Best Auto Dealers-Domestic
Steve Porter, Thoroughbred Ford president, says they are not your ordinary dealership, and proves it by taking the Gold. With a 42,000 square foot facility in North Kansas City, the Ford dealer has been awarded Ford Motor Company's President's Award for three straight years. Independence Lincoln Mercury takes the Silver, and President Ernie Tumminia or his son Todd will 'see you on the showroom floor,' along with its selection of new Lincolns at their new facility. Bob Sight stays in the spotlight, but this year as Bob Sight Ford. By showing a top of the line Ford F-150 Lariat Series truck and riding through the wind in a convertible Mustang, Bob Sight Ford drives away with the Bronze.
A change in line-up and comeback of an early favorite compile this list. Aristocrat Motors reclaims the top spot by winning the Gold. In business since 1963, Aristocrat continues to supply the Kansas City area with Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rovers and SAABs. Baron BMW also continues its presence by driving away with the Silver. As Kansas City's only BMW dealer, Baron BMW offers both new and pre-owned cars. Jumping back into in the limelight is Jay Wolfe Acura taking the Bronze after a two-year absence.
Coffee, music, movies and an online university? Barnes & Noble Booksellers gives bookstore a new meaning with its eclectic variety of services. By redefining ‘bookstore' nationwide, and more importantly, locally, Barnes and Noble grabs the Gold for the second time in a row. Rainy Day Books slides into Silver place, living up to its 'better is better' philosophy--which no doubt Hilary Rodham Clinton will see when Rainy Day Books brings her to town this month. Borders Books Music & Cafe rounds out the top three and takes the Bronze for its helpful staff and large collection.
After three years with a Bronze medal and a year of absence The Fiddly Fig makes a strong comeback and leaps to the top of the Best Florist category by claiming the Gold. The Brookside florist remains a Kansas City favorite, including the Westin Crown Center, Lockton Insurance and the Kansas City Chiefs, with its variety of flower designs and gift options. Last year's newcomer Tobler's Flowers makes a second appearance, but this time entwines the Silver. With seven area locations and nationwide service available, Tobler continues to make an impact in the floral industry. Longtime winner Trapp & Company offers more than floral design-- interior design and private garden assistance are also part of its Bronze-winning services.
National gourmet grocer chain Dean & Deluca nails the Mid- western touch as it is honored with the Gold again. Among its rows of gourmet delicatessens, Dean & Deluca carries topnotch kitchenware and catering services. The Better Cheddar wins the Silver for its commitment to providing a variety of top quality cheeses and specialty foods. With two area locations, one on the Plaza and the other in Prairie Village, The Better Cheddar makes sure customers get what they like always with an extensive array of samples. The Bronze goes organic this year as Whole Foods Market whips up a new recipe for success.
Tivol keeps shining as it continues its rock steady Gold position. By specializing in diamond jewelry Tivol Jewels is not just a girl's best friend, but also Kansas City's first choice. Meierotto's Jewelers, also featured in Ingram's Corporate Report 100, earned the Silver medal for letting customers feel like royalty with its collection of princess cut diamonds and ring arrangements. Mazzarese Jewelers lights things up in Leawood as it takes the home the Bronze.
Whether planning a dinner party or romantic night at home Ingram's readers give Gomer's Fine Wines & Spirits the Gold for providing them with the best when it comes to wine and spirits. Gomer's history of holding first class wine dinners is sure to have left more than a good taste in clients' mouths and minds. After leaving the list for a year, Lukas Liquors Superstores comes back strong, earning the Silver spot. Berbiglia Wines & Spirits, with its 14 area stores, takes home the Bronze, making Kansas City's largest wine and spirits retailer a five-time winner.
Who says men don't know fashion? Readers know enough to honor Pinstripes with the Gold. This independent newcomer not only comes in with a splash, but also offers its clients the opportunity to add a personal flare to their wardrobe with made-to- measure clothes at its new Hawthorne Plaza Center and well-established Country Club Plaza locations. Mark Shale returns for its Silver award. Its cornerstone Plaza location greets visitors to the entertainment and shopping district. Jack Henry stylish fashions rounds up the top honors earning the Bronze.
Nordstrom goes back to its origins and reclaims the Gold. Located in one of the best shopping districts, according to Ingram's readers, Nordstrom gives women one more reason to shop offering clothes and jewelry and everything in between. Shining on the Missouri side is Sak's Fifth Avenue. Taking the Silver, Sak's Fifth Avenue has something for the savvy street dresser or downtown city girl. Talbot's crosses borders with four retail locations in the Kansas City metropolitan area. This Bronze winner plans to spread its fashion sense north with the upcoming opening of a new Talbot's in the Northland.
Leaping to the top of the list, Hotz Business Solutions reclaims its top honor and earns the Gold. In 67 years, the Kansas City based dealer has stretched its services from St. Joseph to Lawrence, offering Toshiba, Muratec, Xerox, and Minolta products. Since last year's competition Hotz has spread it swings even further to become part of the inter- nationally-known Toshiba Company. Office Depot and its plenitude of office supplies win the Silver for filling office with more than just staples and paperclips. Not yet graced with the top honor, but continuously a readers' favorite, IKON Office Solutions slides in for the Bronze.