US Postage Permit No 1027 POINT - WATDA Point/DP_Fall_07.pdfJosh Johnson,dealer principal of Don...

DealerPOINT

www.watda.org n Published by the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association n 1928-2007 n Vol. 22 Fall 2007

WATDAPO Box 5345Madison, WI 53705

PRSRT STDUS Postage

PAIDPermit No 1027

Madison, WI

2 l NADA Charitable Foundation donates Resusci Anne doll

6 l Used Car Conferencephoto collection

7 l Wolf chews up the trackat Road America

inside l

15 l New Horizon Center forauto technicians

The trip back to VietnamBY MARY ANN GERRARD

Compulsory military service sent ayoung University of South Dakota gradoff to Vietnam as an ROTC officer andhelicopter pilot in December 1968. Paul

Norman’s assignment, in the CentralHighlands northwest of Saigon, near theborder between South Vietnam,Cambodia and Laos, was to pilot a heli-copter in an air cavalry troop that con-ducted reconnaissance missions near the

Ho Chi Minh Trail.Conditions on his base were in

Norman’s words “very bleak, no grass,outhouses, cold showers under tanks ofwater.” He flew a UH-1H (“Huey”) heli-copter, dropping troops into landingzones in the jungle and then getting themout quickly, sometimes under heavyenemy fire. He was a young man whoquestioned the war he was fighting.

In April, Norman went back toVietnam with old friends Larry andDiane Blackman. It was, he said, thegreatest trip he ever took. Norman want-ed to see and experience the whole coun-try, including the parts he had never seenwhile stationed there in an earlier time.

“The thought of getting killed for some-thing I didn’t believe in was always closeto the surface, and I was often afraidwhen flying missions,” Norman said.“We were based at Camp Enari nearPleiku in the Central Highlands, but flewour missions from smaller airfields andfire base camps in different parts of theHighlands. Generally, the only civilianVietnamese I encountered were those

Randal Hofmaier of Lomira AutoSales and Service in Lomira is the 2008Used Car Dealer of the Year. Hofmaierwas presented with the award at theannual Used Car Conference Sept. 24 atGlacier Canyon Resort in WisconsinDells.

Candidates for Dealer of the Year arenominated by their fellow dealers. Theycomplete a very detailed applicationprocess that is judged by DistinguishedProfessor Jack Nevin of the UW Schoolof Business.

When nominating a candidate for theaward dealers are asked to consider thefollowing:

Is there a dealer you believe is doinga particularly good job selling and mer-chandising used cars?

Is there a dealer best known for thor-ough service?

Is there a dealer who is involved incivic affairs over and above regulardaily management of his or her dealer-ship?

Is there one dealer whose work andactivities have greatly contributed to theeconomic growth of the overall commu-nity?

Is there a dealer you know who isinvolved in assisting fellow dealers andthe automotive industry in general?

In his introduction of Hofmaier, Jim

Flynn of Flynn Motors in Beaver Damsaid, “I can’t think of a more deservingdealer for the award. Randy Hofmaier isa credit to the industry.”

Hofmaier employs 13 people, has avery successful service and sales depart-ment, purchased from previous dealer-ship owner Jim O’Connor in 2000. Inhis acceptance speech Hofmaier said, “Ihave only worked for one man, all 29years that I have been in the car busi-

ness and I feel fortunate to have toopportunity Jim gave me. We are aboutto celebrate our 25th year in business onOct. 9 and winning this award makes2007 a pretty special year for me.”

Hofmaier, always gracious and hum-ble, noted how much gratitude he hasfor the dedication and hard work of hisstaff. Lomira Auto Sales and Service is ateam effort kind of place, led by a realwinner — Hofmaier.

Hofmaier 2008 Used Car Dealer of the Year

Jim Flynn, left, joins Randy and Cheryl Hofmaier, and Rich Sack, Used Car Council mem-ber.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11Paul Norman, WATDA’s outside attorney with the Boardman law firm, in the late 60s.

Josh Johnson, dealer principal ofDon Johnson’sHayward Motors Inc.,graduated recently fromthe Dealer CandidateAcademy of NADA. Theprogram offers special-ized training for dealersand successors in themanagement of their dealerships. Thedealership is affiliated with DonJohnson Motors of Rice Lake whereJosh is the general manager and hisfather Don Johnson is principal.

Jerry Holz, HolzChevrolet in HalesCorners, celebrated his50th anniversary inbusiness with morethan 1,000 guests onJuly 19, the same datehe took over the familyauto dealership as a 30-

year-old in 1957. Holz is Wisconsin’snumber one in Chevrolet sales.Congratulations to the Holz family!

Emil Ewald was recently presentedwith a 25-year award as a GM dealer atEwald Chevrolet Buick in Oconomowoc.The Ewald family owns seven dealer-ships in southeastern Wisconsin.Congratulations Ewald family!

Phil Nehring of Larsen Auto inFrederic helped the Frederic PoliceDepartment by acquiring a new, fully-equipped 2007 Dodge Charger squad car.

Hiller Ford provided a FordWindstar minivan to the FranklinPolice Department. The van will beused by the department’s crime pre-vention unit for functions includingNeighborhood Watch, National NightOut and other school-related programs.

A groundbreaking ceremony atScaffidi Motors in Stevens Point sig-naled the start of an addition to the cardealership, which will bring a Hyundaifranchise to central Wisconsin. Thefacility is expected to be completed inearly November. Scaffidi also repre-sents GMC, Ford, Lincoln andMercury.

Norm Mueller, Mueller Chrysler-Lincoln-Mercury, celebrates 50 yearsas a dealer on the same corner he start-ed on. The dealership is now 37,000square feet and the business employs25 full time positions. Mueller contin-ues to manage the dealership on a day-to-day basis and serves as a director onthe WATDA board of directors. OnJuly 20 Mueller’s employees surprisedhim with a party. Along with friends,family, employees past and present,representatives attended the party fromChrysler-Lincoln-Mercury as well asState Senator Carol Roessler.

2 DEALER POINT l fall 2007

DealerPOINT

A publication of the WisconsinAutomobile & Truck DealersAssociation focusing on the humanside of the membership and trade.

Address correspondence or editorialmaterial to:

Dealer Point, Editor, PO Box 5345,Madison, WI 53705-0345.

Address advertising materials to: Dealer Point, Editor, 150 E. Gilman

St., Suite A, Madison, WI 53703-1493.Telephone: (608) 251-5577

Fax: (608) 251-4379Web: www.watda.org

Editor l Linda [email protected]

Design l Melody Marler ForsheeMarler [email protected]

2007 WATDA OFFICERSTim Vernier Chairman

Bob Pietroske Chairman-ElectTodd Reardon Secretary/Treasurer

Gary D. Williams President

Copyright ©2007 by WATDA

CENTER STAGE l Awards, honors, milestones FROM AROUND THE STATE l Changes

Steve & Kathy Meinschock havetaken over the Van Horn Chryslerstore in St. Nazianz. The new store willbe known as Schocker Chrysler &Dodge Trucks LLC.

