June 30, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Firestone Complete Auto Care™, which is owned and operated by BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC), recently presented its third annual contribution of $10,000 from the Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund in support of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) School of Business Retail Excellence Initiative, which promotes the study and practice of professional retailing.
“We are extremely grateful for a partner like Firestone Complete Auto Care™,” said Robert R. Robicheaux, Ph.D., executive director of marketing and industrial distribution at UAB. “They are committed to providing career opportunities for our students as well as the training and nurturing essential for our graduates’ success.”
The initiative offers support to retailing students through scholarships, classroom enrichment activities, executives in residence and visiting speakers. It was launched in 2004 and is led by Robicheaux and Mickey Gee, marketing instructor and director of internship programs.
“Firestone Complete Auto Care™ is proud to assist such a worthy program,” said Ron Tepner, vice president of human resources for BFRC and graduate of the University of Alabama. “We find the partnership beneficial for both our business and particularly for the UAB graduates who find fulfilling careers in our company.”
Gee has worked with Firestone Complete Auto Care™ over this past year to place four UAB students in Birmingham as part of the company’s special summer internship program for top prospects. They are Felicia Gibson, a senior marketing major from Opelika; Russ Wade, a senior management major from Pleasant Grove; Keyon Williams, a senior marketing major from Mobile; and Keshun Williams, a senior marketing major from Mobile.
James McClain of Atlanta, a human resource manager for Firestone Complete Auto Care™, was on hand when the gift was presented. McClain, a Birmingham native who graduated from UAB in 1991 with a degree in management, understands the difference the program makes in students’ careers.
“It gives me great pleasure to work for a company that gives back to programs where students can learn the basics of successful retail management and provide them with the tools to compete effectively in the marketplace,” McClain said.
For more information about career opportunities with Firestone Complete Auto Care™, contact UAB Career Services Director Michael Lebeau at 205-934-9202 or mlebeau@uab.edu.
About the University of Alabama at Birmingham:Since its founding in 1969, UAB has evolved into a world-renowned research university and health care center, Alabama's single largest employer, and an economic engine for the city of Birmingham. With more than 17,000 students, 18,000 faculty and staff, and a campus covering more than 80 city blocks, UAB is focused on the future of teaching, research, health care, and community service. UAB consists of six schools offering programs in business, education, engineering, arts/humanities, natural and social sciences as well as six health profession schools and the UAB Health System, which oversees all of UAB's patient care services and facilities. As part of UAB's $1.8 billion annual operating budget, research programs attract more than $400 million of support per year, which puts UAB among the top 20 public universities in the country in federal support.
About Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund:
The Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH), is a charitable trust established in 1952 by Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, a predecessor to BSAH. It contributes millions annually to 501(c)(3) organizations in support of causes which champion children’s issues, education, and the environment and conservation.
About Firestone Complete Auto Care™:
Firestone Complete Auto Care is owned and operated by BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC). Technicians perform part repairs and replacements, routine scheduled maintenance services, and a variety of diagnostic services covering major systems within a vehicle. To learn more about driving tips and maintenance or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com.
About BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC:
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest number of company-owned automotive retail generalist stores in the world -- more than 2,200 consumer and commercial vehicle service and tire locations across the United States and Canada -- including Firestone Complete Auto Care™, TiresPlus™, ExpertTire, Wheel Works, and GCR Tire Centers store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BFRC. BFRC is a member of the Bridgestone Americas’ family of companies.