Ford Motor Company Brings Innovative Job Training to South Africa

 PEKIN, Ill. – The Ford Motor Company fund has announced that they will be growing their philanthropic branch. With the creation of a new entrepreneurial development center, Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa. This development will help around 200 people annually. 

 

Modeled after the original Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Southwest Detroit, the Pretoria, South Africa location aims to create a blend of training packages to prepare students to find jobs after graduating from the Ford Resource and Engagement Center. Career guidance and presentation skill tips will be offered. Courses will be available in financial literacy, business and entrepreneurial skills, vocational, and technical training. This development center marks the first global expansion of Ford’s philanthropic branch.

“Our Ford Better World philosophy is more than just a series of projects – it permeates everything we do as a company,” said Jeff Nemeth, Ford president and CEO, Sub Saharan Africa region. “Social, environmental and economic sustainability are all interlinked and cannot be taken in isolation from one another. We are proud of this investment in our community and, ultimately, our people. Education plays a significant role in our lives and these projects will allow the community to benefit from our contributions to the economy.”

As well as the Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Pretoria, Ford has also made a number of investments and been involved in philanthropic activities across Africa. These include:

·      The Blue Village initiative in Port Elizabeth. Every year employees from the Silverton Ford Assembly Plant help to create new homes in the village of Vastrap. The Blue Village initiative supports education and development.

·      Ford College Community Challenge Program. Student-led community projects in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa benefitted from a $100,000 investment to support the Ford College Community Challenge program. Each project addresses local needs and supports sustainable living and working conditions.

·      Riders for Health delivers medical professionals and supplies across rural areas of Africa. A $75,000 grant allowed extended vehicle management and training to mechanics in order to maintain the vehicles used to deliver medical necessities.

·      Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy in Morocco. A $200,000 investment will allow the academy to extend to Saudi Arabia.

·      Ford Volunteer Corps is made up of Ford South Africa employees who have spent over 6,700 hours on community service projects in South Africa.

·      Driving Skills for Life is a program that provides hands-on experience for more than 400 newly licensed students in Saudi Arabia.

Ford is dedicated to its philanthropic efforts both national and globally. Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa with the announcement of the new Resource and Engagement center. This news continues the reach of the Ford philanthropic branch, and we’re proud to report such globally relevant topics to our customers on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

If you're also looking to make a difference this summer then stop in to Velde Ford in Pekin, IL! We can get you behind the wheel of a new Ford Fiesta. When it comes to financing we want to help you decide between buying and leasing. Our new Buying vs. Leasing page breaks down the pros and cons of each option. Be sure to check out or How to Buy and How to Lease pages for more information on how each process works. If you're looking to keep your current car or truck running smoothly, be sure to make an appointment online or call (888) 221-2804.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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6 Ideas for a More Festive Memorial Day

PEKIN, Ill. – For most people, Memorial Day means the beginning of summer and all that comes with it. Celebratory cookouts will take place; boats will enter the lake for the first time in months. There are sure to be fireworks and parades, but does your party need a little extra something this year? Try our 6 ideas for a more festive Memorial Day and you wont be sorry. Good food, fun crafts, and easy decorations, what more could you ask for?

Get your party started with some easy do-it-yourself decorations:

These fun mason jar centerpieces are sure to be a hit with your party guests:

Keep the cutlery in order with these festive DIY tin can containers:

Don’t forget about the kids. When they’re not playing outside they’ll need something to keep their little hands busy:

These fun cupcake liner fireworks are an easy craft that kids can do on their own:

These patriotic hats are a simple way to keep the kids busy:

Don’t forget about the most important part of the day! The food:

This Mexican-style grilled corn is a fun and delicious twist on an all-American classic:

Finish off the day with this pretty and delicious, red, white, and blue fruit pizza:

Enjoy a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! We hope our 6 ideas for a more festive Memorial Day will inspire you during this patriotic holiday! Now that summer has officially arrived, do you have any family trips coming up? Make sure your vehicle is in great working condition before you head out on your adventures! Schedule an appointment with our service center online or call (888) 221-2804. Our ASE certified technicians will make sure everything is running smoothly. If you’re looking for a new ride this summer, you might want to consider the differences between buying vs. leasing. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each on our new pages. You can also check out the How to Buy and How to Lease pages for more information about how each process works.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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The 2016 Ford Fiesta Has the Cool Factor You Need

PEKIN, Ill. – One of Ford’s sporty cars – the 2016 Fiesta - was named one of the Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book. With this year being the sixth time on the list, the 2016 Ford Fiesta has the cool factor you need in your next vehicle!

