All posts by jon

Easterns Automotive Group presents Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Football Team

Washington Football Team

Easterns Catches up with Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Football Team

The 2019 NFL football season is quickly approaching!? We are currently in preseason but the official season kicks off on September 5th. It was only right that Eastern Motors cameras caught up with Ryan Kerrigan, linebacker for the Washington Football Team. Kerrigan has been working with Easterns since 2017 so at this point, he is family to the organization. He thought it was important to share why he continues to choose Easterns. Some of his reasons included many of the awards that Easterns has won over the years like Dealer Rater?s Dealer of the Year, Maryland Quality Dealer of the Year, and Top Workplaces by The Washington Post. Kerrigan didn?t just stop there. He even named some of his own awards and achievements since he?s been a Redskins player. It?s important that fans and NFL spectators know the hard work that he?s put into himself and perfecting his craft. The staff over at Easterns has a blast with Kerrigan each and every time that he comes to the corporate office for a visit or to film a commercial. He has such great energy and makes everyone feel comfortable around him.

Easterns to support Kerrigan’s Blitz for the Better Foundation

There is great news ?Easterns will support Kerrigan and his Blitz for the Better Foundation during the NFL season. Easterns will donate $1,000 for each sack and turnover that Kerrigan makes and $5,000 for every touchdown. The money raised will go towards blood cancer research. Please be sure to keep up with the Washington Football Team this season. We hope that they go all the way!? Please visit www.easterns.com to learn more about Easterns Automotive Group, their incredible vehicle selection, and the many locations they have across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.

Pay It Forward – An Unlikely Friendship

Community,

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC Help Special Friends Celebrate

 

It?s been a busy summer for Easterns Automotive Group.? They?ve been hard at work filming their commercials with the Washington Redskins that will air during the 2019 NFL football season.? Behind the Scenes photos have just been added to their Facebook, in case you want to take a look.? Recently, Easterns teamed up with Fox 5 DC for the first time in weeks for a very heartfelt Pay It Forward segment.

A New Pay It Forward Segment from Easterns and Fox 5 DC

A few years ago, a 91-year old Prince Georges County woman by the name of Ruth White developed a life-long friendship with Eric Smith.? Smith is a Verizon technician but also a former Georgetown Hoya basketball player.? Their friendship started when White called Verizon to have her cable installed.? Smith came out to install it and even gave her his cell phone number in case she had any other cable issues.? She has called him with questions and he always been there to listen and help guide her through the necessary steps.? Something that seemed small to Smith was very important to White, especially being an elderly woman.? Often times, people don?t have patience for elders but Smith was different.? He always made time for White and his kindness really stood out to her.? They exchanged birthdays and White made it a priority to send him a card every year.

Easterns Helps Celebrate a True Friendship

These two have a unique bond that has no barriers.? Both White and Smith are extremely grateful for one another.? They have been working on setting up a dinner for White to meet all of Smith?s wonderful family.? Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) along with Fox 5 DC stepped in to make this happen.? Smith met Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC at the station to share the incredible journey of his friendship with White.? Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) surprised him with a gift card to Carrabba?s Italian Grill so that he and his family can finally have dinner with White.? Bassam also presented Smith with a gift card to Golf Galaxy since he enjoys playing golf in his spare time.? We can all learn something from the incredible friendship that these two share.? In order to have a good friend, you must be a good friend.

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

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Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/verizon-technician-and-91-year-old-bowie-woman-form-unlikely-friendship

Road to a Better Community – Buck Lodge Middle School

Community,

Easterns Automotive Donates to Local School’s Effort to Go Green

Why Go Green?

The concept of going green has been a hot topic for years now. It means making better decisions when it comes to the environment such as reducing pollution, conserving energy and resources, and reducing consumption and waste. The overall goal is to save our planet and keep our earth as clean as possible. The changes one can make can be big or small including shopping in bulk, bringing your own bag while shopping, and avoiding products with microbeads. The principle of reduce reuse recycle is also a very important aspect of going green. When we reduce our waste, we use less energy and resources. Reusing items helps us reduce consumption of new materials and reduce our waste. Recycling is key as that allows us to reuse materials to make new items.

