It’s universally agreed that nursing is a noble profession. Which is why a Houston dealership decided to create an award to shine a spotlight on a noble nurse.

Mike Calvert Toyota selected Pamela Windle as the recipient of its second annual Noble Nurse of the Year Award, which includes a $10,000 prize.

The award celebrates a licensed Texas nurse who has shown extraordinary compassion and dedication, whether through work with a single organization or a variety of volunteer efforts throughout the year.

The award was presented by Vaughan Automotive owner and CEO Shawn Vaughan during the 32nd Annual Nursing Celebration on Nov. 8 at the Bayou City Event Center.

“We’re excited to uphold the tradition of our Noble Nurse Award, celebrating the incredible hard work and dedication of nurses within the communities we serve,” said Vaughan, whose company owns Mike Calvert Toyota. “The Noble Nurse Award highlights the vital contributions of nurses within our healthcare system, and we’re thrilled to honor the remarkable achievements of this year’s recipient.”

The dealership said Windle exemplifies a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community service, both locally and internationally. Inspired by her parents’ dedication to helping others, she began volunteering as a child, assisting with school activities, community health education and church initiatives.

Throughout her nursing career, Windle has supported health fairs, disaster relief and medical missions while teaching health and wellness to underserved communities. In Houston, Windle and her family are active in service projects, such as volunteering at MD Anderson Hospital and participating in Thanksgiving food drive events. Her children have embraced her legacy, contributing to FEMA and community initiatives.

Windle balances her nursing career with active roles in several organizations, including the Texas Nurses Association District 9 and the American Heart Association.

Mike Calvert Toyota also supports nurses through its Noble Nurse VIP program, which offers registered nurses who purchase a new or certified pre-owned Toyota services including lifetime oil changes, free interior sanitization, complimentary car washes, vacuum and tire shine with each service, a $500 dealer discount on select vehicles and 10% off accessories, maintenance and repairs.

Nurses who are Platinum members of the Texas Nurses Association also receive prepaid rental assistance with repairs and additional complimentary services.

“Nurses are the foundation of Houston’s healthcare,” Vaughan said. “We aim to recognize these heroes and the invaluable support they continue to give our community.”

Community Auto Group acquires its 4th Louisiana dealership

Community Auto Group has acquired Audi Lafayette in Lafayette, La., from Bohn Brothers Automotive Group, according to Kerrigan Advisors, which represented the seller in the transaction.

Community Auto Group, owned by Roger Elswick, now operates eight dealerships — four in its home base of Baytown, Texas, and four in Louisiana. The new acquisition is the company’s first Audi dealership.

Audi Lafayette is that city’s top volume luxury dealership, earning Magna Society Elite status for six consecutive years and six Magna Society awards.

Bohn Brothers Automotive Group was founded in 1924 as the Bohn Motor Company in New Orleans by George Bohn. The group currently operates three Louisiana stores: Audi New Orleans, Toyota of Slidell and Hyundai Genesis of Metairie.

Co-owner Donny Bohn offered “a special thank you to our employees and the Lafayette community for their loyalty and support. I am confident the community will continue to be well served by Audi Lafayette under the leadership of Community Auto Group.”

Earnhardt celebrates grand opening of standalone Genesis store

Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrated the grand opening of Genesis of Chandler, a standalone dealership dedicated exclusively to Hyundai’s luxury brand.

The new store is one of the first three Genesis facilities built in Arizona. Earnhardt Auto Centers said it worked with Genesis Motors America to design the dealership to “enhance every aspect of the Genesis customer experience,” and a showroom that offers “a luxurious and immersive environment.”

“When Genesis debuted with a limited model lineup, dealerships shared space with Hyundai locations,” EAC owner Hal Earnhardt said. “However, exceptional growth over the past seven years necessitates a dedicated space to showcase the unique brand’s expanding portfolio and incredible customer experience offerings.”

Since its introduction in 2017, the Genesis lineup has grown from one sedan to three luxury sedans, two performance SUVs and a new SUV Coupe. It also includes two electric SUVs and an electric sedan.

“Our team is excited to fully explore the Korean concept of Son-nim, which means ‘honored guest’, in a space specifically designed for that purpose,” Genesis of Chandler general manager David McHone said. “Plus, our dedicated Genesis technicians will bring their expertise to a new state-of-the-art service department, complete with a luxury customer lounge and a full view of the shop where technicians are meticulously repairing or maintaining the vehicles.”