The Russ Darrow Group has

acquired the Kia franchise for its 1901N. Mayfair Road location inWauwatosa.

The Uptown Lincoln Mercurystore has added the Ford franchise tothe Mayfair Road location.

A Resusci Anne doll donated by the NADA Charitable Foundation and presented byWATDA’s Gary Williams enhanced the Three Lakes and Sugar Camp Fire Department’sCPR training program. From left is Bill Weber, Parson’s Chevrolet, Antigo; Anne, EMTOneida County EMS staff, Three Lakes Fire Chief and Gary Williams.

BOB TOLKAN

Robert N. “Bob”Tolkan, 82, died onAug. 11, 2007. BobTolkan Buick GMC inMilwaukee is ownedand operated by hisson, Jim. Bob and hiswife of 57 years, Lillian, lived in Mequonand spent winters in Florida.

“He was in here every day until theend of March, when he broke his hip,”said Jim, long his father’s partner in thebusiness. “He thought of his customers asfriends.”

Bob grew up in Milwaukee and was theyoungest of six children. He worked atHeiser Ford as a service writer whileattending Washington High School. Hebriefly attended the UW-Milwaukee andthe General Motors Dealers’ Sons Schoolin Detroit. He served in the U.S. Armyduring World War II. Back home again,he met and married the former LillianPogrob.

Bob’s father, Jacob, came fromLithuania at age 15, soon thereafter methis Russian mother, Lena, and beganselling cattle and horses. Bob, Phil andJacob started their used car businesswith $2500. Phil was the first to leavethe family used car business to workfor Heiser Ford. Bob and Jacob soonexpanded to a larger lot, then after thedeath of their father, Bob joined hisbrother Phil at Heiser.

In 1972, Tolkan began a new dealershipat the current location, which later addedGMC Trucks and Pontiac to the lineup.

Bob’s service extended to local tradeassociations and the broader community.He served on the WATDA andADAMM board of directors and on theboard of directors for Ranch CommunityServices, a Menomonee Falls-based reha-bilitation center for disabled adults.

In addition to his wife and son Jim,(Sherry) Tolkan, survivors include daugh-ter Carol (Thomas) LaMalfa and grand-children, Geoffrey and Lauren LaMalfa;and Jessica and Benjamin Tolkan. He isfurther survived by Joanie Berman andother relatives and friends. Memorialsmay be sent to the Sarah ChudnowCampus, 10995 N. Market St., Mequon,WI 53092 or the American CancerSociety.

EDIE MILANEdie Milan, widow

of Louis Milan, diedpeacefully on August11, 2007. She was 97.She was preceded indeath by her husbandof 66 years, LouisMilan, former presi-

dent of WATDA from 1928 to 1972. Ediewas always at Louis’ side during all of theWATDA conventions. “She was a gra-cious, kind lady who had a most friendlysmile for everyone,” said Gary Williams.“She had a rare gift to quietly make youfeel welcome.” Edie was also an activevolunteer at Central Colony in the yearsshe and Louis lived in Madison. She wasdedicated to helping those with cerebralpalsy after the death of her five-year-oldgranddaughter in 1970. At the time ofher death, Edie lived with her daughter,Mary and son-on-law, Bob in Milwaukee.Edie was preceded in death by her sisters,Shayna (the late Martin) Lang and Libby(the late Harry) Harrison; and her grand-daughters, Jennifer and Lauren Lerner.She is survived by her twin sons, Dan(Iris) and Don (Ellen); and daughter Mary(Bob) Lerner. Proud grandmother ofseven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Edie is further survived byher older sister, Beulah (the late Herschel)Pritzker, and many relatives and friends.If desired, memorials may be made toUnited Cerebral Palsy of SoutheasternWisconsin (www.ucpsew.org), JuvenileBipolar Research Foundation(www.bpchildresearch.org), AmericanHearing Impaired Hockey Association(www.ahiha.org) or a charity of yourchoice.

ALBERT JUNIOR “BUD”WORMET

Albert Junior “Bud” Wormet ofFriendship, age 75,retired dealer of A-FMotors in Adams,Wisconsin, diedSaturday, September 22,2007, at his home follow-ing a courageous battlewith cancer. He was a longtime memberof WATDA.

Albert was born March 14, 1932 inFriendship, Wis., to Albert Sr. and Mabel(Hovorka) Wormet. He was married toJannette Rose (Slater) from November,1953 to the time of her death in June,1977. He married Penny (Van Natta)Follen on April 29, 1978 in Adams, Wis.

Bud was enlisted in the U.S. Air Forcefrom April 1952 until April 1956 and waschosen Airman of the Month while ontour of duty in Newfoundland. After dis-charge he worked for The FollettCompany, first in Coloma, then inAdams, until May 1965 when A-F Motorswas incorporated and granted a franchisefrom Chevrolet Motor Division. Bud wasthe Chevy dealer in Adams for more than40 years; he received several awards ofexcellence from Chevrolet. His son Taddis the current owner.

DEALER POINT l obituaries

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Emily Mueller-Flanigan and Norm Mueller

00DEALER POINT l fall 2007 3

Bud enjoyed pheasant hunting, deerhunting, fishing, traveling, dancing, par-ties and sports events. His favorite hobby,however, was his work. He enjoyed peo-ple; he valued his customers and employ-ees; he loved the Adams-Friendship com-munity; he treasured his family andfriends.

Bud was a member of ImmanuelLutheran Church, Adams, where heserved for many years as an elder. He wasa charter member and served on theboard of directors for Roche-A-CriRecreation Association (now MoundView Golf Course); he served on theHospital Board for Adams CountyMemorial Hospital; he was a past mem-ber of the Adams M&I Bank board ofdirectors and a lifetime member of the A-F Lions Club. Through A-F Motors, hesponsored many athletic teams in Adams-Friendship including men’s and women’sbowling teams, men’s softball and count-less youth activities.

Bud was preceded in death by parents,Albert Sr. and Mabel Wormet; his firstwife: Jannette Slater; three brothers: JohnLouis Wormet, Herbert Wormet andRandy Wormet. He is survived by his

wife Penny, two daughters, Pela (Dave)Steiner of Friendship and Amy (Dennis)Griese of Friendship; three sons Tim(Linda) Wormet of Adams, Tadd (Renee)Wormet of Coloma and Heath (Jennifer)Follen of Waunakee; two sisters, FrancesWarp of Coloma and Karen Stevens ofFriendship and a brother, William(Sandra) Wormet Adams and numerousgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to theImmanuel Lutheran Church, 243 N.Linden Street, PO Box 219, Adams, WI53910, or Hospice Touch, 321 Butts Ave.,Tomah, WI 54460, or you may make adonation in tribute to Bud via theCaringBridge site atwww.caringbridge.org/visit/bud.

