The story of John and Mollie Stewart and their annual "We Heart Maggie Golf Tournament" scheduled for May 30, 2010 at Black Mountain Golf & Country Club in Henderson was brought to the attention of Jim "Red" Donohue, Internet director at Findlay Acura.

"I was so impressed with what the Stewarts were doing in memory of their daughter and in support of the Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada," said Donohue, "that I was determined to get the dealership behind this year's golf tournament. I knew we could help spread the word and generate more donations for Maggie's cause."

Although participation in the golf tournament is already maxed out at 215 golfers, sponsorships and cash donations are always accepted on the event's Web site at WeHeartMaggie.com. All net proceeds from the tournament are donated to Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada (chfn.org).

"At Findlay Acura we believe strongly in giving back to the community we call home," said James Cobbs, the dealership's general manager. "It's something we learned from the late Pete Findlay and continues to this day under the direction of his son, Cliff. We think the We Heart Maggie Golf Tournament in Henderson is a great event that raises awareness for the children and their families, both so deeply affected by heart problems."

The golf tournament was created last year by the parents of Maggie Stewart who was born with multiple heart defects. Her father, John Stewart, said they "had an amazing 14 months with little Maggie. Despite all the medications and poking and prodding, to know her, and to see her temperament and personality, you would have never known she suffered from a heart condition. Reflecting on our time with Maggie, it seems as if God knew we would only have a short time with her, so He made the time we did have with her perfect."

Their experience with regular monthly appointments to monitor their little girl's heart conditions and respiratory issues introduced the Stewarts to the Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada. After receiving so much support and strength from other parents in similar situations, the Stewarts decided to play an active role in the Children's Heart Foundation.

In addition to organizing the annual golf tournament, the Stewarts in partnership with Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada have created Maggie's Garden at the Children's Heart Center of Las Vegas. Maggie's Garden is a special room for children diagnosed with heart defects where they can play and select a toy to keep prior to undergoing a hospital procedure. "It's a place where," according to Stewart, "heart kids will hopefully be able to escape the fear of their pending heart procedure, even if only for a short time."

Founded in 2001 through the compassionate efforts of Las Vegas valley pediatric cardiologists and families of children with heart problems, Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada (chfn.org) provides education, emotional and financial support, as well as summer camp experiences for children who are heart patients.

"We're so flattered and thrilled that Findlay Acura has given its support to the We Heart Maggie Golf Tournament," said Stewart. "We raised $50,000 as a result of the 2009 tournament and with Findlay Acura's help, we're looking forward to providing an even larger donation to Children's Heart Foundation of Nevada this year."

Effective March 31, 2010, Saturn of Henderson (located at 310 North Gibson Road, Henderson, Nev.) will become the final Findlay Automotive Group Saturn dealership to close its doors. Saturn of West Sahara in Las Vegas closed in June 2009 and was converted to Findlay Kia. Saturn of St. George was converted to Findlay Volkswagen in January 2010.

“We’re very sad to close the final Saturn dealership in Southern Nevada,” said Tyler Corder, chief financial officer of Findlay Automotive Group. “We’ve represented Saturn since 1990 when we opened Saturn of West Sahara. We found the franchise to be very successful in our community and wish to thank the thousands of Saturn customers who have supported us these past two decades.”

Saturn of Henderson team members will be transferred to other dealerships within the Findlay Automotive Group.

“Through the Saturn transition we have remained committed to our employees and found a place for each of them among other Findlay Automotive Group dealerships. We have also been able to convert each Saturn dealership to a different brand, utilizing and refurbishing existing facilities,” said Corder. “We hope our existing Saturn customers won’t hesitate to visit us at any Findlay Automotive Group dealership and look forward to serving them for years and decades to come.”

For existing Saturn owners, factory authorized warranty services will now be performed at the Findlay Cadillac facility situated at 993 Auto Show Drive in Henderson and Findlay Chevrolet at 6800 South Torrey Pines in Las Vegas. Southern Nevada Saturn customers can visit either of these two facilities for service work.

