Inside:

Dennis Trecek,

Trecek Chevrolet

What is a Picture Worth?

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WE WORK IN 49 STATES WITH 28

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15 ASSOCIATIONS

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www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 3

cial Publication of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association | 1928-2020 | Volume 59 | Fall 2020

A publication of the

Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers

Association focusing on the human side

of the membership and trade.

Our Mission:

The Wisconsin Automobile & Truck

Dealers Association, an organization

of licensed dealers of new and used motor

vehicles, is dedicated to advancing the

common good of its members, consumers

and their communities by promoting

professionalism and prosperity through

education, advocacy, information

and service.

2020 WATDA Officers

William A. Sepic

President

James Moeller

Chairman

Mary Ann Scaffidi

Chairman-Elect

Keith Kocourek

Secretary/Treasurer

Editor

Julie Farmer

[email protected]

Contributing Writers

Julie Farmer

Josh Johnson

Dan Klecker

Bill Sepic

Chris Snyder

Brent Kindred

Art Director

Kristin Mitchell Design, Inc.

Advertising Sales

Julie Farmer • 608.251.8062

[email protected]

Dealer Point is a publication of

the Wisconsin Auto & Truck Dealers

Association, 150 East Gilman Street,

Suite A, Madison, WI 53703.

Phone: 608.251.5577. It is published

quarterly by WATDA. Printing by

Inkworks, Inc., Stoughton, WI 53589.

For advertising information,

contact Julie Farmer at the WATDA.

Subscriptions included in

WATDA membership dues.

Address corrections should be sent to

WATDA, 150 East Gilman Street,

Suite A, Madison, WI 53703

Auto & Truck Dealers Associa tion.

Permission to reprint must be secured

in advance of publication and credit

given to author and WATDA.

feature

What is a

Picture Worth

...................4

departments

NADA Director’s Report .............................................11

New Vehicle Sales Trends .........................................12

Legal and Legislative Update ......................................13

Center Stage: Awards, Honors, Milestones .......................16

Rawhide .............................................................17

From Around the State ............................................18

WISCO ..............................................................20

2020 Scholarship Program .........................................22

Scholarship Program 2021 ..........................................24

3rd Quarter Donors 2020 ...........................................25

Index to Advertisers .................................................26

OF THE WISCONSIN AUT OMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

OF THE WISCONSIN AUT OMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

OF THE WISCONSIN AUT OMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

Only one player knows all

the moves and how to pick a

winning strategy every time

(888) 477-2228

info@dealeruplift.com | www.dealeruplift.com

Armatus provides the industry’s only turn-key solution

for retail warranty reimbursement submissions. Our

dedicated staff and proprietary software guarantee

you will achieve an optimized result.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS:

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

Fully Contingent Fee: You only pay when you are approved



Speed and Accuracy: We’ll deliver guaranteed, optimized results



Data Governance: Your customer information is safe with us

49 STATES

WE WORK IN 49 STATES WITH 28

MANUFACTURERS

15 ASSOCIATIONS

WE ARE ENDORSED/LICENSED BY 15

STATE AUTO DEALER ASSOCIATIONS

8,000 SUBMISSIONS

WE HAVE OVER 8,000+

SUCCESSFUL SUBMISSIONS

$170,604

OUR CLIENTS’ AVERAGE ANNUAL

PARTS and LABOR COMBINED UPLIFT

RETAIL WARRANTY REIMBURSEMENT

Endorsed By:

4 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

WHAT IS A

PICTURE WORTH?

BY CHRYSTE MADSEN

aven’t most of us, curled up comfortably in front of

our televisions, dreamed of traveling to the beautiful

far off countries pictured in enticing documentaries?

Life and reality usually supersede our dreams.

Thank goodness this was not the case for Dennis Trecek. You

may know Trecek as a longtime GM dealer located in Portage

but since he was 12 years old, he has pursued another passion.

He discovered a major love of photography and, as evidenced

by his current work, has become highly professional.

After watching a Netflix series featuring several professional

photographers displaying their specialties, Dennis was

motivated to reach out to one of them regarding the Kenyan

landscape. That photographer being Art Wolfe, a highly

renowned American wildlife and landscape photographer

who has worked on every continent. “I sent him an email

and surprisingly he responded,” said Trecek. Dennis asked

Wolfe’s advice on traveling to Kenya. He wanted to know not

only where to go, but who to contact as a guide. One of Mr.

Wolfe’s suggestions was Frederico Veronesi and it proved to be

inspired. Trecek and Veronesi immediately clicked. Dennis said

Frederico instantly understood Dennis’ desire to travel with

a professional, well-organized group that took photography

seriously. “Suddenly I was wire transferring money to a bank

in Nairobi” Trecek laughed.

July of 2018 found Trecek on an eight-hour plane ride to

Frankfurt, Germany, and then a nine-hour flight to Nairobi. It

was equatorial winter there so the temperature on this 12-day

venture was never more than 72 degrees. The group Frederico

Dennis and

Frederico

Tour Group

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 5

took on this journey consisted of seven people, including

Dennis. Trecek noted that the food and accommodations

everywhere were wonderful, but everyone was there for the

opportunity to shoot incredible pictures. “You would be up

at six a.m., back at camp at eight p.m. and editing, cleaning

your gear and charging batteries until midnight,” Dennis said.

Trecek’s ultimate 7,000 pictures emphasize his profound desire

to document this extraordinary experience.

