Mary Guibor, Bainbridge College Academic Counselor, will be driving a new car for free for the next month, thanks to her perfect work attendance and a unique partnership. Bainbridge College (BC) has partnered with Action GM of Bainbridge to reward employees for superior attendance. 
 
Picture left to right: Pamela Thomas, Buick GMC District Manager, Sales; Mary Guibor, BC Academic Counselor;  Randy Soden, Action GM Executive Manager; and Richard Carvajal, BC President stand next to the 2013 Buick Verano that Guibor won for the month.

Beginning this month, full time employees with perfect attendance at both the college’s Bainbridge main campus and mid-town campus are entered into a monthly random drawing. The winner receives the full use of a 2013 Buick Verano for one month, courtesy of Action GM. 

Guibor, who lives in Bainbridge, was thrilled to win the use of the car. She even has her first 5-day road trip planned for next week as part of the July 4 holiday. “Our daughter recently moved to New Orleans from Memphis, and I just told my husband the other day: ‘wouldn’t it be great if I won the car and we could drive it to New Orleans on our visit'". “The car is just beautiful and it has every amenity imaginable,” says Guibor, who has been a BC employee for two years. “I am so happy to win it and am looking forward to riding in style!”

“This attendance incentive is just one way to show our employees how much we appreciate their time and dedication to the college,” said Dr. Lisa Burroughs, Bainbridge College Director of Human Resources. “During these tough economic times, this is an opportunity to offer some relief.” 

The winner was announced during an employee lunch on June 28. Guibor was handed the keys to the Verano, along with balloon and flower bouquets. Action GM staff, along with Buick GMC District Manager, Pamela Thomas, were on hand for the presentation. 

The partnership between Action GM and Bainbridge College is the first in the nation of its kind, according to Action GM Executive Manager, Randy Soden. The dealership recently began a similar partnership with the Decatur County School System, and is hoping their model of offering such incentives spreads throughout the company. 

“Buick is an upscale, luxury vehicle and we thought it was a nice fit with the employees of Bainbridge College,” said Soden. “Action GM wanted to do something for our community and recognize the hard work and dedication shown by every Bainbridge College employee.”

“I am proud of Action GM for rewarding BC employees for their dedication,” said Thomas. “I look forward to encouraging others dealers to embrace such an impressive idea.” 

Through the attendance incentive program Soden hopes to feature new Buick models soon after they are released, giving BC employees a “first look” at new vehicles. “This partnership is special to me because my daughters have taken courses at Bainbridge College,” said Soden. “I know how special this college is to the community, and I’m glad to find a way to say ‘thank you.’”

Bainbridge College President Richard Carvajal told employees during the lunch how much he appreciates all of the partnerships the college has within the community. “Today, we get to highlight one very special partnership,” said Carvajal. “We couldn’t do all we do for our students without these partners. We are thankful to Action GM for rewarding our employees in such an innovative way.”