To qualify for Kelley Blue Book’s cool list the car needs to be fun to drive and have the starting purchase price under $18,000, but the Ford Fiesta has so much more to offer than that. Not only is this vehicle fun, it’s also compact, super affordable, and sports a great style.

Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, made a comment on the their list saying, “Our annual Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 is one of Kelley Blue Book’s longest-running lists, and it’s incredible to see all of the amazing tech features and amenities you can get on an affordable car these days compared to a decade ago.”

There’s really no shortage of amenities and features that the 2016 Ford Fiesta offers. Customers can choose between a hatch or sedan body style, whatever fits their needs, and don’t forget the engines. Choose between the powerful and efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine to the more sporty 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine available in the Fiesta ST.

Don’t forget that all new Ford vehicles come standard with SYNC 3, which offers you all the mobility connectivity you could want! Ford drivers can use voice recognition, sync and stream music, and use the SYNC AppLink to control mobile apps while you’re driving. Other available technology features you’ll love in the Fiesta include a rear view camera, Hill Start Assist, and Navigation System with Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link.

The 2016 Ford Fiesta has the cool factor you need in your next vehicle! Learn more about the sporty car by visiting our 2016 Ford Fiesta Brochure online. Read about the trim level and safety features this vehicle has to offer. Looking for something a little bigger? We recommend the 2016 Ford Fusion or the 2016 Ford Focus.

When you’re thinking about getting a new vehicle, make sure you take a look at our new Buying vs. Leasing page online. Compare your options by learning about the each process on our How to Buy and How to Lease pages. We want you to feel confident in your decision to invest in a new vehicle from Velde Ford.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Buying Vs. Leasing at Velde Ford

PEKIN, Ill. – Are you in the market for your next vehicle? We’re here to help at Velde Ford! We have a wonderful team of sales representatives who are ready to help you find the perfect vehicle that will meet all your needs. The first step to getting a new vehicle is to decide if you’re going to buy or lease. Buying and leasing are both very big investments, and we understand that at Velde. That’s why we’re here to help you decide which option will make the best fit for you. This month, our team has focused on Buying vs. Leasing at Velde Ford on our website. We have three new pages that you’re going to want to check out. Each page will give you a better understanding of buying and leasing, and help you make the decision on which option will meet your needs better. Take a look at the pages below:

Buying vs. Leasing: Take a look at our Buying vs. Leasing page for a side-by-side comparison of each option. Looking at the pros and cons of each will help you decide which option will be the best for you. When you decide to invest in a new vehicle, we recommend check out this page first.

How to Lease: Our How to Lease page will go over everything you need to know about leasing a vehicle at Velde Ford. Each section of this page will go over why to lease, the leasing process at the dealership and before the dealership, financial terms that you should be aware of, and what the residual value of a lease car is and how it affects you. All of these topics should be put into consideration before deciding to lease a vehicle.

How to Buy: On our How to Buy Page you’ll find all the information you need to make a confident decision of purchasing a vehicle at Velde Ford. Topics that will be broken down include: Why to buy, the buying process online and at our dealership, financial terms, the cost of ownership. Each of these elements play a key role in the decision to buy a vehicle, so we recommend looking them over thoroughly before making your final decision.

After you’ve read our Buying vs. Leasing pages online, we hope you have a better understanding of each option, and you’re confident in the one you choose. Feel free to call one of our wonderful team members at Velde Ford if you have any questions at (888) 221-2804. You can count on us to offer you the best dealership experience in the Pekin area. Start your shopping online today by looking over our Model Overview pages. Each page will give you details on each Ford model that is on the market right now. We encourage you to take a look at our inventory as well to pick out a couple vehicle you’d like to test drive when you coming into our dealership. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, put in an inquiry on our Find Me a Vehicle page, and sales representative will get in touch with you. We look forward to working with you at Velde Ford, and we’re excited to find you the vehicle of your dreams!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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7 Grilling Safety Tips You Should Know

PEKIN, Ill. – Memorial Day weekend is just the around the corner and so is grilling season, if you haven’t started already. During the warmer months, there’s no better meal then one made over the grill. If you haven't yet, you can try out these mouthwatering grilling recipes that we blogged about last week! While grilling is fun to do and a great way to get everyone together, safety should still be on your mind. Here are 7 grilling safety tips you should know this season to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy. 

