McKinnon Toyota Honors Nurses During Nurses Week
Celebrating the Heart of Our Healthcare Community
There are people in our community who show up every single day — not for applause, not for recognition, but because someone needs them. This Nurses Week, McKinnon Toyota was honored to acknowledge just a few of those remarkable individuals.
Lunch for the Heroes at UAB St. Vincent’s Alabama
This week, our team had the privilege of providing lunch for the nurses at UAB St. Vincent’s Alabama in celebration of Nurses Week. It was a small gesture for people who give so much — but we hope it brought a moment of rest and a reminder that their work truly matters.
Nurses carry a weight that most of us will never fully understand. They are the steady hands in moments of crisis, the calm voices in rooms full of fear, and the compassionate presence that patients and families lean on when they need it most. Day after day, shift after shift, they give everything they have — and then they come back and do it again.
A Week Worth Celebrating
Nurses Week is a chance for all of us to say what we should be saying year-round: thank you. Thank you for your strength when situations are difficult. Thank you for your patience when it’s hard to find. Thank you for the compassion you extend to every patient who walks through those doors, regardless of the circumstances.
To the nurses at UAB St. Vincent’s and to every nurse serving patients and families across Alabama — we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for you.
Community Is at the Heart of What We Do
At McKinnon Toyota, we’re proud to be more than a dealership. We’re part of this community, and that means showing up for the people who make it a better place. Healthcare workers like the nurses at UAB St. Vincent’s are the backbone of a healthy, thriving community — and it’s an honor to support them in any way we can.
From all of us at McKinnon Toyota — Happy Nurses Week! 🩺
McKinnon Toyota is proud to serve the Clanton, Alabama community. Visit us at www.mckinnontoyota.com or stop by and see us today.
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McKinnon Toyota Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
Giving Back to the Educators Who Shape Our Community
At McKinnon Toyota, we believe that a strong community starts with strong schools — and strong schools start with dedicated teachers. That’s why, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, our team was proud to give back to some of the incredible educators right here in our own backyard.
Showing Up for the People Who Show Up Every Day
Last week, we had the privilege of partnering with Chick-fil-A to deliver meals to teachers and staff at eight schools across our community:
- Clanton Elementary School
- Clanton Intermediate School
- Clanton Middle School
- Chilton County High School
- SPAN of Alabama
- Thorsby K-12
- Verbena High School
- Liberty Christian Academy
From the earliest grades to high school halls, these educators show up every single day — patient, prepared, and passionate about the students in their care. The least we could do was make sure they had a hot meal and a reminder that their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
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Why This Matters to Us
We’re not just a dealership — we’re neighbors. The families who walk through our doors are the same ones whose kids sit in those classrooms. When teachers thrive, students thrive. When students thrive, our whole community is better for it.
Teacher Appreciation Week is a moment to pause and say out loud what too often goes unsaid: thank you. Thank you for the early mornings and the late evenings. Thank you for the patience it takes to meet every student where they are. Thank you for the encouragement that sometimes makes all the difference in a child’s life.
From Our Family to Yours
From everyone at McKinnon Toyota — thank you. It was an honor to serve the people who serve our kids every day. We look forward to continuing to find ways to invest in the community that has given us so much.
McKinnon Toyota is proud to serve the Clanton, Alabama community. Visit us at www.mckinnontoyota.com or stop by and see us today.
Serving Clanton and Central Alabama with award-winning excellence
We have some exciting news to share: McKinnon Toyota has been named a Toyota Elite Dealer Award recipient, ranking #41 out of 59 Elite Dealers across the entire Southeast Toyota (SET) region. Out of 178 total dealerships in the region, only the top 59 — just the top 33% — earn this prestigious honor. That means two out of every three dealerships in our region didn’t make the cut. We did.
But what exactly is the Toyota Elite Dealer Award, and why does it matter to you as a customer? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Toyota Elite Dealer Award?
The Toyota Elite Dealer Award — also known as the SET Elite Award — is presented annually by Toyota Motor Corporation’s Southeast region to recognize only the highest-performing dealerships in the country’s most competitive regional market. The Southeast Toyota (SET) distribution region covers hundreds of dealerships across the southeastern United States, making it one of the largest and most active Toyota regions in the nation.