Trecek explained the accommodations at camp were

exceptional throughout the trip. There was an internet tent

with a computer set up, satellite wi-fi, drinks and hors de

oeuvres around the fire pit along with excellent meals. But

a difference in cultures dictates a difference in needs. At the

Amboseli Resort, guards with slingshots protected the guests

from the baboons, who would steal not only your food, but

your equipment as well. Guests were required to lock their

doors from the inside because the baboons knew how to open

them. Trecek said he heard a banging on his door, only to

open it and find himself face to face with a baboon. At the

second camp at Masai Mara, guests could not travel anywhere

without a guard to protect them from hippo attacks. Hippos

are aggressive and have very sharp teeth. They kill about 500

people a year in Africa. Whether a guest was simply going to

dinner or coming in for the night, there would always be a

Masai guard, armed with a spear, with them. Civilization was

assuredly maintained, with caveats.

As for conditions in the bush, “Federico’s anticipation (of our

needs) was phenomenal!” Dennis stated. For example, you had

to have permits for the vehicles to be off road. Because of the

…continued on next page…

slow government response, Frederico obtained these permits at

the last moment and “it made a great difference in the success

of obtaining good shots”. “Each traveler had their own row

in the safari vehicle so we could spread our equipment out.

Frederico had blankets for us to cover our cameras to keep out

the dust. He provided sandbags to use as tripods on the sides of

the vehicles. He thought of everything,” said Trecek. Veronisi,

who has been based in Kenya since 2002, has dedicated his

life to wildlife, photography, and conservation. He and Dennis

continue their friendship to this day.

6 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

…continued on next page…

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 7

8 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

Two National Parks were on the Trecek itinerary, Amboseli

and Masai Mara both in Kenya and Dennis pointed out

the frequently visited “Disney-fied” African park, Krueger

National Park in South Africa, was not one of them and he

had purposely avoided it. While that park certainly has its

beauty, Dennis and his fellow travelers had come to Kenya

with a different purpose. To capture as many professional

pictures of this beautiful land and its inhabitants as possible

and to see the yearly migration of the wildebeests, called “The

Great Migration”.

“The experience of the trip had a deeper impact on me than

I thought it would. Watching the animals in their habitat

was amazing. We followed a pride of five cheetahs that

hunted together and watched them take down a gazelle.

Cheetahs are normally solitary animals and do not travel in

packs. In addition, these were siblings and traveled together

for years. We were told it was the first time in the park this

“togetherness” had occurred so our opportunity to document

them was special.” At times, Dennis struggles for words

when trying to describe all that he saw during his twelve-day

adventure. However, when you see his pictures every detail is

explained, and words are unnecessary.

The highlight of the trip was the wildebeest migration, the

incredible event in nature that is considered “one of the

seven wonders of the natural world” by National Geographic.

The migration takes place across Kenya’s Masai Mara and

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Dennis stated, “The

wildebeest migrate in search of new grass. As it happened,

while his group was there, wildebeest had not begun their

search for new food and water yet and chances of the

migration happening during their stay began to slip away.

Then, on the second to last day of their stay, overnight. the

wildebeest began their return.

Envision the sight of over two million wildebeest, thousands

of zebras and Thomson gazelles that join on this nearly 500-

mile journey. A journey that also attracts the carnivores of

the “circle of life” who will prey upon a great many before

the trek ends. The lions, cheetahs and leopards are always

near. Crocodiles are always a threat at river crossings. Yet for

thousands of years, for reasons scientists and naturalists do

not understand, the migration continues, unabated, and awe-

inspiring to witness. The rumble of millions of hooves vibrates

through your body as the wildebeests stampede past. Dennis

tried to explain the smell that came to him as the creatures

tore through the shrubs, almost like sage perfume. He said, “I

turned to ask Frederico ‘what is that smell?’ and he looked at

me excitedly and replied ‘That is caused by the large number

of animals rushing past. Their fur brushing the shrubs, the

friction of their bodies, mixed with the dust that is being

kicked up. This is the only place on earth you will ever smell

this.’ It was absolutely amazing.” On and on the wildebeests

continued. Imagine, nearly forty miles of wildebeests.

It’s not a cliché to say the experience of this trip was life

changing for Trecek. He will say so himself. The proof, of

course, is celebrated and immortalized through the lens of his

camera.

“I’d love to go back,” Dennis said enthusiastically. “I’d also like

to go to Rwanda and photograph the mountain gorillas.” We

can only hope that he does, and we become the beneficiaries

of his talent.

And it all began with a Netlflix special.

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 9

WE'RE BRINGING THE

2021 SHOW TO YOU!

All the excitement you love and expect from the NADA Show is coming

to you virtually—dynamic speakers, franchise meetings, education

sessions, dealer networking and, of course, the NADA Expo, the

virtual dealer marketplace where business gets done.

NADA SHOW 2021 IS GOING VIRTUAL

Tuesday-Thursday, February 9-11

Registration is now open.

Join the Experience!

Visit nadashow.org to learn more.

10 DEALER POINT » SPRING 2020 » www.watda.org

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 11

NADA Report

JOSHUA JOHNSON • [email protected]

s the country continues to work and

get past a devastating pandemic,

a contentious Presidential election,

and countless other changes from this year,

Wisconsin’s auto dealers have stood strong

through it all. I commend all dealers for

withstanding the challenges of 2020—and

for operating your dealerships safely and responsibly for the

benefit of thousands of our customers and employees. As we

approach the end of this highly unpredictable year, there are

two important announcements from the National Automobile

Dealers Association.