DOUGLAS P. KALSCHEURDouglas “Doug” P. Kalscheur of Cross

Plains, age 43, diedfrom injuries sus-tained in a motorcy-cle accident onMonday, Sept. 3,2007. He was bornon June 15, 1964, toPaul and PatriciaKalscheur. He gradu-ated from Middleton High School in1982. Doug was a journeyman electrician,

currently working for H and H Electric.He also worked for 18 years at his family-owned car dealership, Kalscheur Dodge.Doug loved the outdoors, snowmobiling,motorcycling and boating. He was anavid Brewers and Badgers fan. He alsoloved spending time with his family andfriends. Doug is survived by his father,Paul Kalscheur; siblings, Dale (Diane)Kalscheur, Donna (Tim) Hillebrand,Darlene (Mike) Cook, Dean Kalscheur,Dawn (Chris) Soulier and Diane (Todd)Cushman; nieces and nephews, Chris,Karin and Brian Hillebrand, Cole,Courtney, Cayla, Cook, Morgan, Abbyand Bailey Kalscheur and Samantha,Braden Soulier, Justin, Amanda, Jeremyand Chelsea Cushman. Doug was preced-ed in death by his mother, PatriciaKalscheur and grandparents, John andMarcella Kalscheur and William andClaire Reisdorf. A Mass of ChristianBurial was celebrated on Thursday, Sept.6, 2007, at St. Francis Xavier CatholicChurch in Cross Plains.

Many seas, manyoars, many arms

Your WATDA is a place where deal-ers come together to take care of

one another.There are many seas out there, which

cannot be traversed alone. To makesuccessful crossings, dealers have madea strong boat; WATDA. Each endeav-or calls for more oars, so the boat hasmany oars. Each oar must have astrong arm, lest the oar drag limp andfoul other oars.

It is interesting to see arms other thandealer arms pulling oars, moving theboat. We find the arms of AssociateMembers, of endorsed vendors, ofFoundation partners. These arms givea genuine boost to the boat’s capabili-ties.

I believe that these arms are also amorale boost to the dealers who arepulling oars.

Let us recognize and thank the fol-lowing “arms” for giving your WATDAboat an edge out on the seas:

FOUNDATION BUSINESSPARTNERS

Automobile Dealers Association ofMega Milwaukee (ADAMM)

AYESJudd S. Alexander FoundationJohnson Controls FoundationJournal CommunicationsM & I BankManheim Metro Milwaukee Auto

AuctionNorthwestern Mutual FoundationSnap-on CorporationU.S. Department of LaborWisconsin Department of Public

InstructionZurich

ENDORSED VENDORS

700 CreditAmerican FidelityAutobaseAutoCheckComputerized Vehicle RegistrationConvergent Solutions, Inc.ECP Auto Armor-Daubert ChemicalFirst National Merchant SolutionsGlobalcom Communications Inc.KPAOffice Depot-Business Services DivisionProtectiveR.B. Cotton & Associates ConsultingReg-Trak, Inc.Safety-KleenUnited HeartlandWISCO Inc.


GARY’S BRIEFS l Gary Williams, WATDA president

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

ALD Automotive USAAmerican FidelityAmerican Financial & Auto Services, Inc.Arvin MeritorAssociated Bank, N.A.Association of F & I ProfessionalsBoardman Law FirmCapital Newspapers Inc.Car Financial Services, Inc.ChaseClifton Gunderson LLPCompliConvergent Solutions, Inc.

Crowe Chizek and CompanyCU FleetData Fax Inc.Federated Insurance CompanyFinance Express LLCFirst National Merchant SolutionsGMACGonazalez, Saggio & Harlan, LLPHawkins Ash Baptie & CompanyHouse of Harley Davidson Inc.Jefferson Midstate Auto Auction LLCKeepItLocal.com, Inc.Larson AllenM & I Dealer Finance, IncMcGladrey & PullenMetro Milwaukee Auto Auction

Minneapolis Auto AuctionNorth Central Truck Accessories, Inc.Racine Harley-Davidson Inc.Radco Truck Accessory CenterS & S Automotive, IncSchenck Business SolutionsSentry InsuranceTriVinVirchow Krause & Co LLPVision Marketing GroupVon Briesen & Roper, S.C.Wausau Signature AgencyWinter Kloman Moter & Repp SCWipfli Ulrich Bertelson LLPZurich

From left, WATDAchairman TimVernier, GaryWilliams and BillMills, Lancaster ofMiddleton, at arecent regionalmeeting.

DEALER POINT l obituaries

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

IRA CharitableRollover Credits endthis year. Have youmade your plans?

Each month we feature newarticles and interactive featuresthat cover such topics. Click on

The Foundation page atwww.watda.org


ADAMMAYESAnastos MotorsAnderson FamilyAyres FamilyBallweg FamilyBergstrom FamilyBothun FamilyBraeger FamilyBrenengen FamilyClaremont S. Jackman FoundationClason FamilyCurt Collins & Bob SorrentinoDan & Mary Lynn ToycenDarrow FamilyDon Miller DealershipsDorothy A. Ashcraft TrustEggimannFagan FamilyFrey FamilyGary and LuAnn Williams FamilyGateway Technical CollegeGreater Milwaukee Auto AuctionHaunfelder FamilyJim CarterJohn AmatoJohnson Controls FoundationJohnson FamilyJorgensen FamilyJournal CommunicationsKari FamilyKeyes FamilyKolosso FamilyKriete FamilyLidtke MotorsLink Brother’s Auto GroupLoraine E. SchufflerLynch FamilyManheim Metro Milwaukee Auto

AuctionMark BetzMarkquart FamilyMartin FamilyMike BurkartPommerening AutomotiveRandy & Helen ThomsonRick Symdon FamilyRobert W. Baird & Co. FoundationSack FamilySaul RosenSchlesinger FamilySchlossmann FamilySchneider FamilySchrage FamilyStreich MotorsStumpf FamilyThoma FamilyTrevor ReznerUehling FamilyVance FamilyVan Dyn Hoven FamilyVernier FamilyWACTALWilliam Doll Inc.William G. CallowWisconsin Capital ManagementWisconsin Department of Public

InstructionWormet FamilyWuesthoff FamilyZimbrick FamilyZurich

Contributions toThe Foundation of

WisconsinAutomobile and

Truck Dealers

JANUARY–SEPTEMBER 2007THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

“In our 25 year

relationship

with the WATD

Insurance Trust

and nine years

as a partici-

pant with the WATDA Cafeteria

Plan, we have had many oppor-

tunities to switch our flexible

spending plan to a competitor.

We like the Cafeteria Plan

because it provides better service

than any other company. Why

change a good thing?”

Dan Toycen, Owner, Toycen Motors, Inc., Bloomer

The Cafeteria Plan gives dealers something back. It can save you money.Through

health premium, dependent care and medical reimbursement plans, employee health

expenditures are not taxed.