This isn’t an award you can apply for, campaign for, or buy. It’s earned — through a rigorous, multi-faceted evaluation process that measures every corner of a dealership’s operations over an extended period of time.
What Does It Take to Earn This Award?
Earning the Toyota Elite Dealer Award is no small feat. To qualify, a dealership must meet a demanding set of standards all at once — not just in one area, but across sales, service, customer satisfaction, financial health, and facility standards. Specifically:
- Exceed annual sales objectives — consistent, high-volume performance, not just a good month
- Maintain a Sales Efficiency score of at least 105% for 12 consecutive months — this means performing above Toyota’s benchmark every single month for a full year
- Demonstrate strong customer loyalty through Toyota’s engagement metrics, known as Toyota Loyalty Engagement (TLE)
- Achieve profitability while maintaining ethical and transparent business practices
- Invest in a well-trained team — from sales consultants to service technicians
- Meet Toyota’s Image USA II facility standards, ensuring customers experience a modern, comfortable, and professional environment
In short, a dealership has to be — as one regional manager put it — “firing on all cylinders with sales, service, customer satisfaction, and Toyota Loyalty Engagement.” There are no shortcuts.
Why This Matters for McKinnon Toyota Customers
When a dealership earns this award, it’s a direct reflection of the experience you receive every time you walk through the door. It means:
You can trust the team. The award requires investment in ongoing technician training and staff development. When you bring your vehicle in for service, you’re working with people who are held to Toyota’s highest professional standards.
You’re being heard. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a box Toyota checks — it’s a core pillar of the Elite Dealer evaluation. McKinnon Toyota’s ranking reflects real feedback from real customers in Clanton and Central Alabama who rated their experiences highly enough to help earn this honor.
You’re choosing consistency. The Sales Efficiency requirement — 105% for 12 straight months — means this isn’t a fluke. McKinnon Toyota has been delivering at an elite level, month after month, with no off-seasons.
Your dealership meets Toyota’s highest standards. From the facility you walk into, to the financing options available, to the way your service visit is handled, Elite Dealer status means the entire experience has been measured, evaluated, and validated by Toyota itself.
A Community Milestone
For a dealership rooted in Clanton, Alabama — serving Central Alabama families year after year — this recognition means something beyond trophies and rankings. It reflects the trust this community has placed in McKinnon Toyota, and the commitment the McKinnon team makes every day to honor that trust.
From the sales floor to the service bays, this award belongs to every team member who showed up, worked hard, and put customers first. And it belongs to every customer who chose McKinnon Toyota and took the time to share their experience.
Out of 178 dealerships in the Southeast Toyota region, only 59 can call themselves Elite. McKinnon Toyota is one of them — and that’s something worth celebrating.
Come see us in Clanton and experience the difference that award-winning service makes. We’re proud to be your Toyota dealer.
Supporting Brighter Futures: Our Partnership with Butterfly Bridge
It takes a village to raise a child, but sometimes it takes a whole community to heal one. At McKinnon Toyota, we believe that our responsibility extends far beyond selling cars. We are deeply committed to the well-being of our neighbors, our families, and most importantly, our children.
We recently had the incredible honor of sponsoring the “Flutter Brighter Days” event, hosted by the Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center. It was a night filled with hope, generosity, and a shared vision for a safer future for the most vulnerable among us.
A Night to Remember
The atmosphere at the Flutter Brighter Days event was nothing short of electric. Seeing so many familiar faces from our community gather for a single, powerful cause was a reminder of why we love calling this area home.
The highlight of the evening wasn’t just the camaraderie; it was the tangible impact we made together. We are thrilled to announce that the event raised over $150,000.
This isn’t just a number. That funding represents therapy sessions, advocacy services, and a safe haven for children who desperately need it. It represents a turning point for families in crisis. We are incredibly proud to have played a role in this success, standing beside an organization that works tirelessly every day to change lives.
What is Butterfly Bridge?
If you aren’t familiar with the work done by Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, it is a mission worth knowing and supporting. They provide a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have been victimized by abuse or neglect.
