BENNINGTON — December 2025 marks a meaningful milestone for Coggins Auto Group, as the company celebrates its 5-year anniversary of local, family-owned operation of Coggins Toyota of Bennington, Coggins Honda of Bennington, and Coggins of the Berkshires.

When owner Mike Coggins purchased the stores in 2020, his goal was simple but ambitious: restore a true sense of community-minded dealership culture—something he felt had faded under previous national ownership.

“My primary focus from day one was bringing back that connection to the region,” Coggins said in 2021. “This area values real relationships. They want to know the people they’re doing business with. We set out to rebuild that trust.”

Since taking ownership, Coggins Auto Group has become an active community partners—supporting local youth sports, first-responder initiatives, nonprofit fundraisers, holiday giving programs, cancer support organizations, and dozens of family-centered events across Bennington County, Berkshire County, and nearby New York towns.

“Our journey started in Bennington, and growing into the Berkshires with our stand-alone store in 2023 was a natural next step,” said Scott O’Connell, General Manager. “We serve customers across Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York, and we take that responsibility seriously. Community involvement isn’t a tagline for us—it’s our identity.”

When the stores were purchased five years ago, they were considered 2-star dealerships in online ratings. Today, all three Coggins locations collectively average 4.7 stars with numerous positive reviews.

“Reading our customers’ genuine feedback tells the story better than I ever could,” O’Connell said. “People feel the difference. They feel respected, they feel heard, and they feel taken care of.”

Coggins and O’Connell credits the group’s growth to an unwavering focus on people—not quotas.

“What truly sets us apart is our people,” said O’Connell. “The culture our team shows up with every day—supportive, honest, and customer-focused—is what creates the experience our guests feel. When your employees care about each other and their community, that naturally translates into customers who feel genuinely cared for.”

As the company enters its sixth year, Coggins Auto Group plans to continue expanding its community involvement, customer experience initiatives, and regional partnerships—building on the strong foundation created over the past half-decade.

“We’ve built something we’re proud of, but we’re nowhere near finished,” said O’Connell. “The people here deserve top-tier service and support, and we’re thankful to have a role in what comes next for this community.”

Influence 125 highlights the most influential sports business figures of the past quarter-century. See the list.

The co-founder of private equity giant Apollo Global Management, Josh Harris was among the first in a trend of financial executives acquiring pro teams when he and David Blitzer bought the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. Their Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment has since added the New Jersey Devils and Crystal Palace F.C., among other sports holdings, while the pair has separately backed leading youth sports roll-up Unrivaled. But Harris has had no greater influence than in leading the acquisition of the Washington Commanders for a then-record $6 billion in 2023. That deal led to a complete overhaul of the franchise, set a new floor for NFL team transactions and is now driving plans for a nearly $4 billion stadium.

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The Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce has created its own local currency to encourage residents to shop at hometown businesses and keep money circulating within the community.

“These chamber bucks are our own currency. We print them up just like Monopoly money,” said Shane Adams, executive director of the Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce. “People come and buy them from me, and then they’ll either give them as gifts, as a bonus or whatever. To whoever, and then they’ll spend it locally within our community.”

Justin Robicheau reports – watch the video:

Shelby Chamber Bucks program helps keep money in the community

“These businesses are the ones that support our community, like the youth sports programs,” Adams said. “These businesses will sponsor their teams to help them have these activities for our community. These bigger businesses that are like online and such, they won’t do that. Our local will support our local people.”

Timothy Moylan, owner of Ace Hardware Shelby Paint and Hardware, said the chamber bucks helps small businesses compete with online retailers.

“A lot of these small businesses are struggling these days, you know, with the Amazon online and all that,” Moylan said. “And we want to keep them going. It helps the communities stay alive, keeps the Main Street businesses alive.”

“It’s really brought a lot more business to our stores,” Moylan said. “And I’m sure other businesses can say the same about people keeping it local and strong. You know, keep these smaller communities alive and with the businesses that you’re here in town, it just it supports them really well.”

“It brings the community together and make sure that they keep the money here in town for the smaller businesses,” Moylan said. “And I think it adds to the businesses it keeps in communication with each other.”

★ The Sports Examiner is delighted to present this important contribution from our patron, the LA84 Foundation, a national leader in the role of sports in positive youth development. Opinions expressed are those of the LA84 Foundation. ★

The LA84 Foundation has opened its large grant cycle until December 19 to receive Letters of Interest. The Large Grant Cycle is for grants $25,000 and above for organizations in Southern California with youth programs that promote the exposure and exploration of sports. Selected organizations will be invited to complete a full application.

