Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2009
Number of Scholarships: 1
Websites: Eastside Dodge Chrysler Ltd.
Scholarship Information: Eastside Dodge Scholarship

History:
Eastside is located in North East Calgary and has been part of the Chrysler Family for thirty-two years.

Eastside first opened in 1976 and was purchased in 1987 by Mr. Jim McManes. Since 1987, Eastside has grown considerably and is now the number one volume dealership in Calgary and in the top five in Canada.

Mr. McManes has a long history of being very involved in the automotive industry. He is a past President of the Calgary Dealer Association, a past board member of the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta and is currently Co-Chairman of Chrysler's National Presidents Council.

Jim's son Michael is very active in the daily operation of Eastside. Both Jim and Michael feel it is important to support the people who are the future of our industry. For that reason, they are supportive of the programs offered by the apprenticeships and industry training organizations.

In addition to Eastside, Jim McManes owns or has an interest in eighteen other dealerships representing various franchises in Western Canada. In 2008 these dealerships were responsible for selling just shy of 24,000 new and used vehicles. Whether it is one dealership or many, Mr. McManes believes that people are our most valuable assets. That is why his is proud to support the Alberta Scholarship Program, which will provide an annual scholarship to a deserving individual.

The auto industry is facing many challenges, not the least of which is attracting and retaining top quality people. The leaders of our industry need to do a better job in promoting the fact that the auto industry is an exciting and rewarding place to work. The opportunities are many and it is never boring as no two days are ever the same.

Again, Mr. McManes is proud to offer this scholarship and extends an offer to anyone who wants to discuss a career in the auto industry to give him a call. He is more than happy to take the time and can be reached at Eastside Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Calgary.