Navigating the aftermath of trauma is incredibly difficult, especially for a child. The legal and medical systems can often feel cold and intimidating. Butterfly Bridge changes that dynamic. Their team of professionals works to bring three critical things to the children and families they serve:
- Healing: Providing the therapeutic support needed to process trauma.
- Restoration: helping families rebuild their lives on a foundation of safety.
- Justice: assisting in the investigation and prosecution of abuse to ensure children are protected.
By coordinating these services in a single, comforting location, they reduce the trauma a child experiences during the investigation process. They are a literal bridge to a better life.
Why McKinnon Toyota Supports This Mission
For us, community involvement isn’t a checkbox; it’s a core value. We know that businesses thrive when their communities thrive. But more than that, we are parents, neighbors, and friends. The safety of children in our area is personal to us.
Sponsoring the Flutter Brighter Days event aligns perfectly with our desire to make a meaningful impact. We want to ensure that organizations like Butterfly Bridge have the resources they need to continue their vital work. When we support them, we are investing in the future of our community—one child at a time.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended the event, donated, or volunteered their time. Your generosity is what makes events like this possible. Raising over $150,000 is a monumental achievement, and it speaks volumes about the character of our local residents.
Thank you for helping create brighter days for children in need. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Butterfly Bridge and finding more ways to serve our community together.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support Butterfly Bridge, we encourage you to visit their website and get involved. Together, we can make sure every child has the safe, happy childhood they deserve.
Meet the All-New 2026 Toyota Rav4
The adventure you’ve been waiting for is nearly here! The all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, the sixth-generation of America’s favorite compact SUV, is set to arrive in the coming weeks. It’s bigger, smarter, more efficient, and more capable than ever before. Whether you’re commuting around Clanton, heading out for a weekend road trip, or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the 2026 RAV4 delivers the versatility drivers love with exciting new modern upgrades.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 marks a major evolution in design, performance, and technology:
Fresh Design & Multiple Styles
Toyota introduces three distinct designs to fit different lifestyles:
- Core: Sleek, everyday style for daily driving
- Rugged (Woodland): Ready for adventure, with rugged styling cues and enhanced capabilities
- Sport: Dynamic looks and performance inspirations — including the all-new GR SPORT model developed with Toyota Gazoo Racing engineering input
Across the lineup, the 2026 RAV4 features a bold, modern exterior with sharper lines and distinctive styling that stands out on Alabama roads.
Electrified Performance & Power
Toyota continues its commitment to electrification in the RAV4 lineup. For 2026 all new Rav4s will feature the Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid powertrain.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Efficient and responsive, with improved power and fuel economy
- Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): A powerful new 6th-generation plug-in system with up to ~52 miles of EPA-estimated electric-only range and up to ~320 combined system horsepower — perfect for city driving and longer trips alike
Both hybrid powertrains include available front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, making sure there’s a RAV4 for every driver.
Cutting-Edge Tech Inside
Step inside the 2026 RAV4, and you’ll notice Toyota has elevated the tech experience across the board:
- Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 — the latest suite of advanced driver-assist features
- New Toyota Audio Multimedia System with larger touchscreen options
- Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Modern digital gauge cluster and voice-activated “Hey Toyota” commands
Drivers will appreciate the intuitive connectivity and enhanced safety features that make every journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Space, Comfort & Practicality
From everyday errands to road trip adventures, the new RAV4 doesn’t disappoint:
- Spacious interior with thoughtful storage solutions
- Comfort-focused cabin with modern materials
- Cargo space designed for gear, luggage, or outdoor equipment
Whether you’re juggling family life or planning your next getaway, the RAV4’s versatile cabin supports your lifestyle.
When Can You Drive One Home?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is officially arriving in just a few weeks. With fresh designs, powerful hybrid options, and cutting-edge tech, this SUV is already generating excitement nationwide — and we’re thrilled to bring it to our customers first. View our inventory of incoming Rav4’s here.
Ready to experience the 2026 Toyota RAV4 in person? Visit us today in Clanton, AL. Stay tuned for the more updates and be among the first in Central Alabama to drive the all-new 2026 RAV4!
Turkey Giveaway 2025
At McKinnon Toyota, we’ve always believed that being part of this community means more than just selling and servicing cars. It means showing up, lending a hand, and doing what we can to support our neighbors. And this past Thanksgiving was a perfect reminder of why we love doing just that.
