At the beginning of 2025 Ford Motor Company recognized Sioux Falls Ford as one of only six outstanding Ford and Lincoln dealers with its prestigious Salute to Dealers award, celebrating their exceptional contributions to their communities.
From supporting veterans and youth programs to funding cancer research and providing job training for people with disabilities, these honorees exemplify the positive impact dealerships can have on the lives of others.
- Six dealers, including Sioux Falls Ford, from the United States, Canada, China, and Malaysia were honored for their exceptional dedication to community betterment
- Sioux Falls Ford supports a wide range of causes, including cancer research, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and serving the needs of first responders and military personnel
- Ford Philanthropy is donating $10,000 in Sioux Falls Ford’s name to a charity of its choice
The Salute to Dealers program, originally established by Edsel B. Ford, has expanded globally since 2011, recognizing 166 dealers from 20 countries over its 25-year history. This year's recipients were selected by a panel of judges based on their individual community service activities, duration of involvement, and personal motivation. Each honoree received a custom portrait showcasing their philanthropic endeavors, which will also be displayed at Ford World Headquarters for a year.
The award ceremony, held in New Orleans on January 24rd, preceded the annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas. The program underscores Ford's long-standing commitment to empowering communities globally, reflecting a shared legacy of more than 120 years of positive impact. Ford and Lincoln dealer principals are eligible for nomination by their dealership or regional representatives.
Ed Bloom has a true passion for giving as reflected in his dealership’s vision – to be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others. His willingness to reach out and be actively involved in his community is demonstrated through the many causes he supports as he continually cares for others.
As a former active-duty service member, Ed is passionate about helping veterans and first responders. He played a key role in establishing a non-profit organization that assists veterans who were seriously injured in combat while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization provides first-class hunting and fishing experiences in locations in and out of state. The goal is to help the veterans assimilate into society and realize their potential despite their injuries. His dealership also supports South Dakota Salutes, a non-profit benefiting first responders and veterans throughout the state.
Additionally, the dealership was recently honored with the Sioux Empire United Way Business of the Year award for its dedication and involvement in the community. Ed also has a big heart when it comes to helping children with critical illnesses as he serves on the local Make-A-Wish board of directors granting wishes to children for the past 25 years. The dealership also is a long-time title sponsor for the Avera Race Against Cancer, which raises significant funds to support patients and their families struggling with the disease. The dealership has donated several new Mustangs in support of the annual race events.
Ed Bloom’s engagement with these and other important causes is contagious and signals a true passion and concern for helping others.
