Ricart Automotive Group
4255 S. Hamilton Rd. Columbus, OH 43125Sales: 1-888-225-6783
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Math teacher wins right to drive 2011 Ford Focus for a year
Ricart honors GMHS teacher
A 10th grade algebra and geometry teacher at Groveport-Madison High School won free use of a 2011 Ford Focus for the next year, courtesy of Ricart Ford.
Diana Bossie, a 9-year teaching veteran at Groveport-Madison High School, discovered that she won when her key opened the driver's side door to the red Focus. Bossie lives in Canal Winchester.
She and about eight other educators, all of whom were named teachers of the month during the 2009-2010 school year, had equal chances to win use of the car. Ricart presented keys to each of the teachers who, in turn, tried to open the locked door.
Ricart has recognized Groveport-Madison's teacher of the year for each of the past five years by presenting them use of a new Ford Focus. Winners are responsible for insurance, licensing and taxes.
Ricart also annually presents a $500 scholarship to a deserving Groveport-Madison High School senior. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Doug Espie, who plans to study music at Capital University. Doug plays the tuba.
Rick Ricart, spokesman for Ricart Automotive, made the presentations for the company during May ceremonies at the high school stadium.
"We at Ricart Automotive believe that education is key to our children's success and the success of Central Ohio as a strong business community," Rick Ricart said. "We are happy to support the work that Groveport-Madison teachers are doing, and we are happy to encourage students like Doug Espie as they continue their education beyond high school."
Ricart Automotive's 60-acre Mega Mall is just 1.25 miles from Groveport-Madison High School.
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group has grown to include Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises. It also operates a large Used Car Factory store.
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A 10th grade algebra and geometry teacher at Groveport-Madison High School won free use of a 2011 Ford Focus for the next year, courtesy of Ricart Ford.
Diana Bossie, a 9-year teaching veteran at Groveport-Madison High School, discovered that she won when her key opened the driver's side door to the red Focus. Bossie lives in Canal Winchester.
She and about eight other educators, all of whom were named teachers of the month during the 2009-2010 school year, had equal chances to win use of the car. Ricart presented keys to each of the teachers who, in turn, tried to open the locked door.
Ricart has recognized Groveport-Madison's teacher of the year for each of the past five years by presenting them use of a new Ford Focus. Winners are responsible for insurance, licensing and taxes.
Ricart also annually presents a $500 scholarship to a deserving Groveport-Madison High School senior. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Doug Espie, who plans to study music at Capital University. Doug plays the tuba.
Rick Ricart, spokesman for Ricart Automotive, made the presentations for the company during May ceremonies at the high school stadium.
"We at Ricart Automotive believe that education is key to our children's success and the success of Central Ohio as a strong business community," Rick Ricart said. "We are happy to support the work that Groveport-Madison teachers are doing, and we are happy to encourage students like Doug Espie as they continue their education beyond high school."
Ricart Automotive's 60-acre Mega Mall is just 1.25 miles from Groveport-Madison High School.
Founded in 1953 as a stand-alone Ford store in Canal Winchester, Ricart Automotive Group has grown to include Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car franchises. It also operates a large Used Car Factory store.
iPod NANO, white water rafting trip, other prizes awarded
Winners from the May 23 teen driving rally listed
Fifty-two teens and their families, representing 18 schools and a church, attended the first-ever Teen Driving Rally May 23 at the Ricart Mega Mall test track.
The rally was designed to expose young drivers to driving hazards - like icy roads and driving drunk - in simulated and non-threatening settings. They also saw the Jaws of Life in action, talked with MedFlight's staff and walked straight lines (while wearing special goggles that simulated drunkiness) for Ohio State patrolmen.
Several prizes were given away.
Other sponsors were Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, the city of Columbus and its fire division, Columbus Public Health, Costco Warehouse, MADD, Safe Communities, Sprint and Sunny 95.
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Fifty-two teens and their families, representing 18 schools and a church, attended the first-ever Teen Driving Rally May 23 at the Ricart Mega Mall test track.
