Baby squirrels here - Isn't that Nuts!

One of our employees from the West Salem Chevy store chopped down a tree in their yard and ended with 2 baby squirrels without a mama. The babies were fed for two days and then taken to the Coulee Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for Animals. During their short stay, they made a stop here and were a popular attraction as everyone had to have a look.

Joe Genardo retires after 38 years in the business

After 38 years in the car business, Joe Genardo will be retiring. Joe is a disabled World War II American veteran having served in the South Pacific. Joe had his own dealership in Hammond, IN and also ran a wholesale and auction business in La Crosse for many years.

Joe has been with us here at Brenengen Chevrolet since 1993 and has been an important part of our business and growth over the years.

Joe now plans to travel the country visiting relatives and friends. He will then be stopping by here regularly to visit us and chat about the 'old days'.

Have a great time on your travels Joe and we will see you back here soon!

Slideshow of Joe and the gang

Update: Car Show pics and video!

The Custom Car Show was a success. Hot weather and Hot Cars! We had lots of Corvettes from members of the River City Corvettes club along with plenty of custom, stock and race cars on display. Check out the links below for photos and a great video walk-through.

Photo Slideshow
Video Walk-through

Car Show to be held at West Salem Chevy store

We will be hosting a custom car show on July 17. Feel free to stop on by or bring your custom or stock vehicle with you for show!

Details:

- July 17 at Brenengen Chevrolet in West Salem, WI
- 10am - 3pm
- Setup at 8am, registration at 9am or as cars arrive
- Food will be served by West view Inn from 11am - 2pm. Pop and Water will be sold by club members.
- Trophies awarded at 2:45pm

Stop in for a great time!

Map and directions to Brenengen Chevrolet

Sponsored by:
Brenengen Chevrolet
River City Corvettes
Eagle KQEG
Boys & Girls Club

Sparta Ford store wins President's Award...Again!

Our Sparta Ford store has won the President's Award from Ford Motor Company 2 of the last 4 years! Congrats!

Press release text:
Ford Motor Company is pleased to announce and congratulate Brenengen Ford-Mercury, Sparta, Wisconsin on winning the 2009 President’s Award.

In order to achieve the President’s Award, dealers must exceed customer expectations every day in every department. The pursuit of excellence is not for the faint of heart – it requires passion, tenacity and, of course, hard work. This prestigious award salutes those top-performing Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealerships that embrace these philosophies, achieving among the highest levels of customer satisfaction – in both sales and service – in automotive retailing.

Congratulations again and thank you to Brenengen Ford-Mercury, Sparta.

Kenneth M. Czubay
Vice President President
U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service Ford Customer Service Division

Frederiek Toney
President
Ford Customer Service Division

Brenengen Ford Sparta home page

Rich O'Wylie continues his St.Patrick's Day tradition

Rich Wylie, Office Manager at our West Salem Chevrolet store has a long history of St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Rich's father and uncle celebrated every year while Rich was growing up. When Rich's uncle passed away, his aunt asked Rich what he would like to have. Rich wanted only the jacket you see him proudly wearing in the photo.

Rich obviously continues the tradition to this day. Thankfully we normally get some good cookies along with a few good stories and laughs!

Another photo showing Rich's awesome socks!
Website listing events across the country and more
Read all about St. Patricks's Day at Wikipedia

Guess which one is the real Salesperson!

HINT: He doesn't have a goatee.

Ryan Grooms from our KIA store poses here with the stars of the KIA Sorento Super Bowl commercial. Ryan actually talks to them, seriously.

The characters are Sock Monkey, Mr.X, Teddy Bear, Robot, Muno and the biggest character of them all is Ryan.

Check out the commercial here
Kia Sorento home page

Our West Salem Chevrolet store now providing Saturn Service!

We are proud to announce that General Motors has chosen our West Salem Chevrolet store as the Tri-State's Saturn Authorized Service and Parts Provider.