First and foremost, NADA President and CEO Peter Welch

will be retiring at the end of this year. Peter has been a

consummate advocate for dealers during his seven-year tenure

at our national association. On October 20, NADA announced

that Mike Stanton will succeed Peter and serve as the next

NADA President and CEO. Mike has served as NADA’s COO

since 2018, where he oversees daily operations. He previously

served as vice president and COO of the NADA Used Car Guide,

which was sold to JD Power in 2015. On behalf of WATDA, we

thank Peter for all that he has done for us, and we look forward

to working with Mike in the future.

The second update impacts all dealer members’ travel plans

next year: The 2021 NADA Show will now be virtual. While

NADA’s leadership has been optimistic and hopeful that we

could gather in person in New Orleans for the annual Show, it

has become clear that we must prioritize the health and safety

of the attendees. As things stand, public health guidance in

New Orleans remains too restrictive to allow an in-person

event by the original January date. NADA is also exercising

extreme caution as a second wave is predicted to coincide with

the flu season.

NADA will bring the Auto Industry Event of the Year to us,

Tuesday, February 9 through Thursday, February 11. NADA

has lowered the registration cost for dealers and managers, so

that more of our employees can now attend virtually.

A virtual Show allows for unprecedented attendance, easy

access and convenience, without the cost of travel and

hotel accommodations. Dealers can quickly access renowned

educational offerings on current topics to help improve job

performance and get real business solutions, including:

• 60+ workshops and education sessions (live and on-demand);

• Franchise meetings with our OEM partners;

• Keynote sessions from industry leaders and experts;

• Thousands of the latest dealer products and solutions at

NADA Expo;

• Key automotive industry news and updates; and

• Exclusive networking opportunities

This landmark NADA Show will be the right place for us to

share best practices after the unprecedented year we have had.

And we can count on the high quality offerings we expect

from NADA, including a revolutionary virtual Expo. I urge

all Wisconsin dealers to register and attend from the comfort

of home. Please encourage employees to tune in as well. For

more information on the Show and to prepare for the virtual

experience, visit nadashow.org.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to serve as your NADA

Director. Should you have any questions or concerns that I

may assist with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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12 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

-23%

-5%

-10%

-15%

-20%

-25%

-30%

-1%

-7%

-1%

-2%

- 17%

-25%

- 12%

-2%

Mar

'20

Jun

'20

Aug

'20

Jan

'20

Dec

'19

Nov

'19

Feb

'20

Apr

'20

May

'20

Jul

'20

Sep

'20

Oct

'20

-1%

3 Month % Change –

and view annual trend.

Compares most recent 90 days vs.

same 90-day period from last year.

YTD Registrations

by Vehicle Type.

Alfa Romeo

Nissan

Honda

Other Japanese

General Motors

Ford

Chrysler

Volkswagen

Mercedes

BMW

Other European

Korean

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000

Car Truck

Toyota

New Vehicle Sales Trends

Wisconsin New Vehicle Trends: October 2020

Previous Two Months Year to Date Year to Date Market Share

9/ 19 9/20

-10/ 19 -10/20 % change ‘19 YTD ‘20 YTD % change ‘19 YTD ‘20 YTD change

Industry Total 39,584 40,988 3.5% 186,525 170,293 -8.7% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0%

Car 6,777 6,018 -11.2% 35,685 26,830 -24.8% 19.1% 15.8% -3.3%

Truck 32,807 34,970 6.6% 150,840 143,463 -4.9% 80.9% 84.2% 3.3%

Japanese 14,230 13,520 -5.0% 65,585 56,980 -13.1% 35.1% 33.4% -1.7%

Toyota 4,888 4,741 -3.0% 21,541 18,971 -11.9% 11.5% 11.1% -0.4%

Honda 4,274 3,887 -9.1% 19,658 17,210 -12.5% 10.5% 10.1% -0.4%

Nissan 1,485 1,214 -18.2% 6,899 5,485 -20.5% 3.7% 3.2% -0.5%

Other 3,583 3,678 2.7% 17,487 15,314 -12.4% 9.4% 9.0% -0.4%

Domestic 20,447 21,958 7.4% 98,436 90,396 -8.2% 52.8% 53.0% 0.2%

General Motors 8,857 9,815 10.8% 42,693 39,544 -7.4% 22.9% 23.2% 0.3%

Ford 5,885 6,299 7.0% 28,296 25,904 -8.5% 15.2% 15.2% 0.0%

Chrysler 5,705 5,844 2.4% 27,447 24,948 -9.1% 14.7% 14.6% -0.1%

European 2,264 2,328 2.8% 10,463 9,651 -7.8% 5.5% 5.6% 0.1%

Volkswagen 1,317 1,241 -5.8% 5,810 5,183 -10.8% 3.1% 3.0% -0.1%

BMW 334 392 17.4% 1,709 1,449 -15.2% 0.9% 0.9% 0.0%

Mercedes 259 291 12.4% 1,146 1,255 9.5% 0.6% 0.7% 0.1%

Alfa Romeo 11 10 -9.1% 76 33 -56.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Other 343 394 14.9% 1,722 1,731 0.5% 0.9% 1.0% 0.1%

Korean 2,643 3,182 20.4% 12,041 13,266 10.2% 6.5% 7.8% 1.3%

Other 2,643 3,182 20.4% 12,041 13,266 10.2% 6.5% 7.8% 1.3%

July Trend Report from Scott Quimby

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 13

continued on page 12…

2020 Election Results

BY CHRIS SNYDER

FEDERAL

At the time of writing this article, it looks as though Joe

Biden will be the 46th President of the United States. The

democrats have held on to a narrow majority in the House of

Representatives and the republicans are holding a majority

in the Senate. However, the state of Georgia is holding run

off elections for both U.S. Senate seats in January that will

determine the balance of power in the senate. Its hard to

predict what affect the new makeup will have on policy going

forward.