The rally was designed to expose young drivers to driving hazards - like icy roads and driving drunk - in simulated and non-threatening settings. They also saw the Jaws of Life in action, talked with MedFlight's staff and walked straight lines (while wearing special goggles that simulated drunkiness) for Ohio State patrolmen.
Several prizes were given away.
- Katerina Harris won an iPod NANO, courtesy of Ricart.
- The First Church of God, with 10 attendees, received a $300 donation from American Family Insurance.
- Alicia Hanawalt won the AAA membership. AlRitia Gore won the AAA Triple Vacation Package for white water rafting.
Other sponsors were Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, the city of Columbus and its fire division, Columbus Public Health, Costco Warehouse, MADD, Safe Communities, Sprint and Sunny 95.
To teach teens control at the wheel
Ricart Test Track hosts free Teen Driving Rally
Columbus (April 28) -- Do you want to ensure that your teenage driver has the best motoring skills possible? Then you won't want them to miss this.
Ricart is hosting the Teen Driving Rally from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 23 at the Ricart Mega Mall test track, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus 43125. The event is free.
Teams of teens representing their high schools will compete in supervised driving contests. Prizes will be awarded for highest scores. Schools with the greatest number of participants will also receive a prize.
Supervising the event will be the staff of Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, owned by Mark Bloom, president. BSDD offers a weekly defensive driving school at a test track built within Ricart's 60-acre campus.
A veteran race car driver and former instructor with the Mid-Ohio School at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Bloom helps students understand the physics behind controlling a moving vehicle in situations that are less than optimal.
The event will include:
For more information about the Teen Driving Rally, contact Lauren Motsinger, marketing representative with Ricart, at lmotsinger@ricart.com, or (614) 836-6393.
For more information about Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, contact Mark Bloom at mbloom@bloomdrivingdynamix.com or (614) 273-3649.
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Columbus (April 28) -- Do you want to ensure that your teenage driver has the best motoring skills possible? Then you won't want them to miss this.
Ricart is hosting the Teen Driving Rally from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 23 at the Ricart Mega Mall test track, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus 43125. The event is free.
Teams of teens representing their high schools will compete in supervised driving contests. Prizes will be awarded for highest scores. Schools with the greatest number of participants will also receive a prize.
Supervising the event will be the staff of Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, owned by Mark Bloom, president. BSDD offers a weekly defensive driving school at a test track built within Ricart's 60-acre campus.
A veteran race car driver and former instructor with the Mid-Ohio School at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Bloom helps students understand the physics behind controlling a moving vehicle in situations that are less than optimal.
The event will include:
- Interactive demonstrations simulating distracted driving and impaired driving
- A mock crash site requiring Jaws of Life extraction
- Local police and state trooper interaction
For more information about the Teen Driving Rally, contact Lauren Motsinger, marketing representative with Ricart, at lmotsinger@ricart.com, or (614) 836-6393.
For more information about Bloom School of Driving Dynamix, contact Mark Bloom at mbloom@bloomdrivingdynamix.com or (614) 273-3649.
Ricart has 40 positions it needs to immediately fill
Ford's success fuels Ricart hiring
Columbus (March 31, 2010) - Ricart Automotive is hiring.
The Columbus-based auto dealership has 40 vacancies, ranging from entry-level cashiers, valets and vehicle prep jobs to sales and service technician positions at its Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car dealerships and the Used Car Factory.
Salaries range from $10 an hour to $75,000 annually. Numerous part-time positions are also available.
"Given the current job market, we don't expect these positions to be empty very long," said Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, "but we want to get the word out so everyone can have the same chance."
Success is fueling Ricart's need:
Car owners who are opting to keep their existing cars are also spending more money on service, so Ricart is expanding its service capacity. A $400,000 renovation at Ricart Imports is turning space once occupied by Isuzu's new-car showroom into a new Imports service drive-in. Isuzu pulled out of the American market two years ago.
"Smart car owners know that following their car's maintenance schedule is the best way to guarantee a longer life for any vehicle," Ricart said.
