Coggins Auto Annual Trunk or Treat

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — Families from across Bennington County, Northern Berkshires and NY boarder packed the Toyota and Honda lot on Saturday, Oct. 25, for the annual Trunk or Treat hosted by Coggins Auto Group in partnership with the Bennington Banner. 
 
This year's theme was Wizard of Oz - complete with a smoke-breathing dragon, glowing lava displays, indoor tornado, and characters from the film. By the end of the night, participating groups and businesses had handed out more than 40,000 pieces of candy.
 
What began in 2020 as a small community gathering has grown into an annual celebration, drawing more than 3,000 attendees this year. Guests explored "decked-out" showrooms, over 35 creatively themed community trunks, and enjoyed music from a DJ, a roaming magician, and local food trucks serving up dinner and sweet treats.
 
"This year's Trunk or Treat exceeded all expectations," said Valerie Harrington, Marketing Director for Coggins Auto Group. "The turnout was phenomenal—almost overwhelming, but in the best possible way. We're so thankful to offer a free event that brings families together. Supporting local businesses truly keeps our community strong and allows us to continue hosting celebrations like this."
 
The event ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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Coggins Auto Group Celebrates Five Years

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
BENNINGTON, Vt. — The family-owned Coggins Auto Group is celebrating five years of operations: Coggins Toyota of Bennington and Coggins Honda of Bennington, and Coggins of the Berkshires in nearby Massachusetts.
 
Mike Coggins purchased three dealerships — Honda, Toyota and Ford — in 2020 with a goal to restore trust and a "true sense of community-minded dealership culture." 
 
"My primary focus from day one was bringing back that connection to the region," Coggins had said back 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."
 
The Ford dealership was sold off in 2023 and Coggins of the Berkshires, with sales and services for used cars, opened the same year in Pittsfield, Mass. 
 
According to Coggins Auto Group, the dealerships had social media ratings of two stars when they were purchased; now all Coggins locations are garnering more than four stars in customer satisfaction reviews. 
 
"We sell cars, and we fix cars, and our goal is just to make our customers happy, and keep our employees happy, and that's what's made this really work these last few years," said General Manager Scott O'Connell.
 
Coggins Auto Group is also involved in events that benefit the community, including its popular annual charity golf tournament that funds local charities and organizations such as the Bennington Little League.
 
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