Top Chevrolet executives visited the Stadium GM Superstore in Salem to present it with the 2016 GM Mark of Excellence Award. The award was presented by GM district Sales Manager Kevin Whitaker, left, and Zone Manager Bryan Wunsche next to him, to GM Superstore Owner Shorty Navarro and General Manager Mike Hudock on Thursday. The award singled out the Stadium GM Superstore for being “one of the highest performing Chevrolet dealerships in the nation for meeting or exceeding sale objectives, Customer Service Index (CSI), Retail Sales Index (RSI), Essential Brand Elements (EBE), and Dealer Maintenance Notification (DMN) for the 2016 Mark of Excellence program,” according to U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet, Brian Sweeney. (Salem News photo by Larry Shields)

SALEM — General Motors and Chevrolet recognized the Stadium GM Superstore with the 2016 Mark of Excellence Award during an award presentation ceremony at the dealership on Thursday.

The Stadium GM Superstore is located at 292 West State St., and Bryan Wunsche, the Chevrolet zone manager, turned to dealership owner Shorty Navarro after the picture was taken and said, “Thank you for taking care of our customers.”

The 2016 GM Mark of Excellence Award that was presented is awarded to the top Chevy Dealers in America for meeting or exceeding sale objectives, Customer Service Index (CSI), Retail Sales Index (RSI), Essential Brand Elements (EBE), and Dealer Maintenance Notification (DMN).

Hudock said, “I would expect the same awards for the other lines. We can’t do that without our employees.”

He added, “We’ll do the same with Buick and GMC.”

The Stadium GM Superstore has now been the recipient of the award for five years.

“The commitment that our Chevrolet dealers have made to deliver world class customer service is key to the brand’s overall success and continued growth,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet.

“The Mark of Excellence Award is recognition for the Chevrolet dealers who have grown their sales and gone above and beyond to ensure their customers are truly satisfied. We sincerely appreciate and applaud their efforts.”

“At Stadium, our goal is to earn customers for life and we are so honored to have our efforts recognized,” said Hudock.

“This award is a testament to the entire team’s dedication to making sure every touch point we have with our Chevrolet customers exceeds their expectations,” he said.

Hudock added, “We’re very proud to be part of this community. Without them we couldn’t achieve the goals we set … and we really appreciate it.”

GM and Chevrolet have recognized dealerships in the U.S. with the Mark of Excellence since 2000.

Chevrolet’s current product portfolio is the best in the brand’s history, offering Mahoning Valley customers the latest technologies and safety features, the company said.

In March, Hudock said, “Everything is selling, everything including the Cruze. We can’t thank Lordstown enough for building a quality car.”

The popular Cruze is a hot seller and built just miles away at the huge GM Lordstown assembly plant.

The Stadium GM Superstore has been serving the Mahoning Valley for over 35 years. Year after year the goal at Stadium is to provide the customer with the very best in customer service. This is one of the reasons that has allowed Stadium to start 2017 with its best start ever.

One other reason for the award-winning recognition by GM is the commitment to customer service with a parts department keeps 12,000 to 15,000 parts in stock.

The inventory represents between $250,000 and $300,000 including tires, batteries, filters, belts and all the maintenance parts needed to keep cars on the road in top shape, Lloyd Willis, the parts manager and a 20-year employee of the dealership said.

Stadium’s constant support of helping the customer with zero down buying allows the customer to get the vehicle they need quicker and easier and creates the perfect buying atmosphere for them.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.

More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com and www.stadiumgm.com.

lshields@salemnews.net