400 Turkeys, One Grateful Community
We had the chance to help give away 400 turkeys to local families — and honestly, it was such a heartwarming day. Seeing smiles, sharing quick conversations, and feeling that sense of togetherness… it’s exactly why we look forward to this event every year.
You Made It Happen
Here’s the truth: we couldn’t do any of this without you.
Your support — whether you’re visiting us for service, buying a car, or cheering us on from afar — is what allows us to give back in meaningful ways. Every time you choose McKinnon Toyota, you help make moments like this possible.
And for that, we’re truly grateful.
A Big Thanks to the Clanton Police Department
We also want to give a huge shoutout to the Clanton Police Department for helping keep everything organized and running smoothly. Their teamwork made sure the event was safe, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone involved. We appreciate everything they do for our community.
What’s Next? More Ways to Give Back
This year’s turkey giveaway was a beautiful reminder of how strong and caring our community is. And we’re already looking forward to doing even more.
Thank you for being part of the McKinnon family. We’re honored to serve you — and even more honored to give back.
At McKinnon Toyota, we believe that our role in the community goes far beyond selling vehicles. Yes, we are proud of our latest models and service excellence—but even more so, we’re proud of how we show up for our neighbors in Clanton and beyond. From sharing holiday meals with families in need to partnering with local businesses, we’re committed to giving back.
A Thanksgiving Tradition: The Turkey Giveaway
Last Thanksgiving season, McKinnon Toyota & Nissan—working alongside local partners—distributed over 300 turkeys to families in need. On November 22, 2024 around 200 turkeys were handed out at Clanton City Park, and the remaining turkeys were delivered door-to-door by our team members, including Sales Director Richard Wall and Salesman Cody Smith. Our partners in this effort included Mckinnon Nissan, J Clay Maddox, LLC, Lake Lawn Landscape, and SavMor.
This event wasn’t just about giving away a turkey—it was about supporting families’ holiday meals, building stronger neighborhood bonds, and continuing the generous spirit founded by Mark McKinnon. And best of all: we decided to make this a yearly tradition.
Spreading Holiday Cheer: The Ham Giveaway
As part of our 2024 holiday giving initiative, McKinnon Toyota also hosted a ham giveaway—bringing holiday food assistance to even more families in the region. We had the incredible privilege of giving away 480 hams directly to those in our community and it’s all thanks to our many loyal customers. When the community comes together, big things happen.
Why We Do It
- It’s about community first. We serve Clanton and surrounding areas—not just as a business, but as neighbors. When families struggle, we don’t sit on the sidelines.
- Food security matters. A turkey or a ham might seem simple—but having a complete holiday meal can mean so much. It’s about dignity, support, and making one day feel special.
- Partnership amplifies impact. By teaming up with local businesses like SavMor, J Clay Maddox, Lake Lawn Landscape, we can reach more people and make more of a difference.
- Creating lasting tradition. We believe that giving back should be consistent, not a one-time event. That’s why our turkey and ham giveaways are designed to become annual fixtures in the community calendar.
How You Can Join Us
- Stay tuned on social media. We’ll announce dates, partner info, and how families can participate.
- Consider partnering or donating. Local businesses or individuals who want to support the giveaways are always welcome.
- Spread the word. If you know a family that could use holiday assistance, let them know about these events.
- Visit McKinnon Toyota. Whether you’re shopping for a vehicle or bringing your car in for service—you’ll be supporting a business that invests back into the community.
We’re excited for what’s next. Our goal is to expand the reach of our charitable efforts—to more families, more neighborhoods, and more holiday seasons. We want to build traditions, not just events. Because at the end of the day, giving builds connection, hope, and community resilience.
Thank you to every volunteer, every partner business, every family who shows up—and every staff member at McKinnon Toyota who gets behind this mission. Together, we’re driving more than cars—we’re driving positive change.
Continuing a Legacy of Compassion
At McKinnon Toyota, we believe being part of the Chilton County community means giving back and showing up for the people who make this place feel like home. That’s why we’re so proud to partner with Care Net of Chilton County—an organization that provides support, education, and resources to local families when they need it most.