Ricart accepts online applications at Ricart.com. Information about jobs is available by clicking on the "about us" tab on Ricart's Web site.
Applicants can also send resumes to Terry DeRammelaere, director of human resources, at terryd@ricart.com
Or applicants can apply in person at Ricart Automotive, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus.
Ricart is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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Columbus (March 31, 2010) - Ricart Automotive is hiring.
The Columbus-based auto dealership has 40 vacancies, ranging from entry-level cashiers, valets and vehicle prep jobs to sales and service technician positions at its Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan new-car dealerships and the Used Car Factory.
Salaries range from $10 an hour to $75,000 annually. Numerous part-time positions are also available.
"Given the current job market, we don't expect these positions to be empty very long," said Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, "but we want to get the word out so everyone can have the same chance."
Success is fueling Ricart's need:
- Ford Motor Co. has been increasing its U.S. market share of the new-vehicle sales for more than a year. Earlier this month, Ford Motor Co. announced that sales for every brand and in every product category pushed the company to a 43 percent sales increase in February, over the year before. February sales were 22 percent higher than in January.
- Ford Motor Co., as well as Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Kia, are capitalizing on the challenges that General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota are facing. All are offering well-qualified buyers zero percent financing on many models for terms of 60 or 72 months.
- Almost all are offering cash incentives for Toyota trade-ins.
Car owners who are opting to keep their existing cars are also spending more money on service, so Ricart is expanding its service capacity. A $400,000 renovation at Ricart Imports is turning space once occupied by Isuzu's new-car showroom into a new Imports service drive-in. Isuzu pulled out of the American market two years ago.
"Smart car owners know that following their car's maintenance schedule is the best way to guarantee a longer life for any vehicle," Ricart said.
Ricart accepts online applications at Ricart.com. Information about jobs is available by clicking on the "about us" tab on Ricart's Web site.
Applicants can also send resumes to Terry DeRammelaere, director of human resources, at terryd@ricart.com
Or applicants can apply in person at Ricart Automotive, 4255 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus.
Ricart is an equal employment opportunity employer.
2010 Columbus International Auto Show
Auto show premier gala now open to the public
If you want to mingle with some of the best automotive minds in the Columbus market, you now have a great opportunity come Wednesday, March 17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
That's the day that the 2010 Columbus International Auto Show kicks off with its annual "Cars are the Stars" Preview Gala, sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch. Doors open at 7 p.m. The car show opens to the public the following day.
The gala is black-tie optional.
Tickets are $250 apiece for the gala. Tables for 10 run $2,500. A portion of the expense will be tax deductible, because proceeds from the gala will benefit two local nonprofits:
-- The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
-- The Make-A-Wish Foundation's Central Ohio Region, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
"It's a prime opportunity for anyone in the market for a new car," says Rhett Ricart, co-owner of Ricart Automotive, chairman of this year's auto show and president of the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
"These are car people," Ricart said. "Not only will you see the latest, greatest and hottest new cars available today, but you can talk to dealers who have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the auto industry and the industry's latest technological developments."
Entertainment for the evening will be the Hoo Doo Soul Band. The ticket price also includes dinner and drinks.
The preview party has always provided attendees the very first chance to see the season's hottest new cars, which will fill the convention center floor for the 2010 Columbus auto show, March 18-21. But in the past, attendees have primarily been invited guests - those who work in the automotive industry and their vendors.
This is the first time that the preview party has been advertised as open to the public, says Nikki Bragg, auto show manager with the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
Those interested in attending the gala can call Bragg at (614) 799-2232 for ticket information.
The auto show will open to the public at noon on Wednesday, March 18 and run through Sunday, March 21. Tickets to attend the auto show only are $8 apiece. Children 12 and under are admitted free when they are accompanied by an adult.
Details are available regarding the four-day auto show at the auto show's Web site at www.columbusautoshow.com, including a link to purchase tickets online.
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If you want to mingle with some of the best automotive minds in the Columbus market, you now have a great opportunity come Wednesday, March 17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
That's the day that the 2010 Columbus International Auto Show kicks off with its annual "Cars are the Stars" Preview Gala, sponsored by the Columbus Dispatch. Doors open at 7 p.m. The car show opens to the public the following day.