1. Propane and charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and away from your home, camper, or other large structures while you’re cooking. It’s important to keep them out from under tents or awnings as well.
2. Make sure your grill is stable before use. Check to see that all four corners are evenly flat on the ground. This will ensure that your grill won’t tip over while cooking.
3. Children and pets should never be playing around a grill. Don’t take a chance of anyone getting burned. As a general rule, kids and animals should stay at least 4 feet away from the grill while it is in use.
4. Don’t leave your grill unattended. When you’re ready to start cooking, make sure you bring everything you need from the house outside so you’re not making trips back and forth.
5. Use proper barbecuing utensils. Grilling utensils have extra long handles that make food handling easier and safer. These utensils help avoid burns and splatters.
6. Be prepared for anything. In case of a fire, you should have a plan ready. For a grease fire you can use baking soda. Also have a fire extinguisher ready, or if you don’t have one of those, a bucket of sand or a garden hose.
7. Don’t ever try to move a grill while it’s hot. Once the grill is lit, it shouldn’t be moved. Moving a grill is not safe because you could easily get burned or the grill could tip over. 

Please remember these 7 grilling safety tips and enjoy your delicious food! Another way to keep your family happy and healthy, is by making sure your family vehicle gets the Spring Car Care it needs this season. Visit our website and learn about the important maintenance tips your tires, wipers, and car fluids need for the spring season. Schedule your season service appointment at Velde Ford today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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May is the Month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness

PEKIN, Ill. – May is the month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness. Velde Ford takes your safety very seriously. Keeping you and other drivers on the road is our first priority. During the nicer months, it’s important to start looking for motorcyclists on the road. Too many accidents are caused between car drivers and motorcycle riders that could be easily prevented. Staying safe on the road is a two-way street and a shared effort, so take a look at these safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

• Wearing the right gear for riding is the key to your safety. A helmet, closed toe shoes, pants, a motorcycle jacket, and gloves should all be worn. Although some motorcycle gear can be a little heavy to wear, it’s going to ease your fall in case you ever get into an accident. Some of the gear, like your helmet, will also help protect you from flying debris when you’re riding.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and always watch out for potential road hazards. As a motorcyclist, you’re harder to see in traffic. Being aware of other drivers around you and looking out for any road hazards like potholes, train tracks, and construction will help you avoid any potential accidents.
• Use your turn signals and headlights. The key is to make you as visible as possible to other drivers. This is also very important to other drivers, but motorcyclists especially. You’re more likely to get into an accident when other cars can’t see you or don’t know where you’re going. 
• Check the weather. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a rainstorm or thunderstorm when you’re on your motorcycle. Double checking the weather will help your avoid these situations and keep you safe on the road.

Tips for Drivers:

• If you’re driving behind a motorcycle, leave at lease a 3-4 second following distance between you and the bike. If there’s ever a case than you need to stop quickly or swerve, you want to have the time to do that and avoid hitting the motorcyclist in front of you.
• Consider the condition of the road you’re on. If you’re on a road with potholes, railroad tracks, or even construction, the motorcyclists will need to slow down and avoid these obstacles more than a person with a car. We recommend following even further behind when encountering road conditions like this.
• Always, always, always check your blind spots! This is one of the leading causes of accidents between cars and motorcycles. Motorcyclists move much quicker and are much smaller, making them harder to see when they’re coming up in your blind spot. Double checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulders will help you avoid any potential accidents.
• Don’t try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Even if your car is on the smaller size, it’s never safe to share a lane. In the case that you have to swerve or the motorcyclist needs to swerve, you may collide. Give the motorcycle the space it needs to drive. 