During the campaign Mr. Biden stated his first priorities are

controlling COVID, and expanding the Affordable Healthcare

Act, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, reinstate DACA

and rejoining the World Health Organization. Those are all

things that can be done via Executive Order. Things that

he campaigned on that will require the cooperation of the

legislature include doing away with fracking and eliminating

the United States’ energy independence, repealing the Trump

tax cuts, raising the minimum wage to $15/hour, forgiving

student loans, eliminating the filibuster rule in the senate and

packing the supreme court. Sounds fun.

Despite an influx of 10’s of millions of dollars from out-of-state

sources, incumbents won all of the Wisconsin congressional

races: Bryan Steil (R-Janesville), Mark Pocan (D-Madison),

Ron Kind (D-La Crosse), Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee), Glenn

Grothman (R-Campbellsport), Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst)

and Mike Gallagher (R-Green Bay). Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau)

won the lone open congressional election and will succeed Jim

Sensenbrenner. Therefore, the republicans hold a 5-3 majority

in representing Wisconsinites in Washington DC.

WISCONSIN

In the state government elections, republicans retained control

of the legislature, but did not achieve a super majority in

either house. However, republican majorities in both chambers

remain strong. Despite very favorable pre-election polling,

Democrats picked off only two incumbent republicans in

the Assembly where Deb Andraca (D-Milwaukee) and Sara

Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) defeated republicans Jim Ott and Rob

Hutton respectively. Senate Republicans however returned the

favor by reclaiming the 12th Senate District in Northwestern

WI where Rob Stafsholt (R) defeated Patty Schachtner (D)

handily and Eric Wimberger (R) beat Jonathan Hansen (D) to

take the open Green Bay Area seat from democrats.

The composition of the assembly will be 61-38 when they

return in January. The State Senate will be 20-12 with one seat

vacant as Scott Fitzgerald’s seat will be open as he won the WI’s

5th Congressional District. That heavily republican seat will

most likely give republicans a 21-12 majority early in session.

Legislative leadership elections for the 2021-22 session have

been held and the results are as follows:

Senate Republican leadership

• Senate Majority Leader, Devin LeMahieu.

• Senate President Chris Kapenga.

• Assistant Majority leader Dan Feyen.

• President Tempore Pat Testin.

• Caucus Chair, Van Wanggaard.

• Caucus Vice-Chair, Kathy Bernier.

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14 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

Senate Democrats

• Minority Leader – Janet Bewley

• Assistant Minority Leader – Janis Ringhand

• Caucus Chair – Jeff Smith

• Assistant Caucus Chair – Melissa Sargent

Assembly Republicans Leadership

• Speaker – Robin Vos

• Speaker Pro Tempore – Tyler August

• Majority Leader – Jim Steineke

• Assistant Majority Leader – Kevin Petersen

• Caucus Chair – Tyler Vorpagel

• Assistant Caucus Chair – Cindi Duchow

• Caucus Secretary – Jessie Rodriguez

• Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Sam Kerkman

Assembly Democrats

• Minority Leader – Gordon Hintz

• Assistant Minority Leader – Dianne Hesselbein

• Caucus Chair – Mark Spreitzer

• Assistant Caucus Chair – Lisa Subeck

• Caucus Secretary – Beth Meyers

• Caucus Sergeant at Arms – Kaylan Haywood

Changes Coming to Odometer

Disclosure and “Exempt” Status

(Reprinted from DMV’s Plain Dealing)

Changes to federal odometer disclosure laws take effect

January 1, 2021

BIG changes are coming for odometer laws at the start of the

new year… and no, you aren’t experiencing déjà vu.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

published a ruling last year regarding odometer disclosures

beginning in 2020. A late petition to reconsider the rule led

to it being pushed back an additional year. Let's take another

look at what this new rule means for dealers and their

customers in 2021.

The law changes the number of years a vehicle is exempt from

disclosure. Beginning January 1, 2021, all vehicles models

2011 and newer must disclose mileage for 20 years.

For example: under the new rule, a 2011 model year vehicle

will require odometer disclosure until the year 2031.

Why was this rule changed? According to NHTSA, the average

age of vehicles on the road today is 12 years old and

that number is increasing. In order to combat odometer

fraud in older model vehicles and protect consumers, NHTSA

implemented this new rule.

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www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 15

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the amount of the expenses those services generate so they can

make an assessment whether the fee is reasonable.

This review by DMV and the underlying concern about the

amount that some dealers are charging are not new. DMV is

going to amend the list of services in the customer brochure.

They provided that list to WATDA and allowed us to share

that list with the WATDA DMV Advisory Committee for dealer

input.

At the time of writing this, the final list was still undergoing

review by DMV, but they did indicate that it would be

completed and published in the January Plain Dealing. The

tentative list of acceptable services, activities and expenses that

can be included in the Wisconsin Service Fee are:

• Perform vehicle safety inspection

• Complete Wisconsin Buyers Guide

• Inspect title to verify ownership and mileage

• Check for recalls. Only franchised dealers qualify

• Purchase and complete required forms and contracts

• Disclose lemon law notices and relevant manufacturer

information

• Collect and remit taxes for customer purchases

• Completion of OFAC verifications

• Information Safeguard Rule Compliance

• Red Flags Compliance

• Transactional document and customer information

security and retention

How will this affect dealers? Starting with 2011 model year

vehicles, you will need to disclose the mileage for 20 years

rather than 10. Forms requiring odometer disclosure (i.e.