The gala is black-tie optional.
Tickets are $250 apiece for the gala. Tables for 10 run $2,500. A portion of the expense will be tax deductible, because proceeds from the gala will benefit two local nonprofits:
-- The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
-- The Make-A-Wish Foundation's Central Ohio Region, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
"It's a prime opportunity for anyone in the market for a new car," says Rhett Ricart, co-owner of Ricart Automotive, chairman of this year's auto show and president of the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
"These are car people," Ricart said. "Not only will you see the latest, greatest and hottest new cars available today, but you can talk to dealers who have a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the auto industry and the industry's latest technological developments."
Entertainment for the evening will be the Hoo Doo Soul Band. The ticket price also includes dinner and drinks.
The preview party has always provided attendees the very first chance to see the season's hottest new cars, which will fill the convention center floor for the 2010 Columbus auto show, March 18-21. But in the past, attendees have primarily been invited guests - those who work in the automotive industry and their vendors.
This is the first time that the preview party has been advertised as open to the public, says Nikki Bragg, auto show manager with the Columbus Auto Dealers Association.
Those interested in attending the gala can call Bragg at (614) 799-2232 for ticket information.
The auto show will open to the public at noon on Wednesday, March 18 and run through Sunday, March 21. Tickets to attend the auto show only are $8 apiece. Children 12 and under are admitted free when they are accompanied by an adult.
Details are available regarding the four-day auto show at the auto show's Web site at www.columbusautoshow.com, including a link to purchase tickets online.
Ricart Ford Wins President's Award
| Publication:The Columbus Dispatch; | Date:May 9, 2009; | Section:Columbus Cars.Com; | Page Number:E1 |
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
RICART WINS COVETED AWARD
Story by the Columbus Cars staff
Champagne corks weren't flying nor bubbly being poured over employees' heads, but there definitely was some celebrating taking place at the Ricart Ford showroom at the Ricart Mega Mall on Thursday.
"It's like winning the NFL Super Bowl trophy for dealerships," Rhett Ricart said just after he and his brother Fred had accepted Ford Motor Co.'s prestigious President's Award.
Making the presentation was Ford Regional Manager Michael O'Brien. The President's Award is only given to the top 1 percent of Ford dealerships for excellence in customer satisfaction in new-car sales and warranty service.
"To be such a high-volume dealership and keep those customers happy is something special," O'Brien told the employees and well wishers gathered.
He also presented the brothers with an award they've won before: the One Hundred Club award, which recognizes top dealerships' sales activity. Ricart Ford ranks No. 44 in new-vehicle sales activity, O'Brien noted, out of some 3,800 Ford dealerships nationally.
O'Brien said the Ricart dealership is enthusiastic, passionate about its products and loyal to the brand. "We're really proud of the job they've done and the representation they provide (Ford)," he said.
"It's a lot easier to sell the cars than to make everyone happy," Fred said following the presentation. Fred also marked the occasion by singing a song while playing his trademark guitar.
Although always ranking high in customer satisfaction, Fred gave credit to the dealership's new user-friendly Internet site and the skills of its service employees for pushing them over the top.
"We've always been chasing the President's Award," said Rhett, who said it was a dream of their father, Paul Ricart Sr., to win this particular award. "He'd be crying," Rhett said of his late father if he were still here.
Ricart Ford has won a lot of awards from Ford during the years, including the Salute to Dealers Award three years ago. The Ford Foundation awards the Salute to Dealers annually to 12 dealers recognizing their community service work.
No doubt one of the reasons why Ricart Ford won that honor was because of something that happened later that day. In front of the student body of Groveport Madison High School, nine teachers were given the chance to win the free use of a new Ford Focus for a year.
During the school year, the student body votes on a teacher of the month, placing the teacher in the running for the Teacher of the Year honors. At a school rally on Thursday, all of the nominated teachers were given gift baskets and drew one of nine random keys - one of which unlocked the door to a new Ricart car.
