14 Finalists Tried Keys in the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI from Partner Schmelz Countryside
Friday the 13th was an unusually lucky day for Mankato State University student Matthew Olson. Olson jumped for joy when the key he placed in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s door made the lights blink on and the door unlock, signifying he was the car giveaway winner. Olson was one of 14 finalists who gained entry into the Grand Prize giveaway by visiting one of 25 MN Green Path homes on the Spring 2012 Parade of HomesSM and scratching off a Green Path Go game piece.
The 14 Grand Prize finalists had gathered at the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) last Friday, April 13, to vie for the vehicle, which was provided by Green Path Go partner Schmelz Countryside. The finalists and their families joined VIPs from the Builders Association, MN Green Path, and owners John and Jonathan Schmelz from Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen to determine the winner. Olson was the 11th contestant to try a key.
“I was touring Homes at the Parade of Homes doing a project for one of my construction management classes to look at houses practicing sustainable development,” Olson said. “Green Path was something I had never heard of and I wanted to see what they were all about because this is where the industry is going.” Olson, who did not own a car, was thrilled and said he was going to drive it back to Mankato and take it, and his girlfriend, camping.
Hundreds of other lucky visitors to MN Green Path Parade HomesSM during this spring’s tour won $5 Blue Planet gas cards from Holiday, iPod Shuffles and Nanos, and rounds of golf at the Legends in Prior Lake.
About Minnesota’s Green Path: MN Green Path is a non-profit created by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities to educate Minnesotans, builders and remodelers about energy efficiency and green building. The program offers a web-based, third-party verified green certification for new homes and remodeling projects.
About the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC): BATC is a leading voice for Minnesota builders and remodelers and represents over 1000 member firms involved in all phases of the home building and remodeling industry. BATC helps its members build their businesses through advocacy, industry connections, and marketing as the presenter of the Parade of HomesSM and the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase®. BATC is dedicated to providing a diverse selection of quality and affordable housing to the Twin Cities areas.
About Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen Saab: Schmelz Countryside has been operated by three generations of the Schmelz family with doors opening in 1966. Schmelz is a Diamond Award winning VW Dealer — a very rare distinction in the Midwest. Each used car on the lot is hand picked by the owners, John and Jonathan Schmelz. Schmelz is located at 1180 Minnesota Highway 36 East in St. Paul, Minnesota.