Key Hyundai Owners Wins Business Excellence Award

Central Connecticut State University Business Advisory and Advancement Council of the School of Business announced local business woman, Jill Merriam of West Hartford, as the 2012 recipient of the Women in Business Excellence Award. Jill Merriam, owner two successful Connecticut Hyundai car dealerships, Key Hyundai of Manchester serving Central Connecticut and Key Hyundai of Milford serving Fairfield and New Haven County, will receive the award at the Hall of Honor Dinner on May 4th, 2012 on the CCSU campus.

Jill Merriam Reinvents the Car Dealer with Personality Branding and a Mission
A successful woman in a predominantly man’s automotive world, Jill is familiar with being the odd girl out. But as the hands-­on owner/operator and personality of Key Hyundai, she has consistently bucked every stereotype known to man and car dealer alike, and introduced a new way of doing business. As a small Connecticut business owner employing nearly 100 full and part-time CT residents, Jill Merriam has led Key Hyundai to revamp the automotive business with a mission to provide transportation solutions to customers, and never be a product pusher.

By harnessing an innovative approach to selling cars, she revamped her family’s 3‐generation car business to become an automotive solution provider over product pusher. Her efforts to educate and lead her Connecticut employees has created a groundswell of like-­minded thinkers and leaders, all committed to meeting the needs of the community.

"Giving back is part of my big-picture growth plans for the dealership," said Jill Merriam, widely known as the Dealer For The People® on the radio. "Giving back is part of who I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I like to tie every campaign into a charitable event or non-profit cause, and look to my customers and employees for suggestions."

The Central Connecticut State University School of Business recognized community leaders in four different categories including: Distinguished Graduate Excellence Award, Women, Minority or Disadvantaged Business Excellence Award, Entrepreneurship Excellence Award, and Corporate Partner. The Purpose of the School of Business Hall of Honor is to encourage, recognize, and reward individual initiative and collaboration in achieving excellence in an endeavor that creates long-lasting value and has a significant impact on the larger community.

Jill Merriam is honored to be part of the CCSU recognition and congratulates fellow Connecticut community business leaders United Technologies Inc. – Corporate Partner; Brian Newman of JH Cohen – Distinguished Graduate; and Dan Siracusa of Siracusa Moving and Storage – Entrepreneurship Excellence for their fine work in Connecticut.

Key Hyundai Proud Sponsor of Connecticut Community Activities and Events
Jill Merriam and Key Hyundai has been actively involved in several community events including, but not limited to: Hyundai Hope on Wheels; Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford School Supply Drive; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Ragnar Relay; Komen Race for the Cure; Cruisin' on Main Street; Milford Public Schools Pays for A's; Rockville High School Project Graduation; CT DOT Stop Distracted Driving Campaign; H'Art of Art Connecticut Children's Foundation; !MPACT (Mourning Parents Act), Milford Rotary Club; and many local school, youth sports, health related, and musical events.

The 2012 Hall of Honor Event at Central Connecticut State University will take place on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the Constitution Room of Memorial Hall. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rosa Colon at 860-832-3209 at CCSU or ColonR@ccsu.edu.