EDC Recognizes Cross Country Automotive Services

One of the county's largest employers received the 2007 Business Excellence Award from the Highlands County Economic Development Commission on Tuesday night.

Cross Country Automotive Services, a large call center operation for roadside assistance, was presented the award during the EDC's annual banquet and membership meeting at the Kenilworth Lodge.

Barry Bittner, director of contact center operations, and Judy Stone, human resources site director, accepted a large plaque from John Shoop, the chairman of the commission's board of directors.
"Over the past 18 months they have focused on designing and implementing programs and processes that have allowed them to increase retention and continue their growth as a major Highlands County employer," Shoop said in a prepared statement.

"They are good corporate citizens and contribute significant dollars and volunteer hours to the community," he added.

Among the projects the company has supported include: Habitat for Humanity, Heartland Triathlon, blood drives, ARC-Florida Mentoring Day, Junior Achievement, Heartland Idol and the Judge Clifton Kelly Champion for Children Gala.

Cross Country, which has 450 employees, started its Sebring operation in 2001.

To be eligible for the award, a business has to be in operation at least three years, increase employees and capital investment and be involved in the community.

Shoop also presented a plaque to John Harding, a board member of the EDC and the former president of Florida Hospital Heartland Division in Sebring. Harding, who has left to run Florida Hospital in Zephyrhills, did not attend the banquet. John Negley accepted the plaque for him.

Approximately 180 people attended the banquet.