BMW Financial Services Brings Competitive Spirit of the Olympic Games to Company’s Regional Service Center – Associates Enjoy “BMW Drive for Team USA” at Hilliard Facility

Olympic Gold Medalist and Inductee of Columbus Hall of Fame, Jerry Page, Attends and Highlights How Performance & Commitment Ideals Drive Workplace and Community Values

HILLIARD, Ohio – June 27, 2011 –BMW Financial Services took advantage of the overall BMW Group of company’s national "BMW Drive for Team USA" campaign to spark the enthusiasm of its more than 700 associates, while showcasing its own pledge to performance and commitment within the workplace, throughout the community and toward the support of Olympic athletes.  Throughout the day, BMW FS Associates were able to test drive an array of award-winning BMW cars, while additionally sharing in passions for excellence with Olympic Gold Medalist and Columbus resident, Jerry Page, who was on hand to emphasize what it takes to compete on a world-class level.

Jerry Page was the light-welter weight on the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team, where he remained undefeated and won the Gold medal for the United States.  His amateur career was equally impressive (101-30) in which he was a six time Golden Glove champion, three time parade All American, the number two ranked light welter weight in the World for two years, National Sports Festival champion, and the 1983 Pan-Am Games Silver medalist. Additionally, as an amateur, Jerry won the prestigious State of Ohio Governor's Award and was inducted into the Columbus City Hall of Fame.

 According to Wayne E. Orchowski, Vice President of Operations North America and Chief Operating Officer for BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Group is a partner for the United States Olympic Committee, and will act as the Official Mobility Sponsor for Olympics through 2016.  “We are committed to the pursuit of excellence in all we do,” said Orchowski.  “Outwardly, we provide ongoing support for the tremendous opportunities provided to Olympic athletes, and internally, we strive to employ individuals with the passion to achieve success through their own personal commitments to quality and performance.”

As a company, BMW Financial Services has created a culture well known for achieving success and fostering high-ideals to its Associates.  In addition to outperforming the automotive finance industry by earning a total of 21 awards of excellence in dealer and consumer financing satisfaction consistently since 1997 by the globally recognized J.D. Power and Associates organization, the company also prides itself on the rewards garnered internally through its own “Roundel” awards — named after the iconic blue and white logo representing the brand and its products. 

Each year, up to ten individuals earn the distinction of a Roundel award, for nominees who exemplify the 12 Principles of BMW Financial Services, which evoke the basis of the company’s success and include such attributes such peak performance, adaptability, sustainability and leading by example. This year’s winners included: Amanda Berkey, Customer Advocate Pooled Unit; Lisa MacKinnon, Customer Relations Team Leader; Susan Park, Accounts Payable Specialist; Ryan Scott, IS Planning and Control Analyst; Amity Smith, Senior Credit Analyst; and Tricia Wurzel, Billing Services Team Leader -- several of whom attended today’s event and spoke of their pride in the BMW organization as well as their commitment to community involvement.

Additional recognition for the Roundel Winners and Jerry Page, was presented by Brad Reynolds, Director of Constituent Affairs for the Office of Governor John Kasich, during the festivities at the BMW Financial Services headquarters.  Reynolds noted the company’s economic commitment to both the Columbus area and the State of Ohio and provided each winner and Jerry Page with congratulatory certificates from Governor Kasich.   

The day’s events also mark the beginning of a two-week partnership with RadiOhio Network and its sports radio station, 97.1 The Fan, which will include digital and on-air programming to highlight the performance and commitment standards of BMWFinancial Services and its Roundel Winners.  Voice of the Ohio State University Buckeyes, Paul Keels, was on-site in Hilliard to speak with several of the distinguished winners, along with Jerry Page.  To hear Keels’ complete interview listen at www.971thefan.com

About BMW Group Financial Services

BMW Group Financial Services was established in the U.S. in 1992 to support the sales and marketing efforts of BMW of North America.   Since then, the group has expanded to provide service to markets in multiple countries and continues to evolve beyond its role as a captive finance unit. 

BMW Group Financial Services offers a wide range of leasing, retail and commercial financing and banking products tailored to meet the needs of the BMW customer. The group also provides financing to BMW dealers for expanding dealership capabilities and enhancing overall operations. With more than $30 billion in serviced assets and 900,000 automotive lending customers across the U.S. and Canada, BMW Group Financial Services finances about half of the BMWs sold or leased in the United States.   BMW Group Financial Services employs more than 800 people, including consultants and temporary workers, most of whom are located in the Hilliard, Ohio Regional Service Center.

In 2001, the MINI Financial Services division was established to provide support for the brand’s dealer and customer networks by offering various financing and leasing options.    Alphera  Financial Services was established in 2006 to provide financial services to dealers who are not part of the BMW and MINI networks.

BMW Group Financial Services also offers credit card products through its subsidiary, the BMW Bank of North America.  up2drive.com is a division of BMW Bank of North America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Financial Services NA, LLC.  BMW Insurance Agency, Inc., a property and casualty producer, is also part of BMW Group Financial Services.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com  
www.bmwusa.com  
www.bmwmotorradusa.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com