MV11, MV2690, Wisconsin Buyer’s Guide, etc.) have been

updated by the Department with language consistent with the

new requirement.

The DMV is working with form vendors to ensure these updated

forms will be available by the time the law takes effect. Please

contact your form vendor for additional information.

SERVICE FEES

WATDA has been contacted by DMV regarding concerns about

Service Fees. Under the Rule allowing the assessment of the

fee, DMV has the right to ask the dealer for an accounting

of the expenses that go into a dealer’s specific Service Fee.

Apparently, many dealers are including activities, services

and expenses that should not be included when determining

their fee. To be clear, the Service Fee is designed to compensate

dealers for expenses related to completing any sales-related or

lease-related vehicle inspection or forms which are required by

law or rule.

Further, if a customer asks what services go into the fee, dealers

are required to provide a written disclosure of the services

included in the fee. This requirement is simply a general

description and WATDASI sells brochures that dealers can

provide to customers who ask. However, when DMV asks for an

accounting, they are entitled to not only a list of services, but

16 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

u Russ Darrow West Bend Stores Support

Kettle Moraine YMCA Camp

For the fourth consecutive year, Russ Darrow Chrysler, Jeep,

Dodge, RAM, Nissan, and Toyota of West Bend participated

in the YMCA Send a Kid to Camp program. A portion of sales

totaling $7,500 was presented to the program, providing the

opportunity for 100 kids to attend the camp where youth are

provided 2,400 minutes of outdoor activities and zero minutes

of cell-phone or social media use.

Kunes Auto Group Pledges $250K

for Gateway

The Kunes Country Auto Group has pledged $250,000 to

Gateway Technical College Foundation to support the student

scholarships in automotive and diesel technology, and public

safety training.

“Gateway provides quality technical training for our industry,

and we believe our most important asset is our people,”

said Gregg Kunes, CEO of Kunes Country Auto Group. “The

partnership with Gateway will strengthen the regional

workforce by creating a more affordable pathway to a career.”

Prestige Auto Supports Veterans

Dan and Lisa Mattoon, owners of Prestige Auto in Eau Claire

recently presented $16,300 to local organizations that support

veterans. Prestige Auto donated $100 for every vehicle sold

in the month of July. Over the past seven years, Prestige

has donated over $107,000 to Chippewa Valley Veteran

Organizations.

Center

Stage

AWARDS, HONORS, MILESTONES

u Bergstrom Raised $165,479 for

Make-A-Wish Wisconsin

Bergstrom Automotive team members rallied to raise vital funds

totaling an impressive $165,476 through their re-imagined

Drive for Dreams campaign to benefit Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

Throughout the month of September, Bergstrom Automotive

invited the community to help grant the wishes of local

children battling critical illnesses, by donating $5 for every

oil change, an additional $5 for each new follower on social

media and they conducted many other fundraising initiatives.

Plus, Bergstrom Automotive generously matched all donations

up to $100,000. All of which generated more than $165,000,

bringing their total contribution to more than $2.3 million over

their 20-year partnership!

"We knew we had to do something big during this challenging

year to help Make-A-Wish Wisconsin grant wishes for so many

deserving kids! We thank our guests, business partners, team

and the people of these great communities for supporting

Make-A-Wish through our reimagined Drive for Dreams

campaign,” said Tim Bergstrom, President & Chief Operating

Officer.

“With more than 430 wishes pending, our largest number

ever, we are deeply grateful that the Bergstrom Automotive

team found a way to make their amazing Drive for Dreams

campaign happen in such a creative and impactful way! said

Kris Teofilo, NE WI Regional Director for Make-A-Wish.

Rhinelander GM Supports

“Keep ‘Em Warm” Campaign

When Rhinelander GM staff found out the local “Warm for

Winter’ free clothing program would not be open this season

due to the pandemic; the team was eager to fill the need by

providing warm clothing to local youth. Members of the

community and businesses have also responded to the need.

Children ages 2-17 from Oneida. Lincoln, Vias, Forest, Price

and Langlade counties are eligible to qualify for the program.

WEST BEND — For the

fourth consecutive year, the

Russ Darrow Group’s deal-

erships in West Bend par-

ticipated in a program to

support the Kettle

Moraine’s YMCA’s Send a

Kid to Camp Campaign.

From July 15 through

Aug. 15, the Chrysler Jeep

Dodge RAM, Nissan and

Toyota dealerships in West

Bend contributed a portion

of their vehicle sales to the

campaign. Darrow’s $7,500

donation provided more

than 100 local kids in need

with the opportunity to

attend Y Summer Day

Camp.

“We are honored to again

sustain this amazing com-

munity program and grant

children the opportunity to

participate in a range of

activities that are fun, infor-

mative and team building,”

said Mike Darrow, presi-

dent and chief operating

officer. “We are grateful to

our devoted West Bend area

customers who allowed our

dealerships to support these

children as they become

involved in nature, find new

skills and create enduring

bonds and remembrances.”

Last year, 27 percent of

local kids who attended Y

Summer Day Camp

received financial assis-

tance through the Y’s Annu-

al Campaign.

The recipe for a wonder-

ful childhood includes

adventure, learning, safety,

friends and fun. The Y’s

camp program builds upon

these components to help

children grow in their sense

of belonging as they meet

new people and develop life-

long friendships. Through-

out the summer, the Y is

able to provide 2,400 min-

utes of outdoor activities

and zero minutes of cell-

phone or social media use.

Russ Darrow Group,

headquartered in

Menomonee Falls, is Wis-

consin’s all-time volume

auto retailer since 1965.

