Ford's Salute to Dealers awards recognize dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the communities in which they live and work. Ford Pattani was one of six dealers that were selected from among more than 10,000 Ford Motor Company dealers worldwide, and the only dealer selected from the Asia Pacific region this year.
They are each being recognized with an award for exhibiting unparalleled giving, dedication and leadership to their communities.
Phanee and Ford Pattani have assisted their community through economic challenges that are linked to the ongoing unrest in southern Thailand by supporting local educational and health-related causes.
Phanee's father, Chookiat Piticharoenkit, is the founder of the dealership and a charitable foundation was established in his name in 1995. The Chookiat Piticharoenkit Foundation provides 300 scholarships for local students and has funded the construction of new facilities including a large library, prayer room and modern classrooms.
In total, the Foundation has awarded more than US$2 million to advance educational opportunities, assist the Thai Red Cross and improve available healthcare in the region through upgrades to the local Pattani Hospital, which serves 600,000 people in the region.
Because of the foundation's support, the hospital's operating rooms were modernized and a special patient unit was built.
"It is truly an honor to be recognized by Ford Motor Company's prestigious Salute to Dealers award. I am sharing this honor with my family and our entire Ford Pattani team," said Phanee Piticharoenkit, managing director, Ford Pattani.
"My deepest gratitude goes to my father, who taught me to give back and go further for our community. He was born into a poor family and after achieving success through hard work, never forgot to contribute back to his country. He always told me that we must give when we can, because we too, were once on the receiving end."
As part of the award, Ford Motor Company Fund is donating US$10,000 (THB 350,000) to a charity of each dealer's choice.
Edsel B. Ford II, who chairs the Salute to Dealers awards program and is a member of the Ford Board of Directors said: "I am continually amazed by the selfless efforts of our honorees and nominees, who provide countless hours and resources to improve lives in their communities and beyond."
"Time and time again, they find a way to reach out with their generosity and kindness to support those in need. In the end, the impact on their communities is truly inspiring and in every case, in every city, in every country, these dealers are setting the highest standards for caring."
Dealers give to causes that address a broad range of community needs, including children's charities, education, environment, healthcare, parks, municipal services and disaster relief.
The Salute to Dealers awards was launched in 2001 to demonstrate Ford's commitment to its thousands of dealer owners who step beyond their showroom doors to make a difference.
This year, Edsel B. Ford II and three other judges selected winners from a total global field of 80 nominees located in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, Africa and the Middle East regions.
Honorees will receive a painted portrait featuring a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
In additional to Ford Pattani, Ford's 2016 awards recognize dealers from Columbus, Ohio, United States; Tampa, Florida, United States; Criciúma, Brazil; Barrie, Ontario, Canada; and Hardeeville, North Carolina, United States.