Call WATDA today for an individual analysisof your business. Let’s see if saving money

makes sense for you.

The WATDA Cafeteria Plan(608) 251-5577

Wisconsin Automobile & TruckDealers Association

An Endorsed Service


We SCAN the cardsWe PAY the postageWe PROVIDE online reports

ANYCOLOR

INCREASERETENTION

Good friends, great learning and networking

www.watda.

org

BY LINDA POULSEN

When it comes to racing, Bart Wolf,sales manager of Wolf’s MotorCompany in Plymouth, doesn’t sparetoo many expenses. He dogged defend-ing Triple Crown winner Mark Mercerfor much of the race, exchanging thelead five times before Mercer pulled offwith a mechanical problem with twolaps remaining, giving the Sports 2000class win to Wolf during the first racesof the summer season at Road Americain Elkhart Lake.

“It’s a rush,” said Wolf. “I think adrug addiction is cheaper than this. A

new set of tires only lasts 100 miles inthese races and when you’re 5.8 sec-onds behind the guy in front of you,you go and buy a brand new set of tiresfor $900!”

His passion for racing brought him afirst place win the June Sprints, finish-ing ahead of last year’s Sports Car Clubof America (SCCA) national champion,and second place in the C.A.T.Nationals in July at Road America.

“A second place was very difficult todeal with after 58 miles of racing,” hesaid. “I lost by 1.128 seconds — a num-ber I will always remember.”

Wolf was preparing to travel toTopeka, Kan., for the National Run OffChampionships where he has finishedin the second and third place in the lasttwo years. Go Bart!


Wolf chews up the track at Road America Bart Wolf’s passionfor racing broughthim a first placewin the JuneSprints, finishingahead of last year’sSports Car Club ofAmerica (SCCA)national champion,and second place inthe C.A.T. Nationalsin July at RoadAmerica.

READY, SET, CLENCH! Steven and I signed up for the tour-

ing option at Road America during theSusie Bonneau Double Regional racesin June in Elkhart Lake. For 10 bucksyou get to take off on the trackbetween races, follow the pace car andyou can see what it’s like from the dri-ver’s seat. Someone tells me that this ispurely a sightseeing tour that never getspast 60 mph. I think this is a good ideaand passengers are allowed, so I goalong.

There are about 10 of us in streetcarspretending we’re in a race. We laughthinking this is probably not going tobe like a race at all. We are in a 1992BMW 850i, driven by Steven, and mymission is to take a few photos alongthe way.

The flag goes down and Stevenbegins to shift, anticipating that sixthgear will be coming sooner than in hismany treks down I 94. I am enjoyingthe beautiful hilly terrain around thetrack and still can’t imagine the “realthing.” We start out nice and easy withall of us following the mother duck pacecar. Then, sometime after the secondlap, the pace car dropped out of thelead. I think it headed for the pits andthat’s when the tour started to pick up.

It’s fast, but I’m scared and the rollercoasters at Six Flags seem tame com-pared to what I’m experiencing.Anything can happen out here, I think.I can smell the brakes burning aroundthe corners and Steven’s brand newtires are squealing around the outsideof the track. There’s slippery gravelthat awaits you if you go too far on theoutside. We are going faster and fasterand I start to get verbal to Steven, whowas a little ticked that the Porschebehind us had passed us some timeago. We were going 104 at one point; Igave up taking scenic photos from thecar, put the camera on the floor andstarted to grip the door handle with myright hand, Hey! the corner is comingup! Oh, my God! And then, Ahhhhhh!

Thank God we ran out of gas andhad to go in. I had a new respect forrace car drivers after I pulled my leftfingernails out of my thigh. There wereoil spots all over my red blouse. I wasglad we were going in. I told Steventhat I could say that I have toured theRoad America track twice now: Myfirst and my last time.


Thank you to our WATDA directors, spouses and friends2007 WATDA summer board ofdirectors meeting in LaCrosse.

Photos by Linda Poulsen

Bob and Liz Pietroske

Bob and Eunice Moody

Debbie and Wally Sommer

Ron and KarenBoldt, Pat Baxter,Lee Bauman and

Toni Kari

Denise Vernier, LuAnn Williams and Roberta Vance

Steve Krieser, Supervisor of the FieldInvestigation Unit, Dealer Section, DMV

Mike and Patty Brennan


A directors, spouses and friends

Frank and Cindy Porth Roger and Mary Schlegel

Mike and Tami Hutson

Leoda Wolf and Chryste Madsen

John and Terri Markquart

Eric Jorgensen, David and Roger Kriete

Pete Dorsch, Linda Poulsen and Lee Bauman

Four endorsed service representatives attended the WATDA Board of Directors meeting.From left is Jerry Baum, Protective; Scott Suchomel, Convergent Solutions; John Roeder,ADP and Joan Loden, CVR.


Bob Clapper, newly electedWATDA director, has apassion for the auto industry

Bob Clapper, gen-eral manager ofFagan Chevrolet-Cadillac Inc.,Janesville, had aninterest in cars froma very young age.

“My father was inthe antique/collec-tor car business, socars were always a big part of my life,”he said. When he was in his 20s,Clapper began working in the carindustry by selling body shop supplies.“By doing that I became acquaintedwith a number of car dealers in theprocess, and the business intriguedme,” he said.

Raised in Clinton, Wis., he has beenmarried to Tammy for 25 years and hastwo daughters. Recently elected to theWATDA board, he said he has respect-ed the work WATDA does for dealersfor a long time. “I had little time to getinvolved earlier in my career, but Ibelieve we should give back to anindustry that has given us so much.”

In 1983, Clapper became a whole-saler of used cars and worked with afriend, Unique Motorcars in Rockford.The next step was opening his retailused car lot in Janesville calledBoschma Clapper Auto Exchange. In1985, he was offered the position ofused car manager at Fagan Chevrolet-Cadillac.

“Ten years later, Jack Fagan offeredme the opportunity of a lifetime,” hesaid. “That opportunity was a chance topurchase a share in the dealership. In2001 Jim Fagan and I purchased theremainder of the dealership.”

In his free time Clapper enjoys read-ing, snowmobiling, and collecting andrestoring old cars. Currently he’s read-ing “Where Have All the LeadersGone?” by Lee Iacocca with CatherineWhitney.

When asked who he would like tohave dinner with if he could chooseanyone, he replied without hesitation:Andy Griffith. “Not only am I a hugefan of his, but we both collect old carsso I think it would be great conversa-tion!”

At an early age, AndrewSchlesinger was inspired tojoin the auto industry

Growing up inMilwaukee, AndrewSchlesinger, presi-dent of AndrewChevrolet Nissan,got a firsthand lookat the auto business.His father Melowned a Milwaukeedealership for 23years and in 1984, asked his son to jointhe business.

