Rick, Rita Case to receive award for ‘significant contributions’
South Florida auto dealership owners Rick and Rita Case will be honored Thursday by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, which is Broward County’s economic development group.
The couple will receive the Ray Ferrero, Jr. Economic Development Leadership Award during the organization’s annual meeting Thursday at Signature Grand in Davie — in recognition of their “significant and longterm contributions” to Broward’s business climate and quality of life for residents.
The Cases operate 16 dealerships in Florida, Georgia and Ohio, which have annual sales of more than $1 billion and provide more than 1,200 jobs, according to a news release announcing the award.
They also have led fundraising efforts to raise more than $50 million for community and charitable organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Cleveland Clinic, American Heart Association, Nova Southeastern University and Habitat for Humanity.
The Leadership Award is given to those who “best exemplify the tireless leadership, vision and drive of Ray Ferrero Jr.,” chancellor of Nova Southeastern University and past chair of the Alliance.
Rick Case established his first auto dealership in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, in 1962. After moving to Fort Lauderdale in 1985, the couple opened two dealerships, then added six more in Weston between 2002 and 2015.
In February, Rick Case Honda in Davie was recognized with the 2017 Honda President’s Elite award. It was the 10th year that dealership received the top honor. Rita and Rick Case will be presented the Leadership Award on Thursday by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.