Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge
What began as an exceptional car-buying experience has grown into a partnership between Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge and Capital Area United Way to raise awareness and resources to better serve our community.
George Bell, now president and CEO of CAUW, purchased his first Mercedes-Benz vehicle in 2002. Since that time, he has returned over the years to purchase vehicles for himself and his wife.
“The sales experience has been a very good one. They’re knowledgeable, it’s not a high-pressure kind of activity and they make it enjoyable,” he says. “But I think the greatest thing about them is the way they stand behind their commitment to service.”
Over the years, Bell established a relationship with MBOBR General Manager and Co-Owner Nick Pentas. After learning of Bell’s work, Pentas shared that it aligned beautifully with the mission of Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge. The dealership is now actively involved with helping support CAUW’s mission of impacting the 10-parish capital region in education, health, income stability and basic needs.
Pentas serves on CAUW’s Resource Development Cabinet, and the Mercedes-Benz dealership conducts an annual United Way campaign, where employees can choose to support CAUW through payroll deductions. Additionally, MBOBR provides a company match.
MBOBR is also a supporter of the George Bell & Friends Holiday Jazz Concerts. The tradition grew out of Bell’s desire to bring happiness to patients who were in the hospital during the holiday season. Before joining CAUW, Bell previously served as the administrator of Baton Rouge General – Mid City.
With the help of hospital staff, Bell, a trumpeter, would identify patients without many visitors and make the rounds playing his trumpet. Word spread, and Bell was asked to perform during a thank-you event for hospital donors. His first concert was held in 2011, and the event has grown tremendously since then. This year, the George Bell & Friends Holiday Jazz Concert will be held Dec. 1 at the newly renovated Baton Rouge River Center Performing Arts Theater.
Bell says he has always been a person who values quality relationships, both professionally and personally.
“Mercedes-Benz has really exceeded my expectations regarding the quality of the cars themselves, and the quality of the people and the service they provide. And it’s even nicer to be able to do business with people who also understand the importance of supporting our community,” Bell says. “That’s the icing on the cake for me.”
Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge is located at 10949 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Give the team a call at (225) 424-2241 or visit mbobr.com.