Local Prince Georges County School Goes Green

Buck Lodge Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland has implemented going green into their school culture. They are a PGCPS certified green school where both students and teachers work hard to keep our planet clean. There is a gardening program at Buck Lodge that teaches students how to grow produce and educates them on the importance of eating healthy. Programs like this encourage students to get up and be active. As a school, Buck Lodge has many goals and ideas for future projects but they require funding. Some of the many upcoming projects include invasive species removal, creating a sensory garden, and adding benches for teachers and students.

Easterns Automotive Group Pitches In

WUSA 9 and Fox 5 DC got wind of their incredible work and decided to pitch in. WUSA 9 cameras visited Buck Lodge Middle School for their Road to a Better Community segment. They are very big on highlighting people or groups in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community that are making a difference. Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) donated a total of $2,000 in Lowe?s gift cards to support their wonderful efforts and help kick off their future projects. As a community, we must continue to invest in and support our youth.

To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity

 

Link to original WUSA 9 article

Get Up Give Back – Easterns Automotive Group donates to DC Urban Greens

Community,

Easterns Automotive Supports DC Urban Greens

WUSA 9?s Reese Waters of Get Up DC became aware of an incredible DC-based nonprofit called DC Urban Greens and just had to get involved.? He called his friends at Easterns Automotive Group and they were delighted and honored to sponsor this segment.? Easterns donated $1,000 to DC Urban Greens to help their incredible mission.

What is DC Urban Greens?

The food that we put in our bodies is imperative to both our physical and mental health.? DC Urban Greens works to provide healthy yet affordable foods to residents in Washington D.C.? They are a nonprofit organization that runs farms in DC?s food desert regions.? The food is grown in DC?s Ward 7 and 8 because they are the neighborhoods that need it the most.? Low income areas with limited access to grocery stores provide a cheap alternative for members of the community.? DC Urban Greens provides training and job opportunities for DC residents to learn and get a job farming.? They are truly incredible nonprofit that is about empowering people and making the information accessible for members of the community to learn about the importance of health.? Students are able to learn as well because DC Urban Greens provides field trips for students to visit the farms.? Children are able to make amazing nutritional decisions when they learn about these topics early on that stick with them throughout their lives.

How you can get involved

This will be able to help improve and grow the work they are doing.? If you are interested in learning more about DC Urban Greens and how you can get involved, please visit www.dcurbangreens.org

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that is worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact at @ReeseWaters on social media.? #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

WUSA 9 Goes Behind the Scenes at the 2019 Eastern Motors Commercial Shoot w/ the Washington Football Team

Washington Football Team

Easterns Commercials to Feature Redskins Players

If you?re from the DMV, then you know that Eastern Motors commercials have been a big deal for over two decades.? Many of the area?s top athletes have starred in them including Clinton Portis, Ray Lewis, and Carmelo Anthony (to name a few).? People can?t seem to get enough of these fun commercials.? It?s possible that fans just enjoy seeing their favorite stars off of the football field and singing along to the catchy Easterns jingle.? These are the moments when athletes are able to make that human connection with their supporters and show a different side of their personality.

New Commercials with Redskins Stars Coming Soon

WUSA 9 cameras were on-site at Easterns corporate office and showroom in Sterling, VA to film what goes on behind the scenes during the latest shoot.? They were greeted by Adrian Peterson, Ryan Kerrigan, and Landon Collins of the Washington Football Team.? Kerrigan has been a part of the Easterns family since 2016 when he shot his original set of commercials alongside Kirk Cousins and Josh Norman.? Peterson came on board last year with Alex Smith prior to his leg injury.? Collins is a freshman this year because this will be his Eastern Motors world premiere.? He just got drafted to the Redskins back in March, so this is the perfect introduction to the entire DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.? All of the guys had a blast on set and are very excited to be a part of the Easterns legacy.? The new commercials will air during the upcoming Redskins season so please be on the lookout for them.? You will also be able to view them on the Easterns YouTube channel.? 2019 will be one for the books!

Road to a Better Community – The Congressional Award Foundation

Community,

Easterns Automotive Supports Congressional Award Foundation

 

What does the Congressional Award Foundation do?