Russ Darrow Group owns

and operates dealerships in

Milwaukee, Appleton,

Green Bay, Madison,

Waukesha, Wauwatosa,

West Bend and Greenfield

representing Chrysler, Jeep,

Dodge, RAM, Toyota,

Honda, Nissan, KIA, Mazda

and Mitsubishi. With over

1,000 employees, the compa-

ny also operates a nation-

wide fleet and leasing busi-

ness, and has its own in-

house financing company.

The Y is a 501(c)(3) non-

profit public charity, which

raises funds each year for

their annual campaign that

benefits individuals in our

community. These funds

allow the Y to ensure every-

one has the same opportu-

nity to learn, grow and

thrive.

For more information

about how to donate to the

Y’s Annual Campaign, con-

tact Rob Johnson at 262-305-

7553 or rjohnson@kmymca.

org.

Russ Darrow Group,

Kettle Moraine YMCA

send kids

to Y Summer Day Camp

Submitted photo

Russ Darrow Group’s dealerships in West Bend donated $7,500 to support the Kettle Moraine

YMCA’s Send a Kid to Camp Campaign. The contribution allowed more than 100 local kids in

need to attend Y Summer Day Camp.

Aug

2020

Page

A05

Clip

resized

53%

West Bend, Daily News

Property of Wisconsin News Tracker and members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

TODAY

MATTERS

MORE THAN

YESTERDAY.

The world has changed and so has your business. Amidst your

moves since COVID-19, has your F&I provider kept pace and

delivered ideas, customer satisfaction, and proﬁtable solutions?

Protective Asset Protection provides the tools and technology

you need to bolster F&I proﬁtability.

Execute for today, plan for tomorrow with Protective Asset Protection.

DEALERSHIPS OR AGENCIES LOOKING TO

LEVERAGE OUR F&I EXPERIENCE, CONTACT

Call Protective’s Wisconsin representative,

James Mercer at 866 477 1434

or visit protectiveassetprotection.com

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 17

TODAY

MATTERS

MORE THAN

YESTERDAY.

The world has changed and so has your business. Amidst your

moves since COVID-19, has your F&I provider kept pace and

delivered ideas, customer satisfaction, and proﬁtable solutions?

Protective Asset Protection provides the tools and technology

you need to bolster F&I proﬁtability.

Execute for today, plan for tomorrow with Protective Asset Protection.

DEALERSHIPS OR AGENCIES LOOKING TO

LEVERAGE OUR F&I EXPERIENCE, CONTACT

Call Protective’s Wisconsin representative,

James Mercer at 866 477 1434

or visit protectiveassetprotection.com

18 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

Join the

conversation

The dealer environment is rapidly

changing, and you need reliable

sources of information more than ever.

Wipi’s Dealer Conversations blog

covers topics and issues important

to you and your business. Join the

conversation.

wipi.com/dealerships

From Around

the State

Please send your news From Around the State to [email protected]

Russ Darrow Mazda Moves to

New Madison Location

Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison is officially

moving from Madison’s east side to 2302 West

Beltline Highway, on the south west side. The

new building is over 52,000 square feet and

has several advanced technologies and energy

efficiencies. Included in the design is a fully

equipped service center, available to all brands

of vehicles. It is designed with Mazda's move to

a premium space in the automotive market to

compete with other luxury brands.

Construction on the new development began in

Spring 2020. “Each feature of the new building is

designed to create a better customer experience,”

said Mike Darrow, President and COO of the Russ

Darrow Group. “This new, state-of-the-art, facility

will also better represent the Mazda brand and

our organization.”

Courtesy

continued from page 1

For over 40 years, Thorp has been a home to Courtesy

Auto and going forward it will be no different. Our

customers will have the option to continue to service with

us at our new location or through All Automotive which has

been under the management of Courtesy Auto since

November of this past year. Both of our Service

Departments will continue to offer the same convenient

pick-up and delivery as they have in the past. Many of our

staff live in Thorp and the surrounding communities and

will continue to support these same communities as well.

Courtesy Auto was built on the belief that customers are

a number one priority in our day, every day, all the time.

Not only is it a good business practice, its’ a way of life at

Courtesy Auto. We meet a lot of good people along the

way whether we go to the East, West, North or South and

the friendships we develop last a lifetime. As a business,

we want to be successful, however, to achieve this we need

to make sure our facility meets the growing demands of

today’s busy consumer. We have customers that drive 2

minutes and some drive for 2 hours to see us. They depend

on our input to help them with a very important decision in

their life. Being well equipped with the products that fit

their needs and a knowledgeable, helpful staff earns us a

customer for a lifetime.

Over the years this local ford dealership has been an

active partner in the Thorp Community and the many other

communities that we serve. We strongly believe in giving

back to the community and over the years have contributed

over $100,000.00 to local civic groups, community

activities, student scholastic and athletic programs,

Drive4URSchool, and other community outreach programs.

Many of our staff members have been involved in the

activities and will continue to do so. We are also excited

to share a monumental accomplishment in that Courtesy

Auto was previously chosen for the President’s Award

which honors Dealerships that have gone above and beyond

their customers’expectations. What makes this award so

significant is that the customers are the judges. We strive

to make sure our customers are happy. This task requires

our entire team coming together from the people that

answer the phone, to our sales folks, to our technicians and

everyone in between.

Courtesy Auto has been blessed with a following of

loyal customers and it is with our deepest gratitude that we

say “Thank you”. You consistently make our day enjoyable

and it is incredibly rewarding when we find the perfect fit.