As a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, for over four decades the LA84 Foundation has supported youth programs in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

By expanding access to sport, play and movement, the LA84 Foundation is committed to transforming communities through play equity by increasing access to youth sports. Small Grants are open year-round, ranging from $5,000-25,000. Visit LA84’s Grants Page to access its Grant Guidelines for an overview of the criteria, and to apply.

The LA84 Foundation recently announced that 19 organizations across Southern California had received $1,781,000 in grant awards. The recipients provide school-based and community youth sports programs in six counties – L.A., Riverside, Orange, Imperial, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

The majority of the latest grant awards focus on communities where issues such as cost, transportation, safety and lack of facilities often prevent kids from experiencing the lifelong benefits of sport and play that can lead to an enriched life.

“These grants focus on access, belonging, and possibility,” said Renata Simril, President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation. “From Boyle Heights to Compton, from Imperial County to the Inland Empire, we are investing in coaches, providing safe places to play, and supporting inclusive programs that help youth succeed both in school and in life.”

All 19 grants shared the common goal of closing the play equity gap. The grant docket emphasized supporting a community pipeline by meeting kids where they are and providing inclusive coaching, safe facilities, and accessible environments with physical activity that nurture growth.

Compton Unified was among the recent grantees. CUSD received funding to expand its free after-school sports to 25 campuses, as well as eliminate fees and transportation barriers for elementary and middle school students. The grant from LA84 offsets key program expenses, including stipends for coaches, staff training, equipment, and uniforms.

CUSD students gain access to sports fundamentals in after-school enrichment, ongoing training, as well as leagues in flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and track & field against other CUSD schools. At least 1,700 Compton students will benefit from this investment.

Variety Boys & Girls Club in Boyle Heights and P.F. Bresee Foundation in Central LA will expand their year-round leagues for youth at no cost to families after the latest LA84 grants.

“Every child deserves access to safe spaces where they can engage in athletic activities with their peers that build confidence and healthy habits,” said Patricia Siqueiros, Executive Director of Variety Boys & Girls Club (VBGC). “It is an investment in a healthier and more equitable future for our community’s youth.”

Throughout the year, 900 of Variety’s members join organized teams in baseball, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, or swimming. The club also has a comprehensive aquatic program, using an onsite four-lane pool.

Support for the P.F. Bresee Foundation will go toward the Bresee Athletics League, engaging middle and high school students through leagues offering futsal, soccer, basketball, and volleyball in Central L.A. More than 325 youth benefit from this investment.

Students Run LA will expand its Female Ambassador Program and provide sports bras and health products to support retention and well-being. Girls on the Run Riverside will add teams and coach stipends to maintain program quality.

LA84 is committed to supporting youth events that promote the ideals of Olympism. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles’ Crenshaw Classic Track & Field Youth Initiative offers free, certified competitions in South L.A. and Inglewood, connecting youth with Olympians and college mentors. The grant will benefit over 500 youth. The program consists of track & field training over two 8-week seasons in 15 local schools, with mentorship from Olympians and college athletes.

It culminates in the Crenshaw Classic track meet, a no-cost certified competition with official times and rankings that celebrates the heritage of South L.A. and Inglewood.

To reach rural youth, an LA84 grant will expand access to AYSO’s expansion of its PLAY! model in Imperial County for its clinics, coach training, and no- to low-cost soccer. This investment is expected to benefit 1,000 Imperial County youth.

“With LA84’s support, AYSO PLAY! will train local leaders and engage over 1,000 kids in Imperial County at no cost, building a foundation for sustainable, low-cost soccer programs in the years ahead,” said Blane Shepard, AYSO National Director of Community Engagement & Business Development.

LA84’s fall grant docket reached girls (45%) and boys (55%), with participation from Latino (43%), White (35%), Black/African American (8%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (5%), Asian (4%), and other/multiracial youth. It supports a diverse sports ecosystem spanning running, track & field, soccer, squash, skateboarding, and multi-sport/learn-to-play programs.

“Play unlocks possibility,” said Simril. “These LA84 Foundation grants strengthen the coaches, spaces, and community bonds that help young people build healthy bodies, resilient minds, and the confidence to lead.”

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