Mr. Dean Arbour

Dean Arbour, President of Dean Arbour Ford  has made an impact not only on the health of the communities it serves, but also on their financial strength and community  pride.

In 1999 Dean Arbour was named Citizen of the Year. Dean was honored for his community involvement, and one of the three business owners, who founded the community’s Junior Achievement Program. He has served four years as a member of Diocese of Saginaw School Board and is an active volunteer and contributor to the Bay Medical Foundation, the Bay Area Community Foundation and the Northern Bay Fund.

Among many of  Dean’s accomplishments includes being named a recipient of the 2000 TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award. Dean was honored at the opening business meeting of the 2000 NADA convention. Sponsored by TIME Magazine in association with Goodyear and in Cooperation with NADA, the TMQDA program recognizes outstanding new car dealers for exceptional performance in their dealerships and distinguished community service.

Dean Arbour Ford has also been named the Corporate Sponsor for the Year 2001. Dean Arbour Ford sponsored the Bay County Speedskating Club, the U.S. Junior Championships, and the National Championships that were held in Bay City.  The event drew athletes of all ages and abilities from across Michigan and the United States, and saw a new World Record and 20 new Nationa1 Records in speedskatings established. Dean Arbour’s participation exceeded $20,000 and the events the corporation sponsored had an estimated $50,000 impact on the local economy. That is just one of many  physical activity-related programs with which Dean Arbour is involved. 

Dean Arbour has provided sponsorship support and transportation vehicles for the school systems in Tawas, Pinconning, and West Branch. Dean Arbour Ford also sponsors AYSO Soccer teams, Youth Baseball, Bay County Hockey, youth and adult bowling teams, and the Cheese Town Challenge Races. Dean, as former chairman of the Northern Bay Fund, spearheaded the plan and donated $25,000 to build a nature trail for walking, biking, inline skating, and running. The winner of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award must exhibit exemplary commitment to health and fitness. The event sponsored must promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity, and it must be open to all ages and capabilities.

Throughout his entire business career, Dean Arbour has been noted for his extensive support of and participation in community affairs. 2002 is no different, Dean was

presented the Thumbie Dealership Award, which is bestowed annually by the Ford Motor Company for distinguished community involvement. Mr. Arbour’s dealership was cited for its work with the local school system and the development of a project, which enables a student with special behavior challenges to spend part of each day working in the Company’s service department. Mr. Arbour also sponsors a school-to-work program, which provides a student interested in an automotive career with an opportunity to work in the dealership during his or her senior year in high school. Two of the students that have enjoyed this privilege have become full-time employees.

A native of Toronto, Ontario, Dean began his automotive career in 1955 as a salesman in a Chevrolet dealership, and in the next 15 years he learned facets of the operation.  In 1970 he purchased the Ford Dealership in Pinconning. Today Dean has five dealerships and is proud to have his children, Matt and Colleen, as Vice Presidents and part owners in his business. Dean believes in the importance of honesty, integrity, and customer service. Dean believes his most significant achievements are the development of the community foundation endowment fund for the local Boy and Girl Scout Clubs, the developed nature walk, and funds for various other local charities. Dean lives with his wife, Margaret. They have three children, Malissa, Matt, and Colleen, and eight grandchildren.  

Together with all of the Dean Arbour dealerships, and Northwood University we would like to invite you to salute J. Dean Arbour for his diverse contributions to education and his community. If you would like to email Dean, please email him at this address:  tawas@deanarbour.com.        

Please join us in thanking Dean for his continued support of our community.