McCormick Motors is dedicated to serving the retail customer with the full line of Chevrolet vehicles and a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). We are located in the rural community of Nappanee, Indiana directly across from Amish Acres Restaurant and Round Barn Theater. The dealership has also partnered with the University of Notre Dame with the “Drive with Irish” Courtesy Car Program and with Goshen College on environmental and energy conservation issues.
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We are a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the leading advocate for issues related to the automobile and trucking industries. |
McCormick's has served the retail customer for over 50 years. Founded on December 13, 1953 by Mr. Gordon "Short" McCormick and originally located in a store front at 200 South Main Street in Nappanee, McCormick Motors had a one car showroom, a three stall service area, and a used car lot for ten vehicles. Four years later, in November 1957, McCormick Motors moved to its current location on U.S. Highway 6 West. With additions in 1959, 1965, and 1974 McCormick Motors enjoyed steady growth and encompassed 35,000 square feet of buildings on over 1,000 feet of highway frontage.
McCormick Motors is always focused on integrating the latest innovations in technology into our customer and business practices. During the 80's and 90's it was the integration of increasingly more complex automotive diagnostic devices to make the repair and service more precise. The addition of computers with internet access ties together all of the business processes within the dealership-vehicle repair orders, parts, invoicing, and accounting.
In May 1997, Mr. Bernie Beer and Mr. Gordon Moore entered into partnership to effect a smooth transfer from Mr. McCormick to the next generation of Chevy Dealers/Owners. They remain committed to the philosophy that has guided McCormick Motors since 1953 and to the very best in customer service and satisfaction. Other building additions were completed in 2002, 2004 and 2006 expanding the dealership complex by some 10,000 square feet and the addition of a 2.5 acre off site lot for additional vehicles.
Since 1998, McCormick Motors has made a significant investment in improving their use of energy and reducing their carbon footprint. Despite a 70% increase in building space and staff since 1998, McCormick Motors has maintained its 1998 level of electric consumption and reduced natural gas consumption by 70%. These savings were achieved using a wide range of initiatives including new technologies and targeted processes. In January 2009, the dealership completed the installation of a 6kW solar panel system, the first of a six phase renewable power generation plan for the dealership. Both solar and wind generation systems are part of the six phase plan to provide clean, renewable electric power. The goal for the dealership is to reduce utility provided electric consumption by 20% in 2010 and by 50% in 2020. For more information check the “Making Cents of Energy” presentation.
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McCormick Motors operates using the principles of ISO 14001 Standard and has established an Environmental Management System (EMS). Our EMS insures that we meet our commitment to be a responsible business to our community and that we promote good stewardship of our resources and environment. The system is woven into the McCormick Motors five year improvement plan with benchmarks monitored by management to insure that goals are met. We are committed to continuous improvement in the areas of energy conservation, energy efficiency and minimizing our environmental impact.
McCormick Motors is also associated with the Indiana Renewable Energy Association.
Organizations We Support
Giving back to our community is our corporate responsibility. McCormick's takes pride in supporting local non-profit agencies - agencies focused on the youth of today. We have a moral obligation to be good role models for the future leaders of our community.
The Nappanee Club occupies 19,000 square feet in the former Central School on North Main Street. Today, Club membership numbers are approximately 500 children, ages 6 through 18, with around 100 attending programs and activities each day. During the school year, the Club is open to all members from the end of the school day until 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Club is open for teens only on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9:00 p.m. During summer months, the Club opens at 6:30 a.m. each day and remains open until 6:00 p.m.
Facilities include:
- A professionally staffed Learning Center, complete with 12 computer workstations
- A lounge, used exclusively by teenage members
- A vended snack room
- Two recreation rooms for younger members
- An area devoted to arts and crafts instruction
- A gymnasium, complete with locker rooms and a weight training area
Goshen College Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Series roots run to a lecture series program. With the construction of the Union Auditorium building in 1950, Goshen College boasted a facility with a large stage and an auditorium that held several hundred people. The popular lecture-music series of that time brought world-class performers and speakers to campus, contributing significantly to the cultural life of the college and the Goshen community. Hundreds of regular attendees enjoyed presentations by the likes of Carl Sandburg, Martin Luther King, Jr., Marian Anderson, Robert Shaw Chorale, Trapp Family Singers, and the orchestras of Detroit, Cleveland and Indianapolis. The lecture-music series evolved into our current Performing Arts Series.
Goshen College has a long tradition of preparatory programs in piano and violin for pre-college community youth. These programs and other initiatives were combined to establish the Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) in the fall of 2003. The CSA provides quality arts education and performance experiences to people of all ages, abilities and economic circumstances. The Music Center is committed to finding ways for deserving students to study music by offering need-based scholarships. The program offers personal attention and encouragement that make learning a positive and enjoyable experience. For more information contact CSA@goshen.edu or call 574-535-7361.
Elkhart County Safe Kids Coalition
Safe Kids Elkhart County began as the Elkhart County SAFE KIDS Coalition in 1991, making it one of the oldest coalitions in the state. They executed their by-laws and became incorporated under Federal Code in 1992. They received their 501c (3) in 1998 making charitable giving and grant attainment more favorable to its constituents.
This coalition won the coalition of the year from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign in 1997 and is a 3-time recipient of the Indiana Child Safety Advocate Award.
The members of Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Empower local communities to prevent accidental injuries by building grassroots coalitions.
- Generate national awareness of the burden of accidental injuries.
- Encourage sound research on leading injury risks and critically evaluating solutions.
- Pass and improve child safety laws and regulations.
- Provide lifesaving devices such as child safety seats, helmets and smoke alarms to families who need them.
