Local Women In Pursuit of Nontraditional Careers Look To Automotive Industry
As one of the largest industries in the world, and Oregon's second largest employer - supplying more than 13,400 jobs in the Metro Portland area - the automotive industry is an area where women are becoming increasingly involved in day-to-day operations.
Factors in this increasing involvement include women's roles in car buying, as well as in manufacturing. Consumer clout is propelling women into executive positions as women are becoming the decision-makers when buying a new vehicle and auto makers are gearing their products more and more to female car buyers.
Women's progress in this traditionally male-dominated industry, is exemplified by Kim Alfonso, the first woman president of the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association and vice president and co-owner of Vic Alfonso Cadillac. Coming from a Portland auto retailer family, Kim Alfonso has worked her way up, participating in the many changes in the industry. She began as an office clerk at age twelve working during her summer vacations and over the next 20 years progressed through multiple positions and departments, learning the entire scope of the business.
Elsewhere in Portland, women including Kim Kittinger, automotive instructor at Portland Community College; Shannon Inukai, general manager of Dick's Country Dodge; Erinn Sowle, general manager of Suburban Auto Group; Louise Drow, automotive instructor at Capital Center; Terri Gonzalez, general manager of Hubbard Chevrolet; and Elisabeth Dally, president of Hawthorn Auto Clinic, Inc. are finding success in the industry.
"Women are rapidly excelling and moving forward as industry professionals," said Greg Remensperger, executive vice president of the Metro Portland New Car Dealers. "There are a multitude of women in the Metro Portland area who have attained business leadership positions and their contribution to the industry is exemplary."
Established in 1914, the Metro Portland New Cars Dealers Association has operated as the advocate organization for the economic, educational and charitable activities. Its mission is to promote the economic livelihood of consumers and new car and truck dealers throughout Portland metro area communities. The association currently represents more than 100 new car and truck dealers in the Portland metro area.
For more information, visit www.portlandnewcars.com.
Operation Outreach has been used in more than 31,000 classrooms with 718,000 students in schools in all 50 states. The program is free to schools and is supported by sponsors from the business community. For more information visit www.oousa.org.