With the state of the economy, school officials weren't sure if the tradition of the free car for the year would continue. But Fred and Rhett both said they never considered not doing it. After all, it's a five-year tradition, Fred noted, and the students get so excited.
This year, Tim Brown, a physical-education teacher and football coach, drew the lucky key for this year, winning use of the brand-new Ford Focus decked out with Groveport Madison High School and Ricart stickers.
PHOTO BY JOHN KNOUFF Ford Regional Manager Michael O'Brien (left) presents Ricart Automotive Group co-owners Rhett Ricart and Fred Ricart with the dealership's first President's Award as well as an award the dealership has won several times before: the One Hundred Club award.
Ford Motor Credit recognizes Ricart
Ricart lauded as a "top 100" Ford dealer
Ricart Ford is now recognized as one of Ford Motor Credit Co.'s best customers.
Randy Golliher, Cincinnati Regional Manager for Ford Motor Credit Co., presented Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, and Jim Moshier, general sales manager for Ricart Ford, with a plaque acknowledging Ricart as a "top 100" Ford Credit contract volume dealer. The award was presented Feb. 24 at the Ford dealership.
Ricart Ford is the only Central Ohio dealership to receive that designation. The award recognizes the many Ricart customers who finance new and used cars and trucks through Ford Motor Credit.
Ford Motor Credit Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Co., the only North American automobile manufacturer that did not tap federal subsidies for a financial bailout last year. That and Ricart's designation as a Top 100 Ford Credit dealer means good things for Ricart's customers.
"The environment at Ford Motor Co. is much better than a typical bank - or for other lending institutions, for that matter," Ricart said. "People who tried to finance a vehicle seven months ago might now qualify. That reflects Ford's stability."
The award from Ford Motor Credit Co. is a first. Ford Motor Co. has recognized Ricart as one of its top 100 Ford dealers for many years but there has been no similar recognition at Ford Motor Credit - until now.
"This is a big deal," Golliher said.
Golliher said Ricart is Ford Credit's largest volume dealer within its Cincinnati region, which includes Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and portions of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois.
"By being the biggest dealer in the region, we're also the best dealer in the region," Ricart said.
In addition to selling new Fords, Ricart Automotive Group offers new Hyundais, Kias, Mazdas, Mitsubishis and Nissans, and it has a huge used car business at the Used Car Factory. All are located within the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus.
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Ricart Ford is now recognized as one of Ford Motor Credit Co.'s best customers.
Randy Golliher, Cincinnati Regional Manager for Ford Motor Credit Co., presented Rhett Ricart, president and CEO, and Jim Moshier, general sales manager for Ricart Ford, with a plaque acknowledging Ricart as a "top 100" Ford Credit contract volume dealer. The award was presented Feb. 24 at the Ford dealership.
Ricart Ford is the only Central Ohio dealership to receive that designation. The award recognizes the many Ricart customers who finance new and used cars and trucks through Ford Motor Credit.
Ford Motor Credit Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Co., the only North American automobile manufacturer that did not tap federal subsidies for a financial bailout last year. That and Ricart's designation as a Top 100 Ford Credit dealer means good things for Ricart's customers.
"The environment at Ford Motor Co. is much better than a typical bank - or for other lending institutions, for that matter," Ricart said. "People who tried to finance a vehicle seven months ago might now qualify. That reflects Ford's stability."
The award from Ford Motor Credit Co. is a first. Ford Motor Co. has recognized Ricart as one of its top 100 Ford dealers for many years but there has been no similar recognition at Ford Motor Credit - until now.
"This is a big deal," Golliher said.
Golliher said Ricart is Ford Credit's largest volume dealer within its Cincinnati region, which includes Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and portions of Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois.
"By being the biggest dealer in the region, we're also the best dealer in the region," Ricart said.
In addition to selling new Fords, Ricart Automotive Group offers new Hyundais, Kias, Mazdas, Mitsubishis and Nissans, and it has a huge used car business at the Used Car Factory. All are located within the 60-acre Ricart Mega Mall in southeast Columbus.