This means we can provide all Warranty Repair and Parts supply on any Saturn vehicle.

Our Service Department at this location is open 6am until Midnight Mon - Fri and Sat 7:30 - 3:30.

Bring us your Saturn vehicle or if you know someone with a Saturn please pass the word and we will be happy to help!

Saturn Warranty Information
West Salem Chevrolet Service Dept info

147 Child Seats checked in 2009 with 88% needing adjustment

Last year we checked a total of 147 Child Seats and 88% of them were fitted incorrectly. This shows the need for these checks and we are committed to continuing this program for our community.

NOTE: For 2010 the monthly Child Seat Checks will be held from April to September (and March & October weather permitting).

The Checks are held on the First Thursday of each month as listed above from 3-7pm at the West Salem Chevrolet dealership.

If you would like your Child Seat checked during the Winter months, you can call the La Crosse County Health Dept. at (608)785-9872.

2010 schedule and more information

Our employees raise over $7,000 in 2009 for local organizations

$7,455 to be exact. Employees from our stores took it upon themselves to hold events to raise money for needy families, troops overseas, food pantries and others. Last year we had Bake Sales, a Taco Bar, and various other events.

The Brenengen Auto Group owners then match whatever the employees earn up to $1,500 per location.

The Brenengen Auto Group also donated over 2,500 pounds of beef to local food pantries.

Our staff and owners are proud to contribute to needy organizations in our communities and are excited to continue in the years to come.

Do you have a Smoke Detector in your Garage?

Since your vehicle and possibly gas cans, oil, etc are in the garage, a Smoke Detector is an inexpensive peace of mind. I found a First Alert model that comes with a 10 year Lithium battery for about $16. The 10 year Lithium batteries normally cost $10 for just the battery. The model number is SA305CN.

Make sure to avoid one with a Carbon Monoxide detector built in since your car emits Carbon Monoxide.

I found mine at Ace Hardware, but click below for the same model at Amazon.

First Alert Smoke Detector model SA305CN at Amazon
This post is not a product endorsement

'Packers vs Vikings' Mania takes over Sparta Ford store!

Tonight's Packers vs Vikings game has brought on a flurry of fan-mania at our Sparta Ford store. Employees from both sides have taken over the dealership offices with tons of Packer and Viking garb. There has also been quite a bit of trash-talking going on.

Check out the slideshow below for more pics!

Slideshow

Custom 1957 Bel Air at West Salem Chevy store

A beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is at our West Salem Chevrolet store. We are selling it for one of our customers on eBay.

This car has all new body panels and floor, 502 Crate motor with 502hp, leather interior and trunk and much more.

Stop by and have a look or click the links below to have a look at this incredible Restoration-Mod vehicle.

Slideshow
eBay Auction

Check out the video below for a full walk-around!

Frank's daughter, Kristina Smaby is Miss Wisconsin!

Frank Smaby, Brenengen Blog favorite and salesperson at the West Salem Chevrolet store has big news. His Daughter, Kristina has won the Miss Wisconsin pageant!

As part of her winning, Kristina picked up a new 2009 Chevy Cobalt. Frank was of course the one who made all the arrangements for the new car and is a very proud father.

Kristina will now tour the US as Miss Wisconsin and then compete in the Miss America Pageant on Jan 30, 2010, which will be televised live.

Great job Kristina, we are sure you will make a great role model as Miss Wisconsin!

Miss Wisconsin Website
Holmen Courier Article pdf
Miss Wisconsin Press Release pdf
Slideshow of Kristina getting her new car.

Rare 'Chip Foose' Mustang lands at Sparta Ford store

A rare 2007 Chip Foose Mustang has arrived at Brenengen Ford. Battle of the Pony cars once again with our previous 2010 Camaro post below. This car has only 4,500 miles on it and an amazing candy apple green paint job.

Photo Slideshow
Chip Foose Official Website
Direct link to vehicle at our website