Preston Business Alliance: “Businesses that support businesses build strong communities”

PRESTON - The Preston Business Alliance (PBA) is a community-centered initiative created by the Preston Automotive Group with a simple but effective goal: to support and connect hometown businesses and organizations across Delmarva. Launched about two and a half years ago, the Alliance grew out of Preston’s commitment to community.

“We wanted to do something…that actually made a bigger impact,” said Lisa Schmitt, Business Development Manager for the Preston Automotive Group. Through PBA, Schmitt works directly with local businesses and other entities, offering customized pricing at Preston Motors tailored to each company’s needs. That special pricing extends not only to business owners, but also to their employees and immediate family members, covering vehicle purchases, service, parts, and more. Perhaps most importantly, there is no cost to join. “The business owner actually gets to offer this for free,” Schmitt said. In a business world where employee retention is key, Schmitt said that PBA and the perks it offers can help local employers take care of and keep their employees.

In addition to pricing benefits, PBA members receive advertising support. Member logos are featured on the PBA website, and businesses can display the PBA logo on their own sites to signal their participation. The Alliance also actively promotes fundraisers and events for nonprofits and volunteer organizations, including local fire companies. “We do a lot of advertising for them…when they’re trying to raise money,” Schmitt said.

In the short time since its creation, the Preston Business Alliance has grown to include around 150 local businesses. Schmitt emphasized that the support flows both ways: PBA provides benefits for business owners, and Preston’s roughly 850 employees are encouraged to use PBA businesses when they need services.

From mobile service units that maintain company fleets on-site, to servicing teachers’ vehicles during events, PBA focuses on real, practical help. As Schmitt put it, “It’s not just about selling a car, it’s about building that relationship.” Rooted in a family philosophy that “businesses that support businesses build strong communities,” the Preston Business Alliance is designed to do exactly that.

Anyone who wishes to get involved with PBA can contact Schmitt at LSchmitt@prestonmotor.com.