- Promote global corporate leadership in child safety through effective and sustainable partnerships.
While injury is a threat to children everywhere, significant progress has been made to reduce the risks. This progress must continue, and the lessons learned from years of injury prevention work must be adapted to help create a safety culture in every country where it is sorely lacking.
Nappanee/Wakarusa Little League Program
This program began in the summer of 1978 and is run by volunteers. The season starts at the end of May and continues through June. Programs consist of a Peewee, Minor & Major boys, Jr. & Sr. girl’s leagues. Wakarusa Softball/Baseball program is fun for all ages. Come out on a summer night and enjoy an entertaining time of food, fun, and fellowship with the people of Wakarusa. And don't forget the popcorn! The 2008 season will begin May 21through July 1st. Games will be played Monday through Friday starting at 5:30 pm. For additional information call 574-862-4202.
Northwood Soccer Club
This program was started in 1980 and serves children from the ages of 5 to 11 years old. The program consists of a soccer beginner's clinic for the 5 to 6 year olds and league play for the older children. The season starts in July and continues until September with games played at the Calendar Sportplex on CR 7. For addtional information call 574-305-4090.
A long time supporter of Elkhart County 4-H Fair acitivities, McCormick Motors purchases show animals at the fair auction and is the corporate sponsor for the three-on three basketball tournament. The Elkhart County Fairground has 143 acres, 70 buildings and over 300 permanent RV sites in addition to 600 temporary RV sites. Camping is available year-around on our grounds. The fairgrounds have accommodated over 1200 RV units at one time. Building facilities range from carpeted reception halls to open livestock pavilions. In addition to the County Fair and many private events, they host annual public events such as the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale, Autumn Splendor Arts & Crafts Show and the Spring Rodeo. Call the Fair Office for booking information 574-533-FAIR.
Joseph Stein Young Actor's Studio
Every year McCormick's provides eight scholarships to the Joseph Stein Young Actor’s Studio. The Amish Acres Red Barn Theatre arrange summer day camp for children ages 8 through 14. The week long camp provides children with a hands on introduction to acting and theatre production. The week long camp culminates with a onstage production of popular children’s plays. Past performances have included High School Musical, Willy Wonka, High School Musical 2 and Once Upon a Matress.
McCormick Motors Operating Philosophy
- Integrity
- Above all else, we demonstrate a commitment to honesty and trustworthiness. We take personal responsibility for our actions.
- Customer Satisfaction
- We listen to our customers to ensure complete satisfaction by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.
- Commitment to Excellence
- We strive for the highest quality in everything we do. Providing quality products and service is our first priority. Good enough never is.
- Teamwork
- We recognize the essential value of teamwork. Our success depends on sharing our knowledge, skills, and experiences with each other.
- Respect for the Individual
- We treat each other and our customers with respect and dignity. We believe in the "golden rule," we treat others as we would like to be treated.
- Continuous Improvement
- We constantly reevaluate our thinking and embrace practices and integrate new technology for continuous improvement. Training is our investment in the future.
- Responsibility and Citizenship
- Public responsibility and corporate citizenship are essential to our success. We have a moral and legal obligation to be good neighbors and role models.
Bernard B. Beer, President, McCormick Motors, a lifetime area resident, has been with McCormick Motors since 1961. Starting as a salesman, he became the Dealer Operator and President of the company in March 1997. Over the course of his sales career he was the top salesman in the zone on three occasions. He has been a long time member of the Society of Sales Executives and Legion of Leaders. He is a graduate of the Chevrolet Academy of Retail Sales Executives, the Chevrolet Commercial College, and the Chevrolet Medium Duty Certification Program. He has been repeatedly recognized by Chevrolet Motor Division for his lifetime commitment to sales excellence and customer satisfaction. Bernie is a member of the National GM Commercial Dealer Advisory Council providing dealer feedback to GM on issues of concern to commercial dealers.
Gordon K. Moore,Vice President, McCormick Motors, is a 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. Gordon joined the staff at McCormick Motors in August 1997 following over 23 years of service in the Army. Retiring on the 1st of September 1997 as a Colonel, he culminated his Army career serving as the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Dennis J. Reimer. In addition to his duty with the Chief of Staff, he was Chief of Nuclear Release Procedures on the Joint Staff from 1988 to 1991, and commanded a Field Artillery Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky from 1991 to 1993. In 1994, he graduated from the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA and completed a Masters of Public Administration from Shippensburg State University. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Staff Badge, Joint Staff Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
Since joining the dealership in 1997 Gordon has focused on modernizing both the buildings and the application of technology within the dealership. In 2007 he was recognized by USA Today as one of four finalists in the annual dealer technology award in recognition for innovative energy efficiency and environmental practices. Gordon is a graduate of the Chevrolet Medium Duty Certification Program and the Chevrolet Commercial College.
Business Office Staff
Lamar Pippenger, Business Accounting Manager joined McCormick Motors in June 1998. Lamar has obtained a Bachelors of Science from Manchester College and a Masters in Banking Administration from University of Wisconsin. He has been recognized as a Charter Bank Auditor and received the GM Achievement Award for 7 years from the Business Manager's Council. Lamar brings with him 23 years of banking experience.
Susan Clark, Human Resources joined McCormick Motors on January 7, 1998. Susan is a graduate of Bremen High School and received the Professional Associate Award for 9 years while with McCormick Motors. Her previous work experience includes Accounting and Administration for Brooklyn Products.
Jenny Neer, Accounting and Warranty Administrator joined McCormick Motors in May 2007. Jenny is a graduate of Memorial High School and completed an Associate of Science Degree in Business with IUSB in May 2008. She was previously employed for the past six years by Volcano Pizza as a closing manager.