When Schlesinger’s father sold hisbusiness in 1993, Andrew purchased adealership that had gone out of busi-ness — one that ended up competingwith his father’s former business. “Itwas an extremely challenging timebecause we couldn’t use my last namefor the new dealership,” he said. “It waslike starting over since we didn’t havebrand equity. You find out pretty fast ifyou’re going to make it or not.”

As a newly elected director (he alsoserved on the board in 1998), he saidit’s a great honor to be on the board.“When you have some measure of suc-cess, it’s imperative that you give backto your organization and community,”he said.

Schlesinger said one of the mostrewarding aspects of being in the autoindustry is making customers happy.“We have the fourth generation of cus-tomers coming into the dealershipnow,” he said. “It’s extremely reward-ing to be able to realize long-term salesand sell vehicles to the great grandchil-dren of the original owners.”

He also enjoys changing people’s per-spectives about the auto industry.“Some customers have misconceptionsabout auto sales and service. It’s veryrewarding to show customers that buy-ing a car does not have to be a difficultprocess,” he said.

Schlesinger and his wife Jill live inthe Milwaukee area and have two chil-dren. In addition to enjoying a roundof golf, travel is another of his favoritepastimes. “If I could sit across the tablefrom anyone it would be HarryTruman,” he said. “Not only did hehave to make tough decisions underpressure, he did so without compromis-ing his principles.”

Superior, Wisconsin native,Wayne Kari, was motivatedto join the board because ofWATDA’s town meetings

Kari Toyota, Inc.,a family-ownedbusiness inSuperior, Wis., hasbeen keeping gener-ations of customershappy for over 73years.

Wayne Kari,owner of Kari Toyota with his brotherJim, said he is proud to serve on theWATDA board as a newly re-electeddirector. In discussing what motivatedhim to serve on the board, he said, “Myfather and I always enjoyed GaryWilliams and WATDA’s town meetings.They have also been more than helpfuland have been a great benefit for statedealers.”

When you ask Kari how he got intothe automotive industry the answer isone you know he’s probably enjoyedanswering many times over the years:“I was born into the auto business. Myfather and his brother opened aStudebaker store in 1939.”

Over the past few decades, some ofthe cars that the dealership sold maynot be familiar to those new to the autoindustry, but a few years ago the busi-ness sold some of the popular cars onthe country’s highways. “In addition toStudebakers, the dealership soldPackard, International, Simca-Sunbeam, and then Toyota and AMC-Jeep,” Kari said.

Today, Kari said one thing that giveshim great pleasure regarding his workin the auto industry is customer feed-back. “Receiving mail and commentsfrom customers who are super satisfied— it’s a wonderful part of this industry,”he said.

Kari, who was born and raised inSuperior, also went to college in thearea. “I went to Superior schools andgraduated from the University ofWisconsin-Superior,” he said. He ismarried to Toni and has three children.He enjoys golf, traveling when timepermits, and curling.

Mike Hutson, newly electedWATDA director, enjoysrunning the family business

Some peopleknow exactly whatthey want to dowhen they growup...even when theyare very young.

Mike Hutson,owner of RayHutson ChevroletNissan, is one ofthem. His father Ray and his brotherDon established the family dealershipin LaCrosse in 1953.

Mike Hutson, who is married andhas four children, says as long as hecan remember he intended to make theauto business his career. “During thesummer in high school I began work-ing at the dealership because I wantedto go into the family business after Ifinished college,” Hutson said. He didjust that after he earned a degree inbusiness management from theUniversity of Florida in 1975.

“My biggest challenge is an ongoingchallenge,” Hutson said. “It revolvesaround attracting and retaining goodquality people and providing an envi-ronment for them to grow and want tomake the car business their career. Thisis a challenge that is never completelyachieved, but it’s a goal to strive for.”

Like some leaders who deeply under-stand what gives people character,Hutson says he wouldn’t change any-thing if he had a chance to live his lifeover again. “I’ve been very lucky tocome from a supportive and lovingfamily,” he said. “The ups and downseveryone experiences are what shapethe person you become. So I guess Iwouldn’t give up any of the experi-ences I’ve had.”

Asked who he would like to havedinner with, either living or deceased,Hutson’s answer doesn’t sway far fromthe industry that he’s been part of forover 30 years. “It would be interestingto have the opportunity to talk to anyof the icons in our business that hashelped shape the industry,” he said.“Lee Iacoca or John DeLorean come tomind because they are innovators whoimpacted the auto industry in severalsignificant ways.”

Tim Vernier, Your WATDA Chairman

Tim Verniercomes by the autobusiness honestly. Inthe 1920s and 30s,his grandfather,Alex Norris, had thelargest horse andmule consignmentbarn in the world.“They sold mules to the FrenchForeign Legion,” said Vernier. LaterAlex and his son-in-law Knight Vernier— Tim’s father — started an automobiledealership.

Today Tim and his brother Stevecarry on the tradition at Norris-VernierAutomotive in Tomah, with the Ford,Mercury, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge,and Jeep franchises.

In addition, just up the street theyoperate Showroom Shine Auto Center,which comprises Showroom ShineAuto Spa, Tomah Tire & Lube,Showroom Shine Auto & Moped Sales& Auto Rental, Haulmark / H&HTrailer Sales, and A+ Signs & Designs.

Tim began working at the dealershipwhen he was still in grade school, fil-ing, stocking parts, and doing odd jobs.He got his salesperson’s license beforehis driver’s license, and worked sum-

mers and holidays selling cars to helppay for college.

Tim joined the company full time in1976, not long after Steve got involvedwhen he returned from a stint in theNavy.

Tim has an MA in English Literatureand thought about teaching, but decid-ed it wasn’t so exciting as the car busi-ness. Tim’s wife, Denise, had a customdrapery and interior design businessfor 20 years, and then worked at thedealership for another five.

Tim and Denise spend much of theirspare time on their garden, golfing, andtravel. This year they began makingred wine.

Civic responsibilities are a seriouscommitment for Tim, and includeRotary and Rotary Foundation, TomahBoys & Girls Club, Chamber ofCommerce, and more. Tim puts it thisway: “Helping others is a core valuefor me personally, and it naturallyextends to the dealership.”

Tim welcomes the time involved inWATDA. “It has been a great educa-tion,” says Tim, “and it is really mean-ingful to work on helping theWisconsin dealer body prosper. Noneof us exists in a vacuum, and we needall the communication we can get, inorder to keep our dealership strategiesfresh, legal, and competitive.”

Meet your directors l profiles of your WATDA directors

who worked on the base.”Pleiku was the largest city near the base

and was “in desperate shape sufferingthrough the ravages of war for years,”Norman said. On his return trip,Norman and his friend Larry found thelittle Family Hotel in a city calledKontum, north of Pleiku; it served as agreat base camp for the places Normanwanted to revisit.

