Lehighton Ford, completed a remodeling project that has energized and invigorated its staff.

Kent Newhart, president and owner of Lehighton Ford, recently unveiled the changes during a ribbon cutting and open house celebration.Along with the many changes to the interior of the building, Newhart also noted that the Lehighton dealership staff and sales are growing."We've hired five new employees and with a 20 percent increase in sales, we're still looking to hire," he said.Newhart was all smiles as he welcomed local officials and members of the press to tour the building and see the changes."We're here to support the community," said Newhart. "We have had such strong support from the community and we want to give back."Newhart said that while a lot of negatively is surfacing in the press, Lehighton Ford is telling a good news story."We had a great vision to make this area inviting to our visitors and we have created a place that is welcoming," said Newhart.Indeed Lehighton Ford is, with kitchen tables filling the showroom and brand new carpeting instead of office desks and ringing telephones, the showroom is homey, welcoming and pleasant - a great place to discuss the car of your dreams with sales staff. There is also a children's area to make the space family friendly.Carbon County Commissioners Charles Getz and Wayne Nothstein attended the ribbon cutting, along with Earl Schneider, of the Lehighton Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, Bessie Bauchspies, Lehighton Council member; Brian Lachewitz, market representation manager, of Ford and Lincoln Sales Operations; and Rich Schwengels, business development manager, Ford Motor Credit Company.Getz and Nothstein thanked Newhart for creating more jobs in the local area.Newhart added that he saw the improvements as an investment in the community, but said that Lehighton Ford would not be as successful as it was without the excellent employees."We're here to push forward in a positive way," said Newhart."Ford Motor Credit thanks you for being a valuable customer for the past 10 years," said Schwengels. "We saw the level of transformation. You are passionate about people and the community. Your customers see what you are doing and we say keep doing what your doing."Also speaking was Lachewitz. "Today is a great day for your dealership. We look for individual dealerships to be the face of Ford Motor Company. We look for you to carry the Ford Motor Company forward."Lachewitz said that Ford line of vehicles has the finest quality vehicles."We have loyal customers," he added. "Ford Motor Company is built on small businesses and you have an excellent small business here in Lehighton. You provide excellent service and you stand behind your service. I wish you continued success."Newhart said that the renovations didn't stop at the showroom.The staff's work stations were moved into a renovated parts room and each were given new office furniture, plus they carved out a comfy waiting room for customers whose cars are in the shop area. The waiting room features two flat screen televisions and two computer stations, one with a desk top computer and another station for personal lap tops. There were also some changes made in the service area to provide a healthier environment for employees, such as large overhead fans and heating system, plus an employee lunch room was added for employee comfort. Also a private office area was created for the manager of the parts department, which can also be used for customers who need privacy for discussions.Newhart noted that Lehighton Ford has also added a new heavy truck service department.Newhart hired all local contractors who worked around the clock to assist with the renovations."The changes took place in four months," said Newhart, who declined discussing costs. "I know that we added a new roof and windows for energy conservations. I haven't added everything up. I've been putting it off."Newhart added that the dealership has 100 plus new and used vehicles for customers to drive off the lot at all times."We have added cars, which has also boosted sales because there is more to choose from," he added. "We are constantly replenishing the stock."Kevin Saul, sales manager, said that he spends three days of every week buying cars."We're well on our way to doubling sales since 2009," said Saul.