The youth play a critical role in shaping the future of this country.? Congress created a foundation and charity called The Congressional Award Foundation to highlight and encourage young people to stretch into the areas of volunteerism, physical fitness, personal development, and expedition/exploration.? Awards are given out to honor those that have reached their goals and surpassed expectations.? The overall goal is to show young people how to be well-rounded and diverse individuals in many aspects of life.? There are over 54,000 young people currently enrolled in the foundation.? It is truly incredible to see so many students pushing themselves to new heights while motivating and inspiring others in the process.? The foundation has a partnership with the Washington Nationals that allows participating youth to come to games and see their photos on the jumbotron.

Joel Bassam Presents Donation to the Foundation

WUSA 9 and Fox 5 DC thought that it would only make sense to highlight The Congressional Award Foundation and discuss their amazing work.? The two have created the Road to a Better Community segment where they find people and organizations that are making a difference in the D.C. metro community.? Paxton Baker, Chairman of The Congressional Award Foundation was joined by Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group at WUSA 9 studio for a very special surprise.? Bassam presented Baker with a 2,500 check donation for the foundation on behalf of Easterns.? This money will go back into the foundation to continue enriching the lives of the youth.? Bassam also promised to match any additional donations until July 17th.? If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to The Congressional Award Foundation, please click here.

Learn about the Easterns / WUSA 9 Partnership

To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity

 

Link to original WUSA 9 article

Easterns Automotive Group partners with Get Up DC to give away watches to the homeless

Community

Watch Giveaway Campaign in DC

The homeless epidemic is a huge problem in the D.C. region.? Often, people see it but don?t pay too much attention because they are too caught up in their own lives.? Ms. Faye Smith, however, did the opposite.? This past Mother?s Day, Smith gifted a watch to a homeless D.C. woman.? The level of compassion she showed created a very special and unique friendship.? Through developing the friendship, Smith learned many things about homeless culture.? Most homeless people do not have watches, so, they have no knowledge of the time.? Asking others for the time can be a difficult task because people are quick to show disinterest.

Easterns Automotive Donates Watches for the Homeless

One generous move on Smith?s part grew into the idea of creating a watch giveaway campaign.? She took it upon herself to raise awareness and ask for watch donations so that she could give them out around the city.? Reese Waters of Get Up DC got wind of this and called his friends at Easterns Automotive Group to help out.? The WUSA 9 camera crew followed Waters down to the District where he met Smith with a surprise.? He presented Smith with $500 worth of brand new watches along with a $500 gift card to get new batteries for the pre-owned watches she has.? Her look of excitement spoke volumes.? Smith stepped up to the plate to be the change that she wants to see in her community.? It?s a wonderful feeling when those that do such good are rewarded.

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that is worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact at @ReeseWaters on social media.? #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

Pay It Forward – Eyes Up, Phones Down Teen Drivers Safety Campaign

Community,

Easterns Supports Teen Driver Safety Campaign

 

What is the Eyes Up, Phones Down Campaign about?

You can always count on Fox 5 DC to shine a light on a great cause and educate their audience on a particular topic.? They created the Eyes Up, Phones Down Teen Drivers Safety Campaign to inform teens in the DMV about the importance of practicing safe driving.? The summer months are very dangerous for teens because they are out of school and constantly seeking fun.? Many find themselves glued to their cell phones even while driving, which is a serious problem. Teen deaths linked to texting and driving are on the rise.? No parent or family wants to endure something so tragic that could have been prevented.? A text message or a social media post can wait until you reach your destination ? it is never worth your life or someone else?s.? If you have any friends or family that text while driving, please educate them of the dangers so they too can be more aware.? Spreading the word will save lives!

Easterns Automotive encourages local high school participation

Fox 5 DC held a pep rally with students from Kettle Run, Liberty, and Fauquier County high schools with games and demonstrations about the importance of safe driving.? Easterns Automotive Group stepped up to sponsor Fox 5?s campaign by choosing to Pay It Forward to the wonderful student body of Fauquier County High School.? Joel Bassam of Easterns made the announcement live on Fox 5 DC with Mike Thomas that Easterns would provide Fauquier students with a free pizza party plus $5 Amazon gift cards for each student?s participation in Eyes Up, Phones Down.? It?s clear that Easterns is still very committed to doing whatever is in the best interest of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community that they have served for over 30 years.

