After seeing a Facebook advertisement for the “City Express to Success Challenge,” small business owner Tom Wible figured he would give it a try and enter to win a brand-new 2015 Chevrolet City Express cargo van.

“We’ve longed for a ‘right-sized’ vehicle that will help us deliver our products to our customers, while also serving as a promotional tool for our business,” says Wible, owner of French Creek Medical.

Founded in 2003, French Creek Medical distributes physical therapy and chiropractic supplies to physical therapy clinics, hospitals, chiropractors and private practices in the greater Cleveland area. Currently, French Creek Medical’s fleet is made up of a Toyota Prius and a Dodge Caravan.

After looking at all the entries, the “City Express to Success Challenge” judges named French Creek Medical as the grand-prize winner. Four finalists each received a $1,000 gas card.

“I thought maybe I would be a finalist and win a gas card,” says Wible. “My family and I were amazed that we won the contest. It has been a happy month here at French Creek.”

Contest

Sponsored by Chevrolet and Entrepreneur magazine, entrants were asked to demonstrate how owning the Chevrolet City Express could help boost their brand, enhance their productivity and accelerate business growth, according to General Motors.

“I focused on the van itself and the efficiencies that it brings to a business with its modern interface, including its Bluetooth phone system, 40/60 split rear doors, fold-down desk and fuel economy,” says Wible.

Using one of his cameras, Wible put together a short video for the contest. He made characters and icons and put them in front of a blackboard with some lighting. He then put it together using a video editing program called Sony Vegas.

To choose the grand prize winner, a panel of judges reviewed thousands of videos and essays submitted by small business owners from around the world.

“The best way to show our customers how our vehicles can benefit them and contribute to their profitability is to get them behind the wheel in a real-world business situation,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial. “We are confident the City Express will help French Creek Medical expand their offerings.”

Benefits

Wible recently put in the order for his new van’s configurations and will soon be using the City Express as his main fleet vehicle.

Not only will the City Express provide more cargo space and better fuel economy, but it will also serve as a promotional tool for French Creek Medical.

Wible plans to put French Creek Medical’s logo, website and toll-free number on the van. “I’m leaning toward a decal wrap. It will be a moving billboard for us as we drive around town.”