Few Caucasians ever ventured so far offthe tourist path, but the family who oper-ated the hotel openly welcomed them.Transportation was difficult to arrange,but the family willingly acted as theirguide, driving them throughout theregion. They found the old abandonedairfield near Dak To, a place from whichmissions frequently had been flown andwhich Norman had always been so grate-ful to see after each troop insertion andextraction.

They also located the valley where hishelicopter was damaged in a rocketattack. “I survived the attack and wasflown to Japan where I stayed for sixweeks recuperating from shrapnelwounds.” Norman later received thePurple Heart for this incident. He alsoreceived three Distinguished Flying Crossawards, an Air Medal for Valor and aBronze Star during his 12-month tour.

The trip back to the big, bustling andmodern Ho Chi Minh City, formerlySaigon, left little evidence of the brutalwar that once ravaged the country. Avisit to the War Remnants Museum was avivid reminder. Evidence of the uncon-scionable actions that happen in war were

authentically captured in that museum.As if to break those memories, Normanfocused on the fun of finding a Huey heli-copter perched out front of the museum.“I was actually a very good helicopterpilot,” he said convincingly, yet humbledby the comment and his memories.

The travelers took in Cambodia andthe Angkor Wat Ruins for an evening ofexquisite dining at the foot of a flood littemple. Then back to Ho Chi Minh Cityfor further exploration of Buddhist tem-ples and other normal tourist attractions.From there, they took a trip to theMekong Delta where snakes dangledfrom the canopy of trees along the river.

They enjoyedHue, the formerImperial Capital ofVietnam, and HoiAn, a beach resort“where the streetsare so clean andcontrolled by thegovernment thateven the pimps wearuniforms.” Normannoted that theCommunist govern-ment controls every-thing in Vietnam,but on the surfacewhat the visitor seesis a capitalist coun-try.

“It is a country starting to prosper andyou forget the presence of theCommunist government until you hearthe political speeches broadcast eachmorning and evening over loud speakers

throughout the cities and villages,” saidNorman.

The Vietnamese people were warmand welcoming everywhere they went.And all over the country the restaurantsdelighted Norman and his friends, apleasure all three savored. Before the lastleg of the journey, Norman and Larryparted with Diane who flew back toChina and her teaching position.

Perhaps the most touching moments ofthe trip came on the afternoon when theirguide and driver took them to a Catholicorphanage in Kontum for children withmental birth defects caused by the expo-sure of their parents and grandparents toAgent Orange. They were Montangnard(coming from a French word for all thetribes of the mountains) children, thethird generation still feeling the effects ofthe war.

Norman seemed moved beyond wordsat the devastation that was still felt bythese innocent children. The trip PaulNorman to reflect back on his life, “WhileI was there I often felt terror. I hated it,but I see it now as an experience thatchanged me, gave me direction andmaturity.”

Editors note: Paul Norman is a partner inthe Boardman Law Firm and WATDA’s out-side legal counsel.


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Back to Vietnam

BY LEE BAUMAN

Group medical costsfor dealer-employeescontinue to rise as ratesdouble, triple, or moreover inflation. An agingpopulation and ever-new expensive medical advances assurethe trend will continue.

Dealers face multiple concerns. Forexample, you compete for employeesfrom your regional population pool.Health coverage is a very important bene-fit, therefore coverages and costs toemployees must be competitive. Wheredoes the money come from?

National health care for all citizens willstill be a high cost for employers. Andthere are many downsides. A plan floatedfor Wisconsin called Healthy Wisconsin,which is well intended, but also is finan-cially flawed on a grand scale.

What are your WATDA’s roles?• Enhance competition: be on the

street with our own plans through ourown Health Insurance Trust.

• Provide some form of help toevery dealer, not just those who qualifyfor the Trust. Provide smart, efficient bro-kerage services and third-party administra-tion for those who choose to self-insure.

• Maximize the relationshipsbetween the WATDA Section 125

Cafeteria program with Health Re-imbursement accounts and group med-ical. Stay on the cutting edge with whatnew federal laws will allow for youremployees.

• Fight more statutory coverage man-dates.

• Support ways to get cost compari-son information from providers of med-ical services and drugs, including hospi-tals, clinics, and individual doctors.

• Pool dealers to get thousands ofemployees in a region into buyinggroups and negotiate multi-year contractswith regional providers. Leverage numeri-cal strength through WATDA. This is alogical strategy given the massive consoli-dations and networks taking place amonghospitals, clinics, and other medical servic-es. Pooling takes commitment up frontfrom dealers. It is time to get engaged, toset up a prototype.

Your WATDA may be a small player inthe medical landscape, but we do havecore expertise and an infrastructure thatallows us to lead, be experimental, andprovide broad administrative services.Our strength is in our staff.

Let us know your thoughts. Are youexcited about the prospects?

Editor’s note: Lee Bauman, CAE is presidentof Wisconsin Automobile and Truck DealersInsurance Corporation with over 30 years ofexperience in the insurance industry.

Medical mayhem: Help from WATDA

Norman and one of the children at theorphanage in Kon Tum for Montangnardchildren with birth defects from lingeringeffects of the Agent Orange that wassprayed to defoliate the canopy in thejungle during the Vietnam War.

Norman and a North Vietnamese Army veteran (who fought inthe Dak To area when Norman was there) at an NVA cemeterynear Dak To.


With offices in Madison, Baraboo and Sauk City(608) 257-9521 • www.boardmanlawfirm.com

Are your ads and promotions on sound legal footing? When you invest in advertising or promotions, you want results, not legal problems.But just one poorly worded ad can prove expensive to your dealership — in termsof both money and reputation.

When you’re planning an advertising or promotional program, Boardman Law Firmcan help. Consult us first to ensure compliance with important consumer protectionlaws. We’ve advised Wisconsin dealers for many years and understand the specialissues you face.

To get started, visit the Reading Room on our Web site and look for the article,“The Impact of the Fair Credit Reporting Act on Your Advertising and Promotions,”in the Automotive Services section. Then call us to discuss your needs.

Boardman Law Firm can help you protect your interests in areassuch as the following:

• Franchise relationships

• Dealership transfers

• Litigation

• Licensing

• Consumer laws

• Trade regulations

• Sales and lease contracts

• Real estate issues

• Financing

• Employment law

• Business structure and planning

Paul Norman(608) [email protected]

Gary Antoniewicz(608) [email protected]

Contact Attorneys

WATDA Regional Meetings for 2007

SUPERIOR Seated from left: Pat Ringold, Brian Skytta, James Kari, Wayne Kari. Standing from left:Phil Nehring, Lee Bauman, Dick Moncel, Pete Dorsch, Rolf Grimsrud, Gerald Laberdie,John DeVinck, Gerald DeVinck, Frank Watsick, Roxanne Shuga and Gary Williams

JANESVILLE From left: Bob Clapper, Jean Ruda, Gary Dencker, Dick Stockwell, Brian Bowditch, RayO’Leary, Matt Bowditch, Tim Vernier, Gary Williams and Chris Snyder

SHEBOYGAN From left: Mark Gamerdinger, Mike Wolf and Terry Martin

WAUSAU Seated from left: David Feddick, Joanne Berens, Mike O’Malley and Chris Snyder Standing from left: Steve Brickner, Mike Brickner, Allen Taylor, John O’Malley, RyanLemke, Mark Hoffman, Rep. Jerry Petrowski, Tim Vernier, Jim Cooper and Gary Williams.

