Lee Yoder named 2005 Greeley Stampede Grand Marshal!
What: Greeley Stampede, the World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo and Western Celebration, featuring Country and Classic Rock Concerts, Pro Rodeos, Western Art Show, Televised Parade, Carnival and Western Fun.
When: June 24- July 4, 2005
Where: Island Grove Regional Park- Greeley, Colorado
Why: To celebrate Colorado's western heritage and our nation's independence
More info: www.GreeleyStampede.org, 800-982-BULL, rodeo@GreeleyStampede.org
Media contact: Justin Watada, jwatada@GreeleyStampede.org, 970-356-7787
Today at the Annual Stampede Kick Off Luncheon, the Greeley Stampede announced Lee Yoder as the 2005 Stampede Grand Marshal and Greeley's Mayor Tom Selders proclaimed that Stampede Days has begun.
Each year since 1928, the Greeley Stampede Committee has selected an outstanding citizen for their many community and regional contributions to Northern Colorado. The Greeley Stampede is honored to present Lee Yoder as the 2005 Stampede Grand Marshal. Lee has been a strong contributor to Northern Colorado and the Greeley Stampede for many years. Besides running an award-winning car dealership, he has supported many local organizations and prestigious programs.
Lee was born and raised in Hutchinson, Kansas to Amish parents. Lee left Kansas on his 19th birthday with four friends and cousins and went to Denver, Colorado. He found work and proceeded to go through Phillips 66 training school. In 1970, he got involved with the car industry when he went to work as a salesman for Marsh Wimbush Ford in Denver. After leaving there in 1976 as their general sales manager, he went to work for Herrick Garnsey and Garnsey & Wheeler Ford.
In 1982, he became a part of a partnership that bought Weld County Garage. At that time, there were only 36 employees and as of today, they have expanded to over 150 employees. Through Lee's leadership and vision, Weld County Garage has become Colorado's Top GMC dealership. Weld County Garage has been a GMC 5 Star Award winner seven times, the Best Commercial GMC Dealer in the Western US in 1997, voted Weld County's Best Dealership 7 years in a row and one of the Top 250 closely held Colorado companies. Lee serves on the National GMC Commercial Advisor Board and recently was nominated for Colorado Entrepreneur of the Year.
Lee has served on the Salvation Army and Youth for Christ Board and is currently the Chairman for Connecting Business and the Marketplace to Christ. He attends the Greeley Wesleyan Church, teaches Junior Achievement in local schools and has participated in the Leadership Breakfast for over 18 years. Besides being a strong supporter of Day Spring Christian School in Greeley, the United Way and the Boy Scots of America to name a few organizations, Lee annually sponsors local youth sports teams.
When asked what was most important in life, Lee simply responded- family. Lee and his wife, Colleen, have been married 43 years and have three children, Sue, Sherry and Warren and seven grandchildren. Lee has been able to spend ample time with his grandchildren since Warren took over the dealership in 2003.
Lee has been a strong supporter of the community and the Stampede for many years. He has provided GMC vehicles to be given away in the Stampede Pin Program with proceeds going to the Stampede Foundation Scholarship Fund, courtesy Stampede Haulers to be used during the event and countless sponsorship of local community programs. For Lee's generosity and willingness to make Northern Colorado a better place to live, the Greeley Stampede is proud to recognize Lee Yoder as the 2005 Stampede Grand Marshal.
The Greeley Independence Stampede is the "World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo & Western Celebration" and a Top 10 Pro Rodeo. 2005 marks the 83rd annual celebration bringing the communities throughout Colorado and Southern Wyoming together. Along with Pro Rodeo and the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour, concert entertainers include Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Collin Raye, Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle, Jimmy Wayne, Kelly Clarkson and more! For ticket or general event information visit the Stampede web site at www.GreeleyStampede.org online or call 800-982-BULL (2855).
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The Greeley Stampede Media Packet is found online at www.GreeleyStampede.org. Click on News/Media, then Media Kit. You will be prompted to enter an email address in order to access all the information about this year's concert line-up and event. Thanks.
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