On April 1, 2010 Findlay Lincoln Mercury will open at 310 North Gibson Road in Henderson’s Valley Auto Mall in the old Saturn of Henderson location.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group (www.FindlayAuto.com) was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas valley from Panaca to open Pete’s Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay’s son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay’s 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

#   #   #

Findlay is moving the dealership to Bullhead City, Arizona where it will become the first Chevrolet dealership in town. It will be part of Findlay Motor Company, Findlay’s Buick and GMC dealership in Bullhead City.

Findlay Motor Company will continue to provide warranty work and service for customers of Colorado River Chevrolet.

“During a time when the economy has really impacted the automotive industry, we’re fortunate enough to have a solid customer base and successful track record that has enabled the Findlay Automotive Group to continue its growth,” said Findlay Automotive Group Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder.

“We’re pleased to be the first to bring the Chevrolet brand to Bullhead City,” said Ray Meins, general manager of Findlay Motor Company. “We look forward to welcoming Colorado River Chevrolet customers to our dealership.”

Findlay Motor Company, now a Chevrolet, Buick and GMC dealership, is situated at 2565Laughlin View Drive in Bullhead City, Arizona. The dealership may be reached at 928-754-3400 or online at www.FindlayAZ.com.

Financial terms of the sale are undisclosed.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas valley from Panaca to open Pete’s Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay’s son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay’s 23 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Saturn of West Sahara spelled the boom in growth of Findlay Automotive Group and it also illustrated tenacity on the part of Cliff Findlay, who now overseas company dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

Under the direction of Rich Abajian, Saturn of West Sahara led the nation in Saturn retail sales for 38 consecutive months. Saturn's exit from the Southern Nevada marketplace began with the closing of Saturn of West Sahara last summer and ends with the final closing scheduled April 1 when Saturn of Henderson also closes its doors.

However, as the 67 year-old Richardson points out, neither of the Saturn stores was left shuttered and employees did not have to scramble for other livelihoods during one of the most challenging economic climates in the history of Southern Nevada.

Findlay replaced Saturn of West Sahara with Findlay Kia and retained the entire employee body. And with the closing of Saturn of Henderson, the location will soon become Findlay Signature Lincoln Mercury which has been housed on East Sahara Avenue.

"The Findlay Automotive Group is doing its utmost to retain all of the Saturn of Henderson employees by placing them elsewhere in the automotive group," explained Richardson, whose latest role with the company has been as used car manager for both Findlay Kia and Saturn of Henderson. "While there is certainly a lot of movement in the car business right now, it's nice to know that we work for an organization that does everything to retain its employees."

Richardson said that while everyone has challenges nowadays, not many people face the issues that car dealers do today.

"There are many of us out here who are grateful to have employment during today's economic situation," said Richardson. "The mere fact that Cliff Findlay, (CFO) Tyler Corder and (CEO) Rich Abjajian continue to succeed in this market is a testimony to their endurance and their loyalty to all of their employees and customers.

"I'm sure the 1,000 people who work for this great organization would like to provide a special thank you. The people here have enjoyed good times and they have braved the bad times, too, and lived through all times with a special level of class."

Richardson pointed out that the growth spurt has made the operation one of the largest privately-owned automotive operations in the country.

"However, had it not been for Cliff Findlay's foresight to purchase the Saturn of West Sahara franchise, things would have been totally different not only for employees but customers, too. I don't know of many businessmen with the guts to accomplish what he has in such little time."

Richardson said the family atmosphere created by Mr. Findlay has given all employees the confidence during tough times.

"We will make it through these difficult times," said Richardson, "and every one of us is thankful for the opportunity presented to us."

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group (www.FindlayAuto.com) was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay's son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay's 23 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Photo caption for this release's accompanying multimedia: Don Richardson, shown here with a 2009 Saturn Sky at Saturn of Henderson, has been with Findlay Automotive Group for more than 20 years.

“Although the Saturn brand name will be removed from the building, all the existing staff will remain on payroll as Findlay Volkswagen employees instead,” said dealership General Manager, Dave Gourley. “We’re very enthusiastic about bringing the Volkswagen brand to the people of St. George.”

