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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, S ep te m be r 20 ,2 01 8 | 50 Business in Oakville Morningstar Taekwon-Do celebrates 30 years Lockwood Kia recognized as an outstanding employer Morningstar Taekwon-Do's 30-year anniversary is a time to reflect on its many success stories. From its first three months in a small room at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Oakville with eight students, to opening a studio and seeing students competing in World Championships and on National teams, Morn- ingstar owner and instructor Mike Morningstar feels a sense of pride when he sees new, or former students walking through the studio's doors. "I've started having kids sign up for my classes who are kids of my former students," Morningstar explained. "To see people who were 12 when they were taking my classes, and now they're older and married with kids, and they're bringing them back to my class is surreal. It's nice to have that succession of people, to have them stick with my programs and come back with their own kids." Inspiration to open the school sparked for Morning- star when he earned his black belt, and began travelling around the world with the founder of taekwon-do, Gener-around the world with the founder of taekwon-do, Gener-around the world with the founder of taekwon-do, Gener al Choi Hong Hi. The two travelled the globe together for 15 years, teaching at international taekwon-do schools and appreciating the practices. After General Choi Hong Hi passed away in 2002, Morningstar made it his mis- sion to continue carrying out his vision of traditional taekwon-do teachings. Morningstar looks to the future hopeful of continu- ing to teach taekwon-do and help his students learn new demonstrations. The longest operating martial arts school in Oakville, its focus is training students and helping them to achieve their black belt and uphold the values of courtesy. Through the training, participants of all ages gain increased self-confidence. "I don't make my living teaching, I have a full-time job during the day. I do teaching as my passion," Morning- star stated. To celebrate 30 years in Oakville, Morningstar is hosting a multi-cultural party open to all students. Students will be invited to bring in food from their cultures. The multicul- tural buffet will give students a sense of other cultures by sharing some favourite foods. Morningstar Taekwon-Do offers scheduled classes for all ages six and up. Classes run five days a week, and four classes run every day. Morningstar Taekwon-Do is located at 1410 Speers Rd. Unit 5, Oakville. For more information, visit mstartkd.com. Two students from Morningstar Taekwon-Do Amy Wil- liams, middle left, and Faith Williams, middle right at a training seminar in Gifu, Japan. Morningstar Taekwon-Do submitted photo Morningstar Taekwon-Do students at a training seminar in Japan. Morningstar Taekwon-Do submitted photo Lockwood Kia has been recognized as an outstand- ing employer with a place on the list of the top 25 best dealerships to work for in Canada compiled by "Automo- tive News Canada". The management at the Oakville auto dealer was hon- oured to be placed on the list and proud of the em- ployees for making it happen. While the announcement stated that Lockwood Kia had made it to the list, the exact ranking won't be revealed until an awards gala that will be held in late October. The win is being shared with customers who will re- ceive a $250 Visa gift card with the purchase a new ve- hicle from September 10 to 30. The promotion is aimed at showing appreciation to customers for contributing to the success of the dealership and its staff. Lockwood Kia will also be hosting an internal staff appreciation event for employees to celebrate their hard work. "I think it makes our store more attractive for future employees who are interviewing and interested in work- ing here. It takes away the whole negative reputation of it not being that great to work at a dealership," men- tioned Lockwood Kia's General Manager, Mike DeFrei- tas. DeFreitas acknowledges that there's a stigma in the automotive business of stores being filled with male em- ployees. He mentions that at Lockwood Kia they focus on providing a positive work atmosphere for all people. Over the years, Lockwood Kia has seen several chang- es. The dealership opened in Aug. 2014 and started with 18 employees. Four years later, they have grown to more than 30 employees. Many of their new staff members are hired in sales and service departments, as well as a few completely new positions. Kia has also been ranked first in the Initial Quality Study from J.D. Power for three years in a row. Lockwood Kia is located at 2400 South Service Rd. W, Oakville. For more information, visit lockwoodkia.