Added on October 28, 2014  The News Wheel  
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Toyota in Texas: Bringing the Party to Plano

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Back in April, Toyota announced it would be packing its bags and moving headquarters from its long-term home in Torrance, California, to the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. Now, as Toyota’s moving date draws closer, the Japanese automaker is thanking its new neighborhood for the warm welcome it’s received by throwing one heck of a block party.

Toyota in Texas

Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz (left to right), Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin, Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, and Texas Governor Rick Perry
Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images for Toyota

Plano’s warm welcome of Toyota in Texas isn’t surprising given the boost the carmaker’s move will make to the local economy. To thank the community, Toyota kicked off the block party by announcing two donations to benefit the City of Plano—a $1 million donation to the Plano ISD Academy High School (which places emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, or STEAM), and a donation of six Tundra pickup trucks to the City. Following these announcements, Toyota invited civic leaders, business partners, and neighboring corporations to join in the celebration.

“Toyota is committed to being a model neighbor and corporate citizen,” declared Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz. “We are pleased to join other local businesses in supporting the STEAM curriculum and helping open the eyes of students to career opportunities in these fields. We look forward to furthering the school’s mission to inspire tomorrow’s leaders through problem solving, team building, mentoring and student immersion into the business world.”

The “Hello Texas” block party, which was held yesterday, October 27th, featured 18 local restaurants’ food, live concerts, and more. The party was free for all attendees and ran from 12 – 8pm. Musical acts included Elaine Garcia, Curtis Grimes, Bobby Pulido, Lone Star Attitude, and Jack Ingram. Attendees had the opportunity to partake in multiple celebrity “meet and greets” which included local names such as Ugo Ihemelu, former Dallas FC player; current player George John; NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr.; and Olympic Gold Medalist Nastia Luskin.