This partnership means a lot to our entire team. This year, our owner Brandi McKinnon had the honor of accepting The Compassion Award on behalf of her late husband, Mark McKinnon. Mark’s heart for others and his legacy of generosity continue to guide us every single day. Supporting Care Net is one of the many ways we carry his vision forward—by helping make a positive impact right here in our own backyard.
The work Care Net does for families across Chilton County is truly inspiring. From helping parents and children to offering education and encouragement, they bring hope and compassion to every person who walks through their doors.
We’re grateful to stand alongside such a dedicated organization and proud to do our part to keep Mark’s legacy alive through service and community care. Because at the end of the day, that’s what McKinnon Toyota is all about—people helping people and making a lasting difference together.
💙 Want to learn more? Visit Care Net of Chilton County to see how you can get involved, or stop by McKinnon Toyota to learn more about our community partnerships and how we’re giving back right here in Clanton.
Thorsby School – The Future of Agriculture
We are proud to support the future of agriculture by sponsoring the Thorsby High School FFA! At Mckinnon Toyota we believe in investing in our local students and helping them grown into tomorrow’s leaders.
How FFA Helps High School Students Grow as Leaders and Professionals
When most people think of the Future Farmers of America they picture blue jackets, livestock shows, or agriculture classes. But today’s FFA is so much more—it’s an organization that empowers high school students with real-world skills, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
Leadership Development
FFA provides students with hands-on opportunities to practice leadership. From chapter officer roles to state conventions, students learn how to speak confidently, organize events, and lead teams—skills that carry into any career path, not just agriculture. The students at Thorsby School have been very successful and won three State Championships in Dairy Evaluation, Poultry Evaluation and Meat Evaluations. They will be traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana in later October to compete in our National Contests representing the State of Alabama.
While the main goal of this trip is to increase their educational experiences they also are excited to be able to network with industry leaders, meet fellow students from across the United States and hopefully bring home two more National Championships.
Career Preparation
Through Career Development Events (CDEs) like the National Championship and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), members gain practical, resume-worthy experience. These programs range from agribusiness and environmental science to communications and mechanics, giving students exposure to a wide variety of industries. Some of these experiences are expensive which is where sponsorships like the one we provided are critical to supporting these youth.
Personal Growth
FFA also emphasizes responsibility, integrity, and service. Whether it’s volunteering in their community or competing on a team, members build character while discovering their passions. Many students credit FFA with helping them step outside their comfort zone and realize their full potential.
Connection and Community
Being part of FFA means joining a network of supportive peers and mentors. High school students often form lifelong friendships and connections that extend far beyond graduation, creating a sense of belonging that’s just as important as the skills they learn. We wish the students from Thorsby School all the best, all of us at Mckinnon Toyota are are so proud of you!
Fueling Dreams, Passion & Purpose
At McKinnon Toyota, we believe that investing in our community is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference. That’s why we created the McKinnon Initiative Scholarship—a program designed to fuel dreams, passion, and purpose by helping local students take their next big step toward the future.
This year, we were proud to award five incredible students from our community with scholarships to support their education and career goals. Each recipient has a unique story, drive, and vision for their future, and we couldn’t be more honored to play a small part in helping them succeed.
Two of our recipients, Aydin and Hannah, had a special request. Instead of a traditional scholarship check, they asked for something more hands-on—professional tools to jumpstart their careers in automotive body work. Their tools recently arrived, and these young women are already putting them to use, turning wrenches with confidence, skill, and excitement for the road ahead. Seeing their passion in action reminds us exactly why this scholarship exists: to give students the resources they need to thrive in the fields they love.
But the impact of our recipients doesn’t stop there. The McKinnon Toyota team was proud to participate in the Chilton County Back to School Inservice Day, lending their time and energy to support teachers and staff as they geared up for the new school year.
At McKinnon Toyota, we know that investing in the next generation means investing in the long-term success of our entire community. When we empower young people with opportunities, tools, and encouragement, we’re not just helping them reach their goals—we’re also building a stronger, brighter future for Chilton County and beyond.
We are so proud of all our scholarship recipients and can’t wait to see the incredible things they will accomplish.
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