Sutherlin Automotive Group has purchased Earl Duff Subaru in Kingston, Tenn., from Tim Duff, according to a news release from Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale.

The store will remain at its current location and is now known as Sutherlin Subaru.

In the release, Duff said: “George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services reached out to me from a referral he received from a fellow 20-group member and long-time friend who had also recently sold their dealerships. We recently relocated our Subaru dealership to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility and had been seeing successful growth.

“The dealership was a very attractive opportunity for the new buyers in a desirable and growing market. I did not have a succession plan and had no interest in buying another dealership,” Duff said.

“I had other ventures to pursue, and the timing was perfect. George brought me a very attractive offer from a highly qualified auto group, Sutherlin Automotive, that already had locations in the Southeast, in Georgia and Florida. Even with some of the last-minute issues at closing, overall, it was a seamless transaction,” he said. “George was able to help mediate myself, along with my attorneys and the buyers, in liquidating my family’s biggest asset after decades of ownership. I would like to thank George and his team for making this a reality and would highly recommend him to help navigate your family’s legacy.”

Charitable efforts at Sheehy

Next up, Sheehy Auto Stores recently completed its Sheehy Has Heart sales event, which ended up raising $340,000 for the American Heart Association.

Thirty-two Sheehy stores throughout Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Va.; Hagerstown, Md.; and Baltimore helped raise funds for the cause. Additionally, they participated in the Sheehy Has Heart Dealership Competition to encourage heart-healthy activities. Those included weekly walks, healthy potluck meals, yoga classes, 5K runs and more.

“We are proud to once again partner with the American Heart Association as we support their mission in promoting heart-healthy living,” Sheehy Auto Stores president Vince Sheehy said in a news release. “Thanks to the support from our partners and the entire community, we have surpassed our fundraising goal, making this 25th annual campaign our most successful yet.”

The group said it has raised more than $2 million to date for the American Heart Association and more than $40 million for additional causes.

“It is through the generosity of our longstanding supporters, like Sheehy Auto Stores, that the American Heart Association can continue to lead breakthroughs in science and technology, improve health care and advocate policies that drive healthier lifestyles,” said Soula Antoniou, executive director for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, in a news release.

“The Sheehy team is truly full of heart! I am so thankful for their extraordinary commitment to the health and well-being of their staff and community. Together we are saving and improving lives.”