GREEN BAY From left: Jim Olson, Peter Moe, Stu Winarski, Peter Mueller, Peter Mueller and HankHorn.

Thank you AYES dealer mentors5 Corners Dodge Inc, Kison, Randy, Grafton HighSchoolAdvance Auto Parts #6459, Carrico, Samuel, PulaskiHigh SchoolAlliant Energy, Staff, 2nd Shift, Fond Du Lac HighSchoolAndrew Chevrolet, Inc., Davis, Brian, Pulaski HighSchoolBenico Automotive, Proehl, Gary, Beloit MemorialHigh SchoolBen's Auto, Blaschka, Brian, Dane County School

ConsortiumBergstrom Body Shop, Masiak, Bob, Neenah HighSchoolBergstrom Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac-Cadillac-Hummer, Inc., Bishop, Laurinda, Neenah HighSchoolBergstrom Chevrolet-Cadillac-Saab, Inc.,Hankemeier, Randy, Neenah High SchoolBraeger Chevrolet, Inc., Garza, Maryl , Pulaski HighSchoolBryden Motors Inc, Bryden, Roger, Beloit MemorialHigh SchoolBud Weiser Motors, Inc., Vandennoven, Don, BeloitMemorial High SchoolCentral Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc., Sanchez, Javier,Beloit Memorial High SchoolCountryside Automotive, Mueller, Rick, PortageSenior High SchoolD & C Auto Works, Widlika, Chris, Beloit MemorialHigh SchoolDon Jacobs Automotive Group Inc, Fisler, Scott,Mukwonago High SchoolDon Jacobs Automotive Group Inc., Albrecht, Joel,Arrowhead Union High SchoolEwald Chevrolet Buick,Inc., Jaeger, Tim, ArrowheadUnion High SchoolEwald Kia Of Oconomowoc, Pasternak, Joe,Arrowhead Union High SchoolEwald's Venus Ford, Inc., Bonesho, Thomas,Washington Park High SchoolF & F Tires, Shelby, Dave , Mukwonago High SchoolFirestone Complete Auto Care #21091, Witten,Walter, Dane County School ConsortiumGarbo Motor Sales Inc, Garbo, Dick, WashingtonPark High SchoolGary WIlle's Auto Service & Tire Center, Payne,David, Dane County School ConsortiumGasper's Auto Clinic, Gasper, Gary, Lakeshore AreaSchool To Work ConsortiumGeiger Collision Repair Center, Dawson, Keith,Neenah High SchoolHesser Toyota, Brightbach, Jim, Beloit MemorialHigh SchoolHoliday Automotive, Beyer, Dick, Fond Du Lac HighSchoolHorter Chevrolet-Pontiac Inc., Hanson, Mike,Mukwonago High SchoolJohn Amato Ford, Inc., Guth, Gary, MukwonagoHigh SchoolJrc Enterprises, Christian, Jon, Dane County SchoolConsortiumKayser Madison, Douglas, Tim, Dane County SchoolConsortiumKennedy Chevrolet Buick Inc., Kennedy, Beverly,School District Of JeffersonKnause Cheese, Gassner, Troy, Fond du Lac HighSchoolL & M Automotive, L., Matt, Mukwonago HighSchoolLakeside International, Mayer, Shawn, WashingtonPark High School s

13DEALER POINT l fall 2007

David Hobbs Honda lends a helping handBY BILL NELSON

When the Milwaukee SocialDevelopment Foundation was lookingfor a 2007 partner for what it envisionsto be an annual car show, it turned toDavid Hobbs Honda, 6100 N. GreenBay Rd., in suburban Glendale.

It was a wise choice.“The urban community has always

been important to us,” says GregoryHobbs, vice president of David HobbsHonda. “This is a family business andif we can help in any way, we’reready.”

The first “Urban Car Show” tookplace on a shorts and shirt-sleeveSaturday in late August (Aug. 25) anddrew several hundred spectators, manyof whom were black or Hispanic. Theywere treated to 50 eye-catching cars,trucks and motorcycles — “rollingworks of art,” as one onlookerdescribed them — displayed prominent-ly at the Hobbs lot.

Many vehicles were “tricked out,” touse the vernacular – customized withthe likes of chrome rims, powerfulsound systems, modified engines andpaint jobs of showroom quality andbeyond. Other entries fell into the“classic car” category, cars at least 15years old and well maintained orrestored.

Whatever the classification, eachvehicle demanded close examinationby the strolling throngs of spectators,pausing often to study the workman-ship and imagination going into eachshowpiece or reminiscing about the

“classics” and their eras.Best of all, proceeds from the show

went to the Social DevelopmentFoundation and the youth development

program of the Social DevelopmentCommission. The youth programincludes field trips, sports leagues and avariety of other recreational activities.Proceeds came from such things as carregistration fees, raffles and the sale ofsnacks.

Also featured in the show were livebroadcasts by La Grand D, 104.7 FM,the southeast Wisconsin Spanish sta-tion, and WKKV (V100, 100.7 FM), aMilwaukee area station specializing inhip-hop and R&B music. An array ofinformation booths were available, too,representing the driver’s license recov-ery program, the Glendale PoliceDepartment, a credit union and an autoinsurance company. And the Hobbs

dealership conducted bilingual tours ofits auto repair facility.

Asked to assess the five-hour, free-to-visitors event, Dale Shuster, SDC com-munications manager, said, “We werevery happy with it.” The show drewwell, he noted, even though severalother car shows were underway thatday in the Milwaukee area. “We feelthe goals of the show – raising aware-ness of our work and fund-raising –both were accomplished.”

The SDC mission, its Website pointsout, is “empowering MilwaukeeCounty residents to move beyondpoverty.”

Planning already is underway for the2008 show.

Editor’s note: Dealers wishing to partici-pate in an AYES program may contact RayPedersen at The Foundation of WATDA,414-359-1500.

