ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -

Up North, one Buick GMC dealership is celebrating 55 years in the Rochester Hills, Mich., community.

Shelton Buick GMC is gearing up for its anniversary as one of the oldest dealerships in Northern Oakland County.

The week-long celebration kicks off today, and customers will be privy to special savings opportunities.

Authorized General Motors product specialists will make presentations on vehicle safety, performance, and engineering, among other topics, as well, the dealership explained.

Shelton Buick GMC president and chief executive officer Russ Shelton said, "Since it was founded by my father, the late Bud Shelton, in 1958, the company has proudly served the transportation needs of thousands of families in the greater Rochester area.

"I'm proud of our history and of being a good corporate citizen in this community,” he added.

The company was established 55 years ago at the corner of Third and Main Street in the Village of Rochester. It moved to its current Rochester Road location in 1963. Today, it employs 45 people.

Offering a little background on the dealership, interestingly, over the years the store has held a few brands that many wouldn’t recognize today, such as Vauxhall and Opel.

Shelton, former president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and chairman of the North American International Auto Show, provided some commentary on why even as the automotive industry has seen much turmoil in recent years, the store continues to preservere.

"With major, national changes that were occurring at the economic and industry levels a few years ago, there were times when we were very concerned about the future," Shelton said. "Fortunately, we've worked through those challenges. Today, we're healthier and stronger, and continue to be committed to our employees, our customers, and our community. They deserve nothing less."

He also touched on the dealership’s growth throughout the years. The dealership was selected to be part of the General Motors "Image Program," and has undergone quite a few changes. The company has undergone three renovations during its existence.

The dealership now includes:

•    A completely renovated 9,000 square-foot showroom
•    A  customer lounge with wireless Internet work stations, complimentary beverage and snack bar, enclosed children's play area and big-screen HD television
•    A renovated and service department, servicing all makes and models
•    A full-service body shop and parts and accessories department

“The company also cleared and resurfaced an adjacent lot, where it stores most of its wide-ranging inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles,” officials added.

Lastly, the store touched on its legacy in the community, as its leadership and financial support are evident everywhere in the Rochester community communities ranging from Crittenton Hospital's Shelton Heart Center, to the Rainbow Connection, to Leader Dogs for the Blind and the Rochester Community House Shelton Room.

And Shelton has received numerous civic awards, including "Outstanding Citizen of the Year," conferred by the Rochester Chamber. 

"I am as excited about the future today as I was when I got into this business," Shelton said. "It's the only industry I've ever known. It's part of my DNA."

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