VIP Tires & Service Earns Silver Arrow Award for Development of “Journeys with VIP” Magazine

Developed in partnership with Down East Publications and Marshall Communications, “Journeys with VIP” successfully strengthens customer relationships and reinforces trust in the VIP brand

AUBURN, Maine — VIP Tires & Service — Northern New England’s leader in all things tires and service — has announced that the company was honored with a Silver Arrow Award from the Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) for its development of the “Journeys with VIP” magazine in 2025. MPRC’s Golden Arrow Awards celebrate the highest achievements in communications, public relations and marketing by professionals across Maine.

To strengthen its customer relationships and reinforce trust in the VIP brand, the company set out to create a high-quality print publication for customers spending time in store waiting areas and other audiences. Partnering with Down East Publications and Marshall Communications, which submitted VIP’s nomination for the Silver Arrow Award, VIP and Down East produced two magazine issues in 2025, including a spring/summer issue and a fall/winter issue. For each issue, 100 copies were placed in the lobby of VIP’s 76 locations, as well as distribution to readers in VIP’s market areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Down East totals over 245,000 monthly print magazine subscribers.

Featuring certified technicians and real employee stories, “Journeys with VIP” connects current and prospective customers with one of New England’s most trusted automotive experts. Customers have consistently provided positive feedback through emails, letters and in-person conversations, recognizing that VIP’s magazine helps them better understand vehicle maintenance and feel more confident in making service-related decisions. Employee participation has also increased significantly as a result, with team members becoming enthusiastic contributors to the magazine.

“This year, VIP Tires & Service is celebrating 100 years in business, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a Silver Arrow Award that recognizes corporate excellence,” said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP. “From VIP employees to the teams at Marshall Communications and Down East Magazine, we are incredibly proud of the hard work that went into ‘Journeys with VIP,’ our flagship publication for the people who care most about our brand. This magazine allows us to tell the VIP story and double down on customer service, and readers should be excited for the issues to come.”