Although May is the month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness, you should practice these tips every month to keep safe on the road. Your safety goes beyond these helpful tips. Take a look at our Spring Car Care pages online to learn about the maintenance your tires, car fluids, and suspension and alignment need this season. Routine maintenance will not only keep you safe on the road, but your vehicle will perform its best as well. Schedule your spring service appointment online today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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6 Mouthwatering BBQ Recipes

PEKIN, Ill. – The weather is getting warmer and the sun is coming out! There’s no better way to enjoy a warm, sunny afternoon than firing up the grill and making a delicious meal. Get your tongs ready, and try out these 6 mouthwatering BBQ recipes. Any of these recipes would be perfect for a mid-week dinner, a delicious Saturday lunch, or a Memorial Day dish. Happy grilling!

Grilled Potato Packet

Chili Lime Chicken

Mexican Grilled Corn

Mini Grilled Pizzas

Grilled Salmon Skewers

Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops

There’s no way your neighbors won’t be jealous when you’re cooking up these 6 mouthwatering BBQ recipes! If your family is into camping and the great outdoors, try out these 5 delicious camping recipes too! While you’re enjoying the sunny weather outdoors, it’s easy to forget about the care your vehicle needs. Don’t forget to make an appointment at Velde Ford for your spring auto service. Head on over to our website to see what routine maintenance your tires, alignment, and suspension need this season.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Strobe Light Kits Now Available for Ford F-150s

PEKIN, Ill. – Ford trucks have always played a huge role in the jobs of our working class customers, and we’re proud to supply trucks that work just as hard as you do. Our truck fans will be very excited to hear that the strobe warning LED light kits are now available on the Ford F-150s for the first time. Now F-150 fleet customers can take their work to the next level.

The strobe light kits that are now available for the Ford F-150s are designed for road construction crews or municipal crews. The lights help warn passing on oncoming drivers that workers are present at a site and to slow down or proceed with caution.

The light kit consists of front-and rear-mounted amber lens. The forward facing signals are at the edge of the hood near the windshield, and the rear-facing lights are set on both sides of the stop light at the top of the truck. The front lights can be seen as far as 1,000 feet during the day and up to a mile at night, and the rear lights offer up to 180 degrees of illumination. Truck drivers have the ability to change the flash pattern as well to fit their needs.

The lights kits are already available for the 2016 F-Series Super Duty trucks, but Ford is all about giving its customers exactly what they need, so providing the kit for the F-150 makes your work safer and your truck a better tool. These kits are low powered LEDs that work perfectly with the F-150’s high-strength aluminum-alloy body and are weather-resistant.

Kent Bock, a Ford commercial accessory business development manger says, “Ford designed the first-ever factory-installed LED warning light kit based on fleet customer input. Because it comes directly from Ford, customers can trust that this light kit is Built Ford Tough. Ordering is as easy as checking a box, and the truck is delivered to your dealer with the system installed.”

If you have a fleet identification number, you can order your strobe light kit as soon as you’d like. For safety reasons, it’s important to keep in mind that this light kit is not used for regular driving conditions, but in work areas only.

Remember that even your work truck needs routine seasonal maintenance. Take a look at our Spring Car Care pages online to see what your services your vehicle needs this season. Routine maintenance is important to keep you safe on the road and to keep your vehicle performing its best. Feel free to schedule your spring service appointment with us online today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Mouthwatering Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

PEKIN, Ill. – Shout out to all the amazing moms out there! If you ask us, moms don't get enough appreciation for all that they do. They truly are modern day superheroes, and we're definitely thankful for all that our moms have done for us.

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8th, and we hope your kiddos treat you to the pampered day you deserve! One amazing way to celebrate this Sunday is with a mouthwatering Mother's Day brunch that brings the whole family together, and we think these delicious recipes will put a smile on everyone's face!

Mouthwatering Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

Pesto Egg a la Baguette

Easy Spinach & Tomato Fritatta

Berry Simple French Toast Bake 

 Nutella Berry Bruschetta

Strawberry Brie Waffle Bites

Lemon Tiramisu Trifle

If you really want to treat your mom to something extra special this Mother's Day, why not surprise her with a new ride?! We can help you find a vehicle she will love at Velde Ford. Choose from plenty of great Ford models on our website! If she already has a Ford that she loves, take care of her seasonal service by scheduling a spring service appointment. We'll make sure her vehicle is updated with the routine mainteance it needs and keep her safe on the road.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram