Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1226877
44 | SPRING 2020 Spotlight Team Spotlight B uying a car is a big step. There are different models to choose from, features to select, costs to negotiate, loans to secure and inspections to conduct before you walk off the lot with your new set of wheels. Knowing this, branch managers in the Chicagoland area are helping American Airlines Federal Credit Union member-owners navigate the car-buying process. After hearing about the Miami-area branches' successful car show, Denise Dahlquist and Pam Mitchell launched their own event in 2017. "Our employees come together to offer a variety of car-buying options for our members," said Denise, branch manager of the O'Hare International Airport's Concourse K, Concourse G and Cargo locations. Dahlquist and Mitchell, who manages the Rosemont branch, are both 29-year American Airlines veterans. To help develop the event, they enlisted the help of Miami Branch Manager Julio Barrios. "Every year it's gotten a bit bigger and better for our members," Dahlquist said. The managers began knocking on dealers' doors, asking them if they'd like to bring cars to the show. The inaugural event in 2017 featured 10 cars and had a successful turnout. And it's been bigger and better every year since. In 2019, the car show included a variety of vehicles from Enterprise along with new cars from six dealerships — for a total of about 50 cars. The Credit Union handles the financing for the deals that occur at the car show. "Dealers B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S : B Y B R I D G E T M c C R E A are on board with the idea and see it as a fantastic marketing opportunity," Dahlquist said. To help members make the best buying choices, Dahlquist and Mitchell offer tips to team members, whether they come to the popular car show or walk in off the street looking to buy a vehicle. Do your homework; don't overpay and be sure to check the VIN. "Get a vehicle history report and make sure that it's a solid vehicle, and there aren't any issues like major accidents, exposure to floods or something like that," Dahlquist said. Knowing that we all work hard for our money and want to get the most bang for our buck, Mitchell said that Credit Union team members want to educate and guide members to car-buying success. "We always take care of our members and would never want them to just walk into the dealership cold." Easing the stress of buying a new car Meet the Chicago branch managers who help to ease the pain of buying a new car for member-owners.