ROCKPORT, Maine — Fitzroy Letts and Pat Williams were among the award winners honored at the VIP Tires & Service Managers Conference, held Aug. 26-29 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.
Letts, manager of VIP's Laconia, New Hampshire store, received the inaugural David Bourque Memorial Award, given to the person who most represents the VIP culture and values. The award was named in honor of a VIP employee who passed away in 2024 and exemplified those traits.
Meanwhile Williams, VIP's assistant controller, was given the Presidential Award, given to the person who lives the VIP culture, loves serving others and is a high performer behind the scenes.
A total of 111 awards were distributed at the annual conference, which recognizes achievements of store managers and other VIP employees, as well as includes training and networking opportunities.
Awards were given in several categories, including safety, compliance, employee retention, sales growth and for profitability.
In addition, tire wholesaler U.S. AutoForce received the 2024 VIP Supplier Partner of the Year Award. Around 25 VIP vendor partners attended this year's conference, sharing product information and training VIP's front line store managers.
Auburn, Maine-based VIP operates 71 locations across New England.
VIP also highlighted the company's partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. VIP has partnered with Make-A-Wish since 2008, donating more than $1.2 million and helping grant more than 140 wishes to children throughout New England.
"Every year, it is amazing to see such an unwavering commitment to community, education and training, and working together as a team," VIP President and CEO Tim Winkeler said.
"From learning about new tires on the market to the latest industry techniques, seeing our employees' commitment to serving our customers to the best of their abilities is inspiring. Their generosity toward the communities they serve and bringing joy to children through Make-A-Wish is commendable," he said.