St. George’s first Volkswagen dealership is a new area franchise thanks to the Las Vegas-based Findlay Automotive Group which owns 23 dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

“The new Findlay Volkswagen dealership has already received shipments of Volkswagen parts and specialized tools and can now service Volkswagen vehicles,” said Findlay Volkswagen Service Manager, Russ Eardley. “Our trained technicians will also continue to provide service to Saturn vehicles.”

The new Volkswagen facility will receive a major facelift in the coming weeks as Volkswagen branding and imaging is added to the building.

“This is the third Volkswagen dealership owned by the Findlay Automotive Group,” said Tyler Corder, Chief Financial Officer for Findlay Automotive Group. “The other Volkswagen dealerships are in Henderson, Nevada and Flagstaff, Arizona.”

The first shipment of new Volkswagen vehicles is scheduled to arrive at Findlay Volkswagen St. George by Jan. 15, 2010.

Findlay Volkswagen is situated at 1333 South Sunland Drive in St. George. The dealership phone number is (435) 634-0900.

The high school basketball game, dubbed the BCS Challenge - Big Christmas Showcase, is presented by Findlay Toyota. It will follow the 4 p.m. UNLV and Kansas State game also being played that day at the Orleans Arena.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to play Gorman in what I've always considered an awesome venue, the Orleans Arena," said Findlay Prep Coach Mike Peck. "We're really looking forward to it."

The Bishop Gorman High School basketball team is the number one ranked team in Nevada and defending state champions. "We're looking forward to the challenge of playing Findlay Prep," said Gorman Coach Grant Rice. "They're one of the best teams we'll face this year. They're fast and athletic, shoot well, and play a real tough defense."

BCS Challenge tickets are $10 and are available at the Orleans Arena as well as at the Bishop Gorman and Findlay Prep schools. Tickets are also available at Findlay Toyota at a discounted price with a test drive.

The BCS Challenge will feature a high school skills challenge hosted by the NBA Summer League. It will showcase the best talent in the Las Vegas Valley in dunk and 3-point shooting contests before the game and at half time. Findlay Toyota is sponsoring the BCS Challenge to showcase the area's most talented high school players.

Findlay Prep is currently ranked number one in the country in most of the high school polls. UNLV is actively recruiting its best player, Cory Joseph, along with Jabari Brown, Nick Johnson, Godwin Okonji and top ranked freshman, Nigel Williams-Goss, as well as sophomores Shabazz Muhammed and Rosco Allen of Bishop Gorman.

"With the state tournament being held in Reno this season, we felt that putting on this showcase would give the basketball fans in our area a chance to see all of the best players and the two best teams play in a great environment," said Rich Abajian, general manager of Findlay Toyota.

About Findlay College Prep

Findlay College Prep at the Henderson International School is a program for exceptional student basketball athletes to receive a top-notch educational experience while creating the opportunity for each student to attend the college or university of their choice. Founded in 1932 in Henderson, Nevada, the Henderson International School is a college preparatory school with comprehensive academic, athletic and artistic programs for students in pre-school through twelfth grade.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay's son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay's 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Findlay Acura's General Manager James Cobbs and Collision Authority's Mark Manendo teamed up to purchase and deliver the turkeys. The turkeys were purchased with help from Smith's Food and Drug at Sunset Road and Mesa Vista.

Whitney Elementary, where about 75 percent of the students are from low-income or homeless situations, is situated southeast of Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue.

In addition to their Thanksgiving donation, Findlay Acura and Collision Authority are planning to team up again to help Whitney school children at Christmastime.

The Whitney Elementary School turkey donation is only one of Findlay Acura's community activities this year. The dealership has been involved in a health fair at South Point along with soliciting donations for Safe Nest for victims of domestic violence.

Findlay Acura team members are also joining forces with the Hondoctors Honda and Acura performance shop and the Web site LVRacingScene.com to present the third annual Las Vegas Racing Toy and Coat drive. Coats can be dropped off at Findlay Acura through Saturday, Dec. 5.