Lube Pro's, Hageness, Jeremiah, Beloit MemorialHigh SchoolMartins Automotive Repair Service, Runge, Doug,Mukwonago High SchoolMaster Lube, Ebel, Jason, Neenah High SchoolMatthews Tire & Auto, Steffes, Todd, Fond du LacHigh SchoolMatthews Tire & Auto Service Center, Steffes, Todd,Fond Du Lac High SchoolMatthews Tire & Auto Service Centers, Keberlein,Craig, Neenah High SchoolMichels Materials, Pattee, Rick, Fond du Lac HighSchoolMidwest Truck Werks, Dreslar, Bill, MukwonagoHigh SchoolMr. P's Tires, Pachefsky, R, Pulaski High SchoolNeenah Standard Service, Anderson, Adam, NeenahHigh SchoolNewman Chevrolet Oldsmobile, Inc., Czerwinski,Mark, Grafton High SchoolPalmen Chevrolet, Palmen, Roger, Washington ParkHigh SchoolPalmen Dodge Jeep, Kaufman, Steve, WashingtonPark High SchoolPalmen Pontiac Buick GMC, Maack, Terry,Washington Park High SchoolQuality Truck Care Center, Inc., Farwell, Steve,Neenah High SchoolRacine Truck Sales, Koenig, Scott, Washington ParkHigh SchoolRay's Transmissions, Ray, Neenah High SchoolRichlonn’s Goodyear, Richlonn, Brett, MukwonagoHigh SchoolRichlonn's Tire And Service Center, Nelson, Rick,Washington Park High SchoolRuss Darrow Colonial Chrysler-Plymouth, Mcginnis,Keith, Grafton High SchoolSadoff Iron & Metal Company, Ryan, Melissa, Fonddu Lac High SchoolSaturn Of Appleton, Deleeuw, Jamie, Neenah HighSchoolSchmit Bros Auto, Inc., Kevin, Ramthum, GraftonHigh SchoolStans Service Center, Ruplinger, Stan, Fond Du LacHigh SchoolTim's Alignment & Auto Service, Krawkcek, Tim,Fond Du Lac High SchoolVan Boxtel Automotive, Inc., , , Green Bay AreaAyes ConsortiumVan Zeeland's Auto Care Centers, Gurlik, Ray,Neenah High SchoolVollmer Bros., Inc., Vollmer, Doug, MukwonagoHigh SchoolWest Towne Monona Tire, Manning, Ted, DaneCounty School ConsortiumWIlkes Auto Service, Wilke, Ben, Mukwonago HighSchoolZimbrick Honda, Howard, Chuck, Dane CountySchool Consortium

Greg Hobbs

The first “Urban Car Show” took place on a shorts and shirt-sleeve

Saturday in late August and drew several hundred spectators,

s


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Think green tosave some green

In today’s world “thinking green” is avery popularconcept.Especially in ourindustry compa-nies are lookingfor ways to saveenergy, cut costs,and limit haz-ardous waste.WISCO hassome programsavailable that cando just that for our members. Imaginebecoming more environmentallyfriendly and at the same time savingmoney!

Orion Lighting is a WISCO vendorthat manufactures indoor lighting prod-ucts. Orion products produce morelight and a truer light with a significantsavings in energy. It is so effective thatmany power companies will pay you arebate to install this lighting.

WISCO installed Orion lighting inour office and warehouse a little over ayear ago and have been very happywith the results. We enjoy a much high-er quality light and have cut the light-ing portion of our electric bill byapproximately 50 percent. Good forthe environment and for the pocket-book.

WISCO also has a product that canrid your dealership of hazardous wastefrom parts washing.

The Grease Gator is a water basedparts washer that is completely non-combustible and non-hazardous. VOCemissions are reduced by 99.5 percentby using a Grease Gator unit in lieu ofthe typical parts washer. Grease Gatorsclean 57 percent faster than mineralspirits. Your technicians can effectivelyclean parts without standing over a haz-ardous liquid. Total fluid replacement,costly maintenance services, and haz-ardous material liability can be a thingof the past.

Finally, WISCO offers the BlackGold waste oil furnace and storage tankprogram. This is a total package pro-gram available through WISCO withBlack Gold Environmental, the onlystate licensed waste oil furnace distribu-tion company. Heat your shop withyour waste oil. You save substantialdollars on your fuel bill and significant-ly cut down on your regular heatingfuel usage. You also eliminate the liabil-ity issues you have when you truckwaste oil off your premises. Theseunits use a very high temperatureflame, which make it a clean burningwaste oil furnace.

Call WISCO today at 800-274-2319to check into these programs and saveyourself some green.

WISCO l John Hackman

15DEALER POINT l fall 2007

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BY BILL NELSON

GatewayTechnical Collegeunveiled its state-of-the-art HorizonCenter forTransportationTechnology at agrand opening Sept.20. The Kenoshacenter offers “nextgeneration” trainingprograms for bothautomotive and avi-ation students.

Located adjacentto the KenoshaMunicipal Airport,the Horizon Centerand its educationalprograms are con-sidered a nationalmodel. Its technolo-gy infrastructure istotally wireless and interactive with theInternet.

This is a world-class training facility,state and federal officials said, and willprepare automotive technicians to pass alleight of the Automotive ServiceExcellence certification exams.

In today’s competitive economy,“employers don’t have the luxury of hir-ing and expecting a year later they willhave an employee tuned to produce,”said Emily DeRocco, assistant U.S. secre-

tary of labor for employment and train-ing. “They need the employee ready togo when he or she begins work.”

This, she added, is what the HorizonCenter’s educational programs provide.

Snap-on Incorporated, the notedKenosha-based toolmaker, has partneredwith the college. Not only is Snap-on agenerous donor, but the Horizon Centerwill serve as the site of the first-ever Snap-on diagnostics training program. This willlead to automotive students receiving cer-tification for Snap-on’s high-end diagnos-

tic tools used around the world. The Foundation of the Wisconsin

Automobile and Truck DealersAssociation also is strongly involved inthe Horizon Center partnership. It hasgiven a gift to the center, which will serveas site of the WATDA Foundation’sAutomotive Youth Education Systeminstructor training. Among the scholar-ships to be offered is the Ray PedersenAutomotive Excellence Scholarship.Pedersen is executive director of the foun-dation.

Dealers contribute to make Horizon a successFrom left: HaroldZimdars, Foundationof WATDA BoardDirector; RayPedersen, Foundationof WATDA executivedirector; Andy andKathy Palmen,Palmen Motors ofKenosha; BryanAlbrecht, GatewayTechnical Collegepresident; RobertaGassman, secretary,WisconsinDepartment ofWorkforceDevelopment; EmilyDeRocco, assistantsecretary for employ-ment and training,U.S. LaborDepartment;Frederick Brookhouseof Snap-onCorporation; andDavid Lynch, LynchGM Superstore,Burlington.

Wisconsin labor economists project 630openings per year for auto technicians,Roberta Gassman, secretary of theWisconsin Department of WorkforceDevelopment, said at the grand openingceremony. The Horizon Center will play asignificant role in addressing this employ-ment opportunity.

Ninety-two Gateway students havebegun training this fall in the center’sautomotive technician program, whichuses multiple classrooms and 13 auto baysall integrated with computers.

©2006 Zurich American Insurance Company. Insurance coverages and non-insurance products & services are underwritten and provided by member companies of Zurich in North America, including Universal Underwriters Insurance Company and Universal Underwriters ServiceCorporation. Certain coverages and products and services are not available in all states.

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