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

Link to original article

The Washington Post names Easterns Automotive Group a 2019 Top Washington-area Workplace

Award

The Washington Post has just released their list for the Top Workplaces of 2019 in the Washington D.C. metro area.? The list is comprised of 152 small, midsize, and large companies of various different industries.? They conduct a third-party survey by Energage, LLC which gives them a good measure of the workplace culture at various companies.? The overall goal of this list is to highlight and recognize companies that are committed to providing a stable and healthy work environment for their employees.

 

Among the companies listed was used car dealership, Easterns Automotive Group.? Easterns was founded in 1988 and has 7 locations across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.? The Washington Post categorized Easterns as a midsize business because of the total number of employees being 200.? The family dynamic and company culture at Easterns is truly one for the books.? Robert Bassam, founder and CEO of Easterns hosts various company events throughout the year to bring employees together.? In addition to that, he provides weekly lunches for the staff at Easterns corporate office in Sterling, Virginia.? These special moments provide everyone a chance to catch up, celebrate, and encourage one another.? All of which are very important to the atmosphere of the company.

 

Many know Easterns from their catchy ?At Eastern Motors, your job is your credit? jingle or their funny commercials with local athletes from the years.? They still have a tremendous relationship with the Washington Redskins which allows them to partner and come together on various collaborative projects during the NFL season.? However, what truly sets Easterns apart from its competitors is their willingness to give back and be active in the DMV community.? Director of Marketing for Easterns, Joel Bassam, currently works with Fox 5 DC and WUSA 9 on two segments called Pay It Forward and Road to a Better Community.? As the face of Easterns, he is able to represent the true mission statement of the organization.? If you would like to learn more about Easterns Automotive Group, browse the inventory, or learn how you can join the family ? please visit www.easterns.com

 

 

Link to original list ? Washington Post Top Workplaces Article

Pay It Forward – Pharmacist goes above and beyond to help a sick child

Community,

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC are always looking for someone who is doing great things to make a difference in the community.? Just recently, their Pay It Forward segment with Fox 5 DC was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.? It is so wonderful to see such a positive segment get noticed that touches many lives across the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.? This week?s Pay It Forward segment is special for several reasons.? A small child by the name of Callie Linscott was born with a rare medical condition.? Her parents struggled to find her the proper care but eventually found a specialist in New York to help her with her needs.? She was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called pulmonary hypertension which greatly affected the family.? Living in Virginia comes with its fair share of obstacles in terms of getting Callie?s medication.? There are three types of medication that she must take three times a day along with a pump attached to her.? Callie?s parents, Nikki and Warren Linscott coordinate with various pharmacies around the clock to make sure the medicine is ordered.? However, some instances arise where shipments can be missed or overlooked.

The family ran into a bit of unexpected trouble on the Friday before Easter when they were alerted by Walgreens that there was a nationwide shortage of Callie?s medications.? They were told that the medications would not be available for a few weeks.? At this point, they only had a two day supply left.? Local pharmacist, Laura Thomas was on the phone with Nikki and offered to try to help locate the medications.? Thomas called the Linscott family back with great news.? The medication was located at a store 100 miles away and she offered to pick it up.? She woke up the next morning and drove for over two hours to pick up the medication and make sure that it was at the store on Monday.? Thomas sacrificed her Easter Sunday to because she knew that Callie?s life depended on these medications.? Needless to say, the Linscott family was thrilled and honored that she would even go the extra mile.? When Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group got wind of Thomas? actions, they had no choice but to Pay It Forward for her selfless deed and compassion that she showed to Callie as a sick child.? Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group was on site with Erin Como and Fox 5 DC cameras to gift Thomas with a spa day for two at the Salamander Resort and Spa and couple dinner at Texas de Brazil: Brazilian Steakhouse.? We thank Laura Thomas for going above and beyond and showing how important it is for a pharmacist to have a caring relationship with their patients.

 

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

?

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

 

Link to Original Article