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At #1 Cochran, we believe in the power of community. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of giving back and supporting those around us. That’s why we’re deeply involved in charitable initiatives throughout the greater Youngstown area and the Mahoning Valley. From sponsoring local events to partnering with organizations dedicated to making a difference, we are committed to making our community a better place for everyone. Our customers aren’t just transactions to us; they’re our neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for all who call this area home. Join us in our mission to uplift and support the wonderful community we are privileged to be a part of.
We’ve committed $2.25 million to Rosedale Technical College in Kennedy Township, Pennsylvania, including $100,000 in annual scholarships. This regional educational investment offers ten scholarships worth up to $5,000 each to students based on financial need, creating opportunities for Mahoning Valley residents who attend Rosedale Tech to pursue technical education without prohibitive financial barriers.
The partnership extends beyond tuition assistance through our TECHcellence Program, an apprentice training initiative where students gain hands-on experience in our facilities. This practical component bridges classroom learning and real-world application, exposing students to emerging automotive technologies including electric vehicle systems and advanced diagnostics. The program builds skills that translate across multiple industries while addressing the region’s workforce development needs.
Every October, our Let’s Put the Brakes on Breast Cancer campaign mobilizes our entire team across Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. We donate $1 for every oil change performed, up to 5,000 oil changes, while our Volkswagen locations add $25 for every new vehicle sold during the month. Team members contribute $20 each Friday and Saturday to wear jeans, and our Butler County stores partner with Independence Health on its Drive to Schedule Mammograms initiative to encourage annual screenings.
Funds raised are split among four organizations: Hair Peace Charities, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, and the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. Since 2021, the campaign has raised nearly $40,000 for breast cancer research and patient care. Combined with our Panerathon sponsorship, the two efforts have delivered $26,330 to the Joanie Abdu center alone, a facility that serves women regardless of their ability to pay.
In 2025, we presented $45,000 to United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley through our Operation Santa campaign. These funds support the Saturday of Caring program and the Care Closet at Boardman Center Intermediate School, providing direct assistance to families across the valley.
Our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley addresses food insecurity through both financial contributions and coordinated support efforts. Rather than spreading resources thinly across dozens of causes, we build sustained relationships with organizations addressing health, education, and social services.
Employee volunteerism amplifies our charitable impact. Our team members participate in community service projects and contribute professional skills to organizations throughout the region. This personal engagement demonstrates our values through action while strengthening connections between our business and the communities we serve.
We actively support YSU Athletics and the YSU Ring Scholarship Banquet, recognizing that athletic and academic programs serve as community focal points. Our sponsorship of the Potential Development Pizza Cook-Off benefits the Potential Development School for Students with Autism, supporting specialized educational services for valley families.
We partnered with BRITE Energy Innovators to launch the region’s inaugural EV Fest electric vehicle celebration. This event educated residents about sustainable transportation while showcasing emerging automotive technology. Our team’s participation in Project MKC filled a car with toys and gifts for valley families, demonstrating the hands-on involvement that extends beyond financial contributions.
These sponsorships go beyond logo placement. We participate in event planning and execution, using our marketing expertise to help events reach broader audiences while supporting smooth operations. If you’d like to learn more about our community partnerships or reach out to us about collaboration opportunities, we’re always eager to explore new ways to strengthen the valley.
Strategic partnerships with established foundations multiply our community impact. We collaborate with regional organizations to support initiatives that address challenges requiring coordinated responses, from economic development to public health. These relationships ensure our contributions reach organizations with proven track records while benefiting from their community knowledge and grant-making expertise.
When we acquired Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC in January 2023, we continued a family-owned legacy in Boardman spanning over a century. This acquisition reinforced our long-term commitment to the Mahoning Valley rather than representing a simple business expansion.
Under CEO Rob Cochran’s leadership, we maintain focus on relationships that span years and sometimes decades. This patience allows a deeper understanding of community challenges and more effective responses. Our growth to become the 39th largest dealer group in the United States hasn’t diminished our local focus. We operate 36 new-vehicle franchises across Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio while maintaining strong connections to individual communities within our market area.
We regularly assess our initiatives, seek input from community leaders, and adjust programs to address emerging challenges. This adaptive approach maintains relevance while honoring our core commitments to education, charitable support, and community partnership. With approximately 1,900 team members serving the region, we employ local residents, support local suppliers when possible, and make decisions with community impact in mind.
Our commitment extends beyond traditional corporate philanthropy to genuine integration with the Mahoning Valley. We invite you to contact us to learn more about our community work or discuss how we can support initiatives that matter to you. Together, we’ll continue building a stronger, more vibrant region for generations to come.
