For the past four years, Zeigler Auto Group has been named one of Milwaukee’s Best and Brightest Companies To Work For.

Its reward is another award. Zeigler has been selected by the National Association for Business Resources, which presents the Best and Brightest awards, as one of three Elite organizations honored for their innovative employee practices.

The elite recognition is the second in the medium business category for the dealership group’s Milwaukee-area businesses. Zeigler operates three dealerships in suburban Mount Pleasant, Wis., and another in nearby Kenosha.

In all, Michigan-based Zeigler Auto Group owns 41 dealership locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

“This award embodies our D.R.I.V.E. mission — develop, reputation, integrity, vision and execution — and reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering our team members with the tools, trust and freedom to lead,” Zeigler president Aaron Zeigler said. “It’s an honor to be recognized again and a tribute to the passion, purpose and dedication of every person at Zeigler who continues to raise the bar for workplace culture and employee experience.”

The Elite Winners will be celebrated at a reception in Milwaukee, including industry leaders, human resources professionals and executives to share best practices and explore the future of workplace excellence.

Zeigler vice president of talent development Mike Van Ryn said the company’s second Milwaukee Elite designation is “an incredibly meaningful milestone for Zeigler Auto Group. Our Wisconsin team members — many of whom are among the newest to our organization — have fully embraced our values and consistently live out our mission every day, both with one another and with our loyal customers.

“This recognition is a true testament to their dedication, and we are sincerely grateful to be honored once again.”

Ford-licensed restaurant chain opens 22nd Florida location

Ford’s Garage, a 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant licensed by Ford Motor Company, has opened its latest location in Sanford, Fla.

The original Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Myers, Fla., less than a mile from Henry Ford’s winter home. It has since grown to 34 locations in eight states, including 22 in Florida. The Sanford location is the seventh in the Orlando area.

The restaurant is designed to resemble a 1920s-era service garage, featuring vintage vehicles, antique fixtures, gas pumps and authentic Ford Motor Company memorabilia, as well as mechanic-style uniforms, blue shop towel napkins and tire-inspired restroom sinks.

The Sanford location is owned and operated by 23 Restaurant Services, led by Marc Brown, Ford’s Garage’s largest franchisee.

“Sanford’s year-round energy and expanding culinary scene make it an ideal location for Ford’s Garage,” Brown said. “We’re excited to offer both locals and visitors a welcoming space to enjoy great food, an iconic atmosphere and the heritage of the Ford brand.”