BURLINGTON, Vt. — Dealer.com was named among the Top 10 "Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts in America" by Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization that focuses on art and education.
Every year, the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), a division of Americans for the Arts, grants 10 awards to 10 different companies for their exceptional commitment to the arts through grants, local partnerships, volunteer programs, matching gifts, sponsorships and board membership.
"Dealer.com is uniquely committed to a culture of creativity, community involvement, and sustainability — it's been part of our organizational DNA since Day 1," said Wayne Pastore, senior vice president of Dealer.com, a Cox Automotive brand. "Our close connection to the arts in Burlington has had a tremendously positive impact on the community and our company. We are very proud of the work we do to bring the community together through the arts and arts education."
Dealer.com has had a longstanding commitment to the arts and its community according to the company. Three years ago, the website created the P.E.A.C.E. mission: Planet; Eating Local; Arts & Culture; Community; and Employees, according to the company. Recently, the company has partnered with Chittenden Solid Waste District and several local artists to transform eight of the waste district’s 22-foot-long recycling containers into massive works of art. The goal of this project was to create a more engaging recycling experience, while simultaneously drawing attention to the community’s efforts to reduce waste.
The company also underwrites grants for arts and cultural activities in the local community, according to Dealer.com.
"There is an exceptional amount of passion in our organization to be involved and make an impact in the places where we live and work," said Jill Badolato, director of Dealer.com's Corporate Social Responsibility program. "We have taken a unique approach to grant-making by fusing art and function: we provide our non-profit partners with much needed funding and then we add additional funding to transform the projects into public works of art. In this way, Dealer.com gives back to the community, promotes local artists, and stimulates the creative economy. It has definitely deepened the sense of community and connection here, and we are extremely proud of our efforts."
The awards will be presented by Americans for Arts on Oct. 5, 2016, at black-tie gala at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City.
