NEW ORLEANS, LA, January 2025 – Ford Motor Company today recognized six outstanding Ford and Lincoln dealers with its prestigious Salute to Dealers award, celebrating their exceptional contributions to their communities. From supporting veterans and youth programs to funding cancer research and providing job training for people with disabilities, these honorees exemplify the positive impact dealerships can have on the lives of others.
“For 25 years, the Salute to Dealers award has highlighted the incredible work our dealer network does to support the communities they serve,” said Henry Ford III. “This year’s honorees exemplify the spirit of giving and the positive impact we can have when we work together to build stronger, more vibrant communities. Their dedication inspires us all, and we are proud to recognize their exceptional contributions.”
The Salute to Dealers program, originally established by Edsel B. Ford II, has expanded globally since 2011, recognizing 166 dealers from 20 countries over its 25-year history. This year’s recipients were selected by a panel of judges based on their individual community service activities, duration of involvement, and personal motivation. Each honoree received a custom portrait showcasing their philanthropic endeavors, which will also be displayed at Ford World Headquarters for a year.
The award ceremony, held in New Orleans on January 23rd, preceded the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas. The program underscores Ford’s long-standing commitment to empowering communities globally, reflecting a shared legacy of more than 120 years of positive impact. Ford and Lincoln dealer principals are eligible for nomination by their dealership or regional representatives.
This year Ford recognized the following Dealers for their generosity and commitment to their communities. Videos of all honorees can be found at https://fordcontentcenter.com/url/2025SalutetoDealers
Charles S. Miller: Miller Ford Lincoln Sales in Lumberton, New Jersey
Boy Scouts of America
Burlington County Animal Shelter
Legacy Treatment Services
Miller Transportation Group Employee Charitable Giving Program
Chip Miller is deeply committed to giving back, witnessed by a long history of dedicating time, talent and resources to countless civic and charitable causes. He has also established several internal programs focused on caring for the needs of his employees. One example is the Miller Employee Children’s Scholarship Program which provides financial support for the educational growth of his employees’ children, from trade school attendance to graduate-level programs. Realizing that hardships can sometimes be difficult to overcome, he established a program that offers unencumbered financial assistance to employees facing unique circumstances. Support covers mortgage payments, medical bills and other essential living expenses. Additionally, his Corporate Giving Program awards annual donations to charitable organizations chosen by employees. Many of these charities represent groups that have provided direct support to employees or their families in critical times of need. Chip’s generosity doesn’t stop there; he also provides financial support to numerous local organizations. These range from youth sports teams to high school theater groups to his hospital’s cancer treatment department. His support is far-reaching and touches many other causes and organizations, including: American Cancer Society; Boy Scouts of America; Samaritan Hospice; Rowan College at Burlington County; Episcopal Relief and Development; a local animal shelter, and more. It is through these and numerous other causes that Chip Miller demonstrates service above self and a heartfelt attitude toward helping others.