We are here because of you and since you have had our

back for the past 40 years, we also, will have your back for

the next 40 years. We love our customers for a lifetime!

transformation of the Shopko building to the all-new

Courtesy Auto.

Thorp Courier

Sep

2020

Page

016

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001

Property of Wisconsin News Tracker and members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

Courtesy Auto Announces New Location

Courtesy Auto located in Thorp for over forty years is expanding with a new

location in nearby Stanley. The former Shopko store, conveniently located

on Highway 29, is being revised and refurbished to GM standards for the

second location and is expected to be ready in the spring of 2021.

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 19

Home Run Group Expands Facilities

Kenosha Subaru and Ashland Honda-Toyota dealerships are

both enlarging their locations.

The Ashland store, opened in 2009, has service appointments

booked out three to four weeks; plans to add ten service bays

and six new jobs. Four years after its relocation from Racine,

Kenosha Subaru is undergoing a $1.8 million dollar expansion

fueled by record sales and service.

The Home Run Group is headquartered in Janesville and has

dealerships across Wisconsin and Illinois

Wheelers Adds Merrill Location

The Wheeler Family Auto Group has purchased the former

Stark Automotive Chevrolet store on Highway 51 in Merrill.

The dealership has been updated with the current Chevrolet

branding as required by GM standards. The new location is

expected to create thirty jobs over the next two years.

Wheelers also has locations in Medford, Abbotsford, Marshfield

and Wisconsin Rapids.

WWW.KELLERBUILDS.COM | 1.800.236.2534 |

PLANNERS | ARCHITECTS | BUILDERS

With Offices in the Fox Cities,

Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau

SCAFFIDI AUTO

Located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin

22,000 Sq. Ft. Ground Up Auto Body Shop

“We thoroughly enjoyed the professionalism that Keller exhibited throughout the process of design, preparation

and ultimate construction of our new Collision Center. We are very satised with the outcome.”

- Joel Breitzman, General Manager

20 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

“Vote Optimism to Lead

Business into 2021”

BY JOE MAASS, WISCO PRESIDENT

ho ever said “change is good”

was, perhaps, the beneficiary of

circumstance and unknowingly became the

philosopher of a potential contradiction.

Perhaps we have all needed time to reflect

on the past attempting to recall like

circumstances seeking self-assurance that

the future is unwritten, and we have more

control then we’re told. Business has become

a safe harbor from the dark clouds and gloom captivating the

collective attention and welcome solid ground for normal life.

Thankfully, a national dependent on freedom of movement and

need for transportation necessitates our industry proving the

unnecessary title “essential” is deserved.

Enough of the philosophical prose and let’s get down to how

Wisco Cooperative Association is working to meet our Members

needs: Shifting product demand has kept us on our toes working

with, or sometimes ‘on’ suppliers, to fulfill demand and seek

new sources. The Wisco staff and vendors have done a great

job continuously and tirelessly reaching across the country and

around the globe to ensure our Members are first in line for

replenishment.

We’re putting the finishing touches and beta testing the new

Wisco.com website due to launch in late November. Phase One

will provide Member’s with access to our warehouse inventory

shipped daily and usually received the next business day

including 3M, Weathertech, Draw-Tite and dozens of supply

lines including CEC, CRC, Energizer, Tork, Georgia Pacific,

Angel Soft TP & more. Looking forward, Phase Two, slated for

Q1 of 2021 will incorporate vendor websites for seamless access

to hundreds of thousands of products, adding tools, equipment

and more.

Mother Nature’s mood change is one thing we can all count on

and Wisco’s Warehouse is stocked plus vendors are ready with

your seasonal armaments. Midland Paper, Halron Lubricants,

FMP & MSC have offered up ultra-competitive Wisco Member

Exclusive Pricing along with prompt, often FREE, delivery on ice

melt along with thousands of products. Save money, utilize your

Mike Mader, Partner

+1 (800) 866 2272

dealercpas@bakertilly.com

bakertilly.com/dealerships

We know rst-hand that industry knowledge can mean the difference between

accelerating a dealership’s protability and maintaining the status quo.

That’s why our dealership practice is deeply rooted in industry knowledge

gained from our involvement in industry associations and Auto Team America,

as well as from our experience serving more than 540 automotive, equipment,

motorcycle, heavy-duty truck and powersport dealerships across the country.

Connect with us

Baker Tilly US, LLP trading as Baker Tilly is a member of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd., the members

We operate like a “Twenty Group” for clients

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 21

resources, and put a Black Gold waste oil heater in the shop –

Wisco’s partner is ready to provide the top-quality hardware

and professional installation along with a wide variety of WO

storage.

The unintentional deer hunters will be limping or towed into

collision centers in greater frequency and Wisco’s Warehouse

is stocked with 3M Auto Body Supplies. From abrasives to prep,

masking through clean up, Wisco’s 3M lineup will save money

and add to Member rebates.

WeatherTech has recently announced added incentives to

Dealers stock up. Wisco has a huge supply of floor liners, cargo

liners and the highly sought after CupFones & DeskFones.

With the holiday season approaching Members and their

customers can look to WeatherTech products as both thoughtful

and practical answers to the age old “What would ____ want

this year?” WeatherTech’s is working hard to add savings &

incentives – please call for the latest details!

Lastly, those with fiscal year ends approaching and everyone

looking for equipment upgrades be aware that Hunter

Engineering is offering excellent incentives world renowned

alignment systems, tire mounting, wheel balancers and, the

game changing, Quick Drive or Quick Check systems. For

Service Centers looking to beat gravity, Challenger Lifts has

their full line ready to work.

Thank you to all Wisco Members, vendors and the WATDA for

making 2020 a success.

