Virginia Tire locations going smoke-free

FAIRFAX, Va. (Nov. 11, 2015) — In an effort aimed at fostering a healthier workforce and workplace, Virginia Tire & Auto will become smoke-free at its 12 northern Virginia locations on Nov. 19.

The Fairfax-based full-service automotive maintenance provider said it chose to launch its smoke-free initiative to coordinate with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout event. To mark that occasion, 22 Virginia Tire employees will quit smoking.

“Virginia Tire & Auto is excited to participate in the Great American Smokeout and support our employees who promise to quit smoking,” said Julie Holmes, president. “For more than 39 years we have offered an exceptional customer experience and dedicated, quality service. By making Virginia Tire & Auto a smoke-free business, we will have a healthier workforce and provide a healthier environment for our customers.”

As of Nov. 19 — under the Virginia Tire & Auto Tobacco Free Campus Plan — all smoking, chewing and use of e-cigarettes/pipes and other tobacco products will be prohibited on any property owned, operated or managed by the dealership, which said the action “will provide a healthy, comfortable and professional environment for associates and customers.”

To further encourage and support a smoke-free workplace, family-owned and operated Virginia Tire is offering a credit of $1,800 per year to employees enrolled in its health plan who also abstain from tobacco use. The company also has ceased tobacco sales at all of its gas stations.

Philip Costa, lead service manager for Virginia Tire, said he has been smoking “since I was 18 years old, and with the guidance and support from Virginia Tire & Auto and my family, I decided to quit smoking cold turkey.

“Now I'm looking forward to telling people I'm a non-smoker.”

Mary C. Saunders, community manager with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, said the organization “commends Virginia Auto & Tire for going smoke-free and for celebrating the Society's Great American Smokeout at their stores. We are pleased to be participating in their Great American Smokeout activities and thank them for providing education and information to the community about quitting smoking.”

She added that the Great American Smokeout “is an opportunity to triumph over addiction. Tobacco use is still the number one preventable cause of cancer in the United States.”