Ford, drew Tomishia “Liz” Aronson’s name. The crowd held their breathe as her name was called out multiple times. Then, just as they wondered if they should call another name, she showed up speechless and in utter shock.

“I’m still really in shock and I’m so excited,” Ms. Aronson said. “I remember when the Raptor came out; it was my dream truck. Winning it pretty much made my whole life.”

Ms. Aronson won the 2nd dream Ford by entering the PlanetWhisperers 2nd Chance Winner Sweepstakes that was held the week leading up to the Grand Opening. All guest had to do was RSVP at planetfordwhisperer.com/2ndchance and then show up to the event or even show up and sign up while there.  It only took a couple minutes to enter and it turned out to be well worth Ms. Aronson’s time.

Everyone at Planet Ford congratulates her on her wrangling her dream Raptor. She already has plans to make it her own. “I’m bringing it in next week to get a bed liner,” she said. Clearly, the Ford Whisperer found the right home for this wild F-150.

If you didn’t win, don’t worry. You can still get your dream Ford and a great deal at Planet Ford in Spring on I-45. To learn more about Planet Ford 45 (servicing Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress, Aldine and Conroe), visit www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Light Up To Live Charity Raffle

Posted on May 21, 2018 by admin

In case you missed it, Light Up To Live was on site for the Grand Opening Event a couple weeks ago. We held a raffle and all proceeds went to Light Up To Live.

The Light Up To Live Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to assisting military men and women in active duty and those returning home. Light Up to Live offers information and assistance to those suffering with conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This mission to assist has been documented in a documentary called Light Up to Live: The Movie. It reveals insights into the lives of American Veterans who have struggled with various conditions, the drug-free options they utilized and their journey to wellness.

Items raffled off included the following:

  1. Trip for two including round trip airfare to Las Vegas to see George Strait in concert Dec 7 or 8 with one night accommodation at an MGM Property *Donated by Cox Media Group
  2. Lady’s 14K white gold 8.5 carat Trilliant Blue Topaz with 64 round brilliant diamonds *Donated by Select Jewelers thru iHeart Media
  3. 55” Sunbrite TV *Donated by Comcast
  4. Golf for four plus carts at Sugar Creek Country Club-$500.00*Donated by Houston Lifestyle Magazine
  5. Golf for four plus carts and lunch Riverbend Country Club *Donated by Houston Lifestyle Magazine
  6. Gift Basket from Rebecca Creek Whiskey/Enchanted Rock Vodka
  7. Gift Basket from ROXOR Gin
  8. Guys & Dolls Gift Basket with four tickets for performance at Hobby Center. *Donated by KTRK
  9. Dynamo tickets *Donated by KTRK

If you didn’t get a chance to donate to Light Up To Live, don’t worry. You will be able to donate directly at LightUpToLive.org soon.

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