Auto or truck dealer’s seeking cost reductions on essential

products, equipment or services call 1-800-274-2319 to apply

for membership. One share of Wisco stock will provide access

to excellent service, lower prices, and financial returns through

annual rebates plus interest.

The Wisco staff and vendors have done a great job continuously

and tirelessly reaching across the country and around the globe

to ensure our Member’s are first in line for replenishment.

22 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 23

24 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

www.watda.org » FALL 2020 » DEALER POINT 25

OF THE WISCONSIN AU TOMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

OF THE WISCONSIN AU TOMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

OF THE WISCONSIN AU TOMOBILE & TRUCK DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The

3rd Quarter Donors

July thru September 2020

Pischke Motors of La Crosse Inc

Pischke Nissan

John Schlagenhauf

Paul Schlagenhauf

Schmit Bros Dodge Inc

Shortall Family

Sommer Family

Summit Automotive

Topel's Towing & Repair

Joe Van Horn Chev Inc

Vande Hey Brantmeier Chevrolet Buick

WI Automotive & Truck Education

Association (WATEA)

WI Auto Collision Technicians Assoc, Ltd

(WACTAL)

WI Dept. of Public Instruction

Darrell Widder Motors Inc

Zimbrick Chevrolet

Zimbrick Eastside Hyundai

Kriete Truck Center-Mauston

Kriete Truck Center-Milwaukee

Kriete Truck Center-Racine

Lakeside Intl Trucks Inc./Bill Reilly

Lenz Sales & Service Inc

Lenz Sales & Service – Minocqua

Manheim Metro Milwaukee Auto Auction

Martin Family

Kara S. Nania

Julie L. Olson

Parsons of Antigo

John Paul's Buick GMC

Packer City International Trucks -

Appleton

Packer City International Trucks -

Green Bay

Packer City International Trucks -

Shawano

Peterson Ford

Pilsen Auto Service

Pischke Motors Inc

Larry & Barbara Anderson

Boucher Chevrolet Inc

Brenengen Chevrolet of

La Crosse & Onalaska

Brickner Park City, Inc.

Dahl Family Foundation

Aliece & Pete Dorsch

Len Dudas Motors Inc

Fillback Automotive

Mark & Tracy Fillback & Family

Goben Family

Holiday Automotive

Jerome & Dorothy Holz

Family Foundation

Don Jacobs

Will O'Kane

Kari Family

Brent Kindred

Klein Chev-Buick Inc

Kriete Truck Center-Green Bay

Kriete Truck Center-Madison

INSIDE:

ELECTION

PREVIEW

Be part of this publication.

ADVERTISE TODAY!

For advertising information contact: Julie Farmer WATDA c/o Dealer Point Sales

p: 608.251.5577 | f: 608.251.4379 | email: [email protected]

26 DEALER POINT » FALL 2020 » www.watda.org

No TIME Dealer of the Year WI Nominee

After careful consideration, WATDA has decided not to nominate a 2021 TIME Dealer of the Year

(TDOY) for the NADA Show in New Orleans this coming January. Bill Sepic, President of the Wisconsin

Automobile & Truck Dealers Association emphasized the nomination is very special and we want the

recipient to receive the entire experience that comes with the nomination. Now that the 2021 NADA

conference in New Orleans will take place virtually, leadership and past recipients feel the right decision

was made. The Wisconsin TDOY not only represents the state at the national NADA conference, but

they also are recognized as being the Wisconsin Dealer of the Year. The experience surrounding

the nomination includes being recognized in front of peers and family at the opening ceremonies;

a celebration hosted by ALLY that includes the recipient and their family with a celebrity appearance and address. The

evening is capped off with a reception hosted by TIME for all the nominees. WATDA hosts a dinner the night prior to the

opening ceremonies for the recipient, their family and special guests.

WATDA determined the virtual show eliminates an experience similar to those other recipients have enjoyed in the past. We

appreciate your understanding and will welcome any comments or questions you may have.

Index to Advertisers

Armatus ............................................................................IFC

Eric Baker WI Dealer Law ........................................................... 14

Baker Tilly .......................................................................... 20

Boardman & Clark LLP Law Firm .................................................... 15

Clifton Larsen Allen, LLP ............................................................ 11

Cox Automotive ....................................................................IBC

Delta Dental ........................................................................ 13

Keller ............................................................................... 19

NADA ................................................................................9

Protective .......................................................................... 17

Rawhide ............................................................................ 10

Sullivan Design Build ...............................................................BC

WATDA Services .................................................................... 21

Wipfli LLP ........................................................................... 18

WISCO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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thing of the past. With Accelerated Title, you can

clear titles up to 70% faster* and avoid costly

surprises before they become problems.

Learn more at

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*Based on average industry timeframe for vehicle title release and vehicle payoff process of

18+ days, as determined by Dealertrack data.

DON’T

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Dealertrack_AcceleratedTitle_WATDA_SummerAd_2020.indd 1 8/3/20 9:42 AM

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Buildings and partnerships made to last.

Z IMBRICK AUDI OF MADISON

Thank you Zimbrick Inc. for choosing us as your trusted architect, builder and member of your team!

Specializing in automotive and truck facility design and construction since 1969.

PRST STD

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PAID

Permit No. 1

Madison, WI

WATDA • 150 E. Gilman St., Suite A • Madison, WI 53703

cial Publication of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association | 1928-2020 | Volume 59 | Fall 2020

NEXT ISSUE:

WATDA 2021 Chairman

Mary Ann Scaffidi

Heiser Automotive Group

Milwaukee