Pohanka Automotive Training Center becomes a State Certified Apprenticeship Program

Pohanka of Salisbury in Salisbury, Maryland opened their newest venture, the Pohanka Automotive Training Center, in August of 2022. The school is a great addition to the Delmarva Peninsula and gives a unique opportunity for people of any age to begin or restart an exciting new career. The Automotive Training Center is the first of its kind in Maryland as it is free to enroll. As long as requirements are met the cost of training is covered, tools are provided and the student is guaranteed employment after graduation. 

As of January 2023, the Pohanka Automotive Training Center has officially been recognized by the state of Maryland as an Apprenticeship and Youth Apprenticeship Program. Registered apprenticeships are jobs where workers “earn and learn.” While working on the job, employees receive one-on-one full-time training from a skilled craftsperson as well as related classroom instruction. An apprentice is sponsored by an employer or association and is paid according to a progressive pay scale. As a youth apprenticeship, students in their junior and senior years of high school are able to finish their schooling and earn up to four credits at the Pohanka Training Center.

While learning, both in the classroom and hands-on, at the Pohanka Automotive Training Center, students are placed part-time in one of Pohanka’s 10 service departments under an experienced mentor. The Training Center accepts students of all ages with a minimum age of 16. Whether you just graduated high school or are looking to change paths later in life, the Pohanka Automotive Training Center can offer you a fresh start on a rewarding new career.

For more information visit PohankaAcademy.com

Pohanka Gives back to ‘Rebirth Community Resource and Support Center’

Pohanka Pays it Forward was proud to donate its services to Rebirth Community Resource and Support Center. Pohanka was able to provide needed parts and service to make sure their transportation vehicle was safe and operational, while also donating needed funds to support Rebirth’s community outreach. Transportation is a crucial part of Rebirth’s efforts in the community, whether it means providing reliable transportation for their immigrant worker programs or providing underprivileged children of the immigrant community with transportation to summer camp.
Rebirth Inc. was founded in 1998 to empower immigrants, enrich local communities, and advocate for fair treatment of immigrants and refugees. Their programs available to the community include a virtual school and technology support center, health education, opioid outreach and support, translation services, financial literacy programs, and free summer camps and clinics for children.

Donations to this wonderful program can be made at https://www.rebirth4hope.org/.

Pohanka Brought the Christmas Spirit to the Salisbury Parade

On Sunday, December 3rd the City of Salisbury held its 76th annual Christmas Parade. The Salisbury parade is put on every year by the Salisbury Jaycees Foundation. The Salisbury Jaycees Foundation is the nonprofit affiliate organization of the Salisbury Jaycees and coordinates the fundraising for causes that benefit the lives and opportunities of the youth of Salisbury and the surrounding area. All sponsorships from the parade are used to support the efforts of the Jaycees Foundation throughout the year for the community. The parade is a great opportunity every year for local businesses, non-profits, and groups to spread holiday cheer to the community!   

Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury was proud to be both a sponsor and a part of the Christmas parade this year. Pohanka Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Salisbury is the newest brand to be added to the family of Pohanka dealerships along North Salisbury Boulevard and they made their name known to the community of Salisbury! 

With a RAM truck decked out in Christmas decorations and a familiar face, The Grinch, on the side, the staff of Pohanka CDJR greeted hundreds of Salisbury residents during the parade. Not only was it a great way to support charitable efforts by a wonderful group in the Salisbury area, but it was also a perfect opportunity to interact with our community, hand out candy canes, and spread Christmas Cheer! Be sure to visit the latest Pohanka location, Pohanka CDJR of Salisbury, at 1915 N. Salisbury Boulevard!

Community Raises Over $50,000 for Family Struck by Tragedy

On June 12th, the Delmarva community suffered an extreme loss when Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard was shot and killed while pursuing a suspect in Pittsville. Hilliard was a 16-year veteran law enforcement officer with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Office said Hilliard “was a son, a husband and a father to three beautiful children, a brother to those he worked with, and an exemplary public servant to the citizens of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland.” Sheriff Mike Lewis posthumously promoted Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard to corporal and awarded him the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor

In his honor, the Glenn Hilliard Memorial fund was set up to support his children and widow. In the wake of the tragedy, a fundraiser event was planned by AJ Angello, county council candidate, Mitchell’s Martial Arts, and Pohanka of Salisbury. Raffle tickets were sold to win a Toyota Tacoma, donated by Pohanka of Salisbury. The drawing took place on Friday, July 16th at Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury with Hilliard’s wife, county government officials, and members of the community present.

While one lucky winner received a brand new truck, the astounding part was the community support for the Hilliard Family. The event raised a staggering $51,000 dollars, with all proceeds donated directly to the Hilliard Family. Although a member of our police lost his life, it was inspiring to see how a community could rally around a family to help them in their time of need.

Sandy Angello, Pohanka of Salisbury, named winner of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for the 3rd Year

Every year The Daily Record recognizes the top 100 Women in Maryland. The contest honors high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring. The nominees each year are selected by past inductees and business leaders across Maryland. 

The Daily Record, based in Baltimore, has been a news operation for over 134 years with both a digital-first newsroom and daily printed publication. The Daily Record features stories about women business leaders from a woman’s perspective, along with a podcast series, webinar courses, newsletters, and yearly awards recognizing Maryland’s outstanding women in business. 

This year, Sandy Angello, owner/operator of Pohanka of Salisbury was among those honored as Maryland’s Top 100 Women. Sandy has been included in The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women for the past 3 years. It marks a special year for Sandy as her third recognition earns her induction into The Daily Record’s circle of excellence. 

Sandy Angello has made her mark on the community which she serves not only as a reputable businesswoman but also as a leader for charitable giving all over the Delmarva Peninsula. In 2009 she launched the Pohanka Pays it Forward initiative which has proudly donated over 3 million dollars back to the Eastern Shore community. 

Congratulations to owner/operator Sandy Angello of Pohanka of Salisbury for her induction into the circle of excellence among top Maryland businesswomen!