What Does ‘LOCAL’ Really Mean?

was such a huge success for us at . We had the opportunity to meet and mingle with our friends and neighbors in our beautiful park with fantastic weather (and we were next to Bad Azz BBQ—yum!). It got me thinking about how much I love working at a local business. 

I’m sure some would argue we are not a local business. Yes, our vehicles and parts are manufactured in Korea, Mexico, Canada and the United States, but our heart is here.

We are owned and operated by local people, we mostly use local vendors and service providers, and we try to remain active in community. Our water cooler talk is local baseball, local politics and community events. We have been tied to the community for more than 36 years—before many of the housing plans, strip malls, other businesses and the small farming community was beginning its transformation into the thriving suburb it is now.

So my back-to-school blog post: history of South Hills Chrysler Jeep Kia. That’s right, kids, study up. There’s a quiz at the end.

South Hills Chrysler Plymouth opened in March of 1974 with one owner, the same owner as today, Mr. Paul Groff. While Mr. Groff has owned and operated many dealerships over the years, South Hills CJK has always been the "home base."

The Jeep franchise was added in July of 1999 and we renovated and expanded the main building to its current size in 2000. A Kia franchise added in September of 2002 has helped us grow the business and offer a greater range of product. With a dedicated Kia showroom constructed the following year, we became one of only a handful of Kia establishments in the city of Pittsburgh.

As we have grown, we have used local contractors and suppliers. Our HVAC company, a Peters guy. Wireless server down? Yep, they are Peters as well. Our management? General Manager, Larry Winter, with the business since 1986 has lived in the township for 17 years, coached Peters little league, graduated three kids from Peters schools and has been an avid school sports supporter.

His eldest son, Bill, Peters graduate and service manager; younger son, Paul, Peters graduate, resident and Kia certified technician. All of our sales managers live within a few miles, and countless other employees live, shop and socialize within the community. As for Mr. Groff—proud resident since a few years after our opening.

It is obvious that our community ties are strong and are a priority as we live and work within the township. Community Day was a testament to the character of the community and the fantastic people who call Peters home. We are proud to have been here through the growth and changes, and we are excited to be a part of its future. As for myself—I think Larry would be a fantastic baseball coach for my two boys, and I’m currently shopping for a house in Peters.

So maybe we are not a technical "local" business, but I am certain we are a community business.