THUNDER BAY - George Badanai says he was surprised by how emotional he was this week.
“You never look in the rearview mirror when you do this job,” said the owner of Badanai Motors. “But when you do - that’s when you get emotional.”
Badanai was gifted a milestone award on Wednesday to honour his 25th year as a General Motors dealer.
He was paid a special visit by the president of General Motors Canada, Steve Carlisle, who helped present his award.
“It was just an honour, and he was very gracious,” Badanai said of Carlisle. “It was humbling to take him on a tour of the dealership to meet with staff.”
Carlisle was also present to conduct business, discussing the future of the company and new innovations such as electric cars, and alternative vehicles.
Badanai also had good news to present the president, as Badanai Motors has posted a 36 per cent increase in sales in comparison to last year.
“It’s our biggest jump, and one of our best years since the GM bankruptcy,” Badanai said. “Chevrolet is on a roll right now.”
It’s dealerships like Badanai that gave General Motors Canada sales a 22 per cent increase in the month of July.
An upwards trend is something that both Carlisle and Badanai can look forward to for the next 25 years.