About Findlay Acura

Situated at 315 Auto Mall Drive in Henderson, Nev., Findlay Acura is part of the Findlay Automotive Group of dealerships. For more information about Findlay Acura, visit FindlayAcura.com or call 702-982-4100.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay's son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay's 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Note: A photo of the turkey donation is published with this press release under associated multimedia in the Findlay Automotive Group online newsroom.

Photo courtesy Las Vegas Review-Journal. Caption: Shown, from left, donor Chris Wallace, Whitney Elementary Principal Sherrie Gahn, Findlay Acura Internet Coordinator Jim Donohue, dealership General Manager James Cobbs, Vicki Bustos and Stacy Rosier of Whitney, and State Assemblyman Mark Manendo representing Collision Authority.

“The new showroom and dealership facilities are much more on par with the Audi luxury brand,” said Audi Henderson’s General Manager Jim DiGuilio. “It is exciting for us to move into this new location and expand when so many other businesses are contracting.”

Audi Henderson’s new architecture was developed by Audi and is called the “terminal” design. It is Nevada’s only “terminal” Audi dealership. It includes an eight-car showroom, 12-bay service facility, and a state-of-the-art alignment rack. The new Audi Henderson is situated on 5.2 acres in Henderson just east of I-95 and the Valley Auto Mall.

Audi Henderson is one of two Audi dealerships in the Las Vegas Valley. It employs 24 people and has plans to grow its staff and sell 300 new Audis and 250 pre-owned vehicles in 2010.

“The new dealerships, Audi Henderson and Findlay Toyota, on Eastgate Road represent a $35 million investment in Southern Nevada’s economy by Findlay Automotive Group,” said Tyler Corder, chief financial officer for Findlay Automotive Group.

Audi Henderson is situated at 7740 Eastgate Road, Henderson, NV 89011 and may also be reached by calling 888-476-2137.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete’s Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay’s son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay’s 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Note: images of the new dealership are published with this press release under Associated Multimedia in the Findlay Automotive Group online newsroom.

The custom coach is now equipped with a stand-up bar, restroom, computer, Wi-Fi Internet access, In-Motion Satellite TV, elaborate lighting and an ambiance not found on your average party bus.

"I went to Findlay Customs because I wanted to build a relationship with a reputable company," Chomer said. "After speaking with company president, Travis White, and custom fabricator Jeramy Kaufman, I was confident that they could complete the work I wanted and do it in a timely fashion. They did everything I asked, and more. Working with a stable company like Findlay was important to me."

Chomer took the design to Kaufman explaining the "bells and whistles" that were needed to create an artistic masterpiece on wheels. The bus features an elaborate sound system along with a disco floor and hardwood flooring.

"Jeramy was the craftsman and knew how to create my vision as if we were one," explained Chomer, a 14-year resident of Southern Nevada. "He has a cutting edge style and understands the new look as it relates to coaches. There are simply not many people in the business with Jeramy's talent."

With the new redesigned coach, Vegas Strip Transportation can now take customers to Utah, Nevada, California and Arizona with the majority of the business focused on Las Vegas.

"This is a great opportunity for a client to ride in a coach without having to worry about anything," Chomer said. "The coach can now be used for corporate gatherings, weddings, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. There is no limit to what can be done with it now."

For instance, the coach can also be utilized for athletic events anywhere ranging from local games to major college or professional contests in surrounding states; along with golf tournaments; or motorsports featuring NASCAR; NHRA, motocross or off-road racing.

"With what we have now, this would be great for tailgating activities. We went full blast with the idea and there isn't another coach like this in Las Vegas. With the participation that also includes Sunset Garden, Rainbow Garden and Las Vegas businessman Paul Buller along with Travis White we were able to work it all out. It turned out incredible," said Chomer.

White lauded his crew at Findlay Customs for the work on Chomer's coach.

"There is nothing that we cannot do here," said White adding that Findlay Customs handles a long line of work on new and used automobiles, motor homes, boats and just about anything with wheels.

Additional information can be found online at FindlayCustoms.com, 702-869-0444; or VSTransportation.com, or 702-528-3900.

Findlay Customs is part of the Findlay Automotive Group, which was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now spearheads automotive operations in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Utah. The business is situated at 7725 Commercial Way, Suite 140, in Henderson.

Note: a photo is published with this release in its associated multimedia section. Photo caption: Findlay Customs transformed this 40 foot long motor home into an elaborate custom coach for Businessman Stan Chomer of Vegas Strip Transportation.

"The donation is to help Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth in its mission to find and care for homeless children and teenagers," said Scott Ramer, general manager of Findlay Honda Henderson. "It's one of the ways we are giving back this year to the community in which we live and work."

With the goal of eliminating homelessness among Nevada's youth, volunteers for Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth patrol neighborhoods looking for children living on the street and helping them find adequate food, shelter and clothing.

Findlay Honda Henderson's donation will help provide the needed transportation for the organization to succeed.

"We couldn't fulfill our mission without the generous support of community partners like Findlay Honda Henderson," said Kathleen Boutin, founder and chairman of Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and City of Henderson councilwoman.

The minivan was gifted this week to Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth by Findlay Honda Henderson General Manager, Scott Ramer. Pictured with him in the photo accompanying this release (see the Associated Multimedia section) is Kathleen Boutin and Tim Mullin, director of operations for Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

For more information about Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, visit NPHY.org.

Findlay Honda Henderson is located at 933 Auto Show Drive in Henderson and can be contacted at FindlayHondaHenderson.com or 866-778-8795.

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay's son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay's 22 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

Findlay Automotive Group has acquired the Kia franchise previously held by World Kia and will relocate the franchise to the Saturn of West Sahara facility. Findlay will immediately begin selling and servicing Kia vehicles at this location.

"To accommodate the new Kia dealership opening, Findlay's two Saturn dealerships will be combined and housed at the existing Saturn of Henderson on 310 North Gibson Road," said Tyler Corder, CFO for the Findlay Automotive Group.

Saturn of Henderson, which is the world's largest Saturn dealership, will now serve residents from across the Las Vegas Valley.

General Motors is currently in discussions with several potential buyers to purchase its Saturn Division. "We will reevaluate our Saturn dealership once GM completes the sale of Saturn and we have a clearer picture of the volume of Saturn business we can expect," said Corder. "If it makes sense, we will reopen a Saturn facility on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley at that time."

"The Findlay Automotive Group is pleased to provide the Kia Motors brand to loyal Findlay and Kia customers," said Corder.

With headquarters in Seoul, South Korea and a U.S. manufacturing plant slated to open later this year in Georgia, Kia Motors has more than 640 dealers throughout the U.S. Last year Kia experienced its 14th consecutive year of growth in America.

About Findlay Automotive Group

Findlay Automotive Group was founded by the late Pete Findlay in 1961 when he arrived in the Las Vegas Valley from Panaca to open Pete's Used Cars on Boulder Highway. Findlay's son, Cliff Findlay, now spearheads Findlay's 21 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.

“Although the Saturn brand name will be removed from the building, all the existing staff will remain on payroll as Findlay Volkswagen employees instead,” said dealership General Manager, Dave Gourley. “We’re very enthusiastic about bringing the Volkswagen brand to the people of St. George.”

St. George’s first Volkswagen dealership is a new area franchise thanks to the Las Vegas-based Findlay Automotive Group which owns 23 dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

“The new Findlay Volkswagen dealership has already received shipments of Volkswagen parts and specialized tools and can now service Volkswagen vehicles,” said Findlay Volkswagen Service Manager, Russ Eardley. “Our trained technicians will also continue to provide service to Saturn vehicles.”

The new Volkswagen facility will receive a major facelift in the coming weeks as Volkswagen branding and imaging is added to the building.

“This is the third Volkswagen dealership owned by the Findlay Automotive Group,” said Tyler Corder, Chief Financial Officer for Findlay Automotive Group. “The other Volkswagen dealerships are in Henderson, Nevada and Flagstaff, Arizona.”

The first shipment of new Volkswagen vehicles is scheduled to arrive at Findlay Volkswagen St. George by Jan. 15, 2010.

Findlay Volkswagen is situated at 1333 South Sunland Drive in St. George. The dealership phone number is (435) 634-0900.