Brenengen Blog

Frank's daughter, Kristina Smaby is Miss Wisconsin!

2009-07-02T12:33:00.011-05:00

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
Miss Wisconsin Press Release pdf
Slideshow of Kristina getting her new car.

Rare 'Chip Foose' Mustang lands at Sparta Ford store

2009-05-23T09:15:00.003-05:00

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

Bicycle Safety Fair May 19th

2009-05-12T08:52:00.005-05:00

The 2009 Bicycle Safety Fair will be May 19th 5:30-7:30 at the West Salem Lions Community Shelter.

This free event is for children grade Kindergarten through 6th. Parent attendance for children grades K-3 is required. The event will teach bicycle rules of the road and safety awareness. Pre-registrations will help determine the number of prizes needed. Registration will also be accepted on site the day of the event.

Participants must be present until the end of the event to win prizes. Parents are also welcome to participate on the road course with their children (bring your bike and helmet).

• Drawings will be held to give away three "Grand Prize" bicycles donated by Brenengen Auto Group..
• All participants will receive a free bicycle inspection, free bicycle licensing, a prize, and snacks.
• All participants should bring a bicycle and a helmet (if the child has one).

May is Bicycle Safety Month!

Sponsors
Brenengen Auto Group (Bicycles, Prizes, Manpower)
West Salem Police Dept (Licensing & Manpower)
West Salem Parks & Recreation Dept (Registration & Manpower)
Hansen's IGA (Snacks)
Smith's Bicycle Shop (Bicycle Inspection)
West Salem First Responders (Emergency Response Vehicle Display)
Coulee Region Christian School (Manpower)
Safe Routes To School (Manpower)
Boys & Girls Club (Manpower)

Questions? Please call Park & Rec. at 786-0222

Printable registration form pdf

Bob gets our first 2010 Camaro SS!

2009-04-29T12:55:00.009-05:00

Proud new owner, long time customer and employee Bob Gnewikow takes delivery of our first 2010 Camaro SS. Bob is no stranger to classic Camaro's but he is pretty impressed with this one. After a long wait and several delays, the car is finally here.

Congrats Bob!

Photo Slideshow

Check out this video for a full walk around.

Congratulations Wisconsin Dealer of the Year!

2009-02-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Our owner, Don Brenengen, shown above at the National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) convention with wife Cheryl, is Wisconsin's TIME Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year. At the convention, Don was then chosen as one of only 4 Regional Finalists in the Nation.

From TIME Magazine Press Release:
"The TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award is the automobile industries most prestigious and highly coveted award for car dealers. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers. However they must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to effective community service. Brenengen was chosen to represent the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association in the national competition-one of only 48 dealers from more than 19,500 nationwide nominated for the 40th annnual award."

Ford Motor 'Salute to Dealers'
Don and Cheryl were also honored by Ford Motor Company's 'Salute to Dealers'. Salute to Dealers is a company-wide initiative that recognizes Dealer Principles who generously work to improve the lives of those in need, while providing outstanding products and services. Only 6 dealers in the country are chosen for this award.

From Ford Press Letter:
"Dealers from all five brands, representing more than 6,000 dealership franchises nationally, are eligible for this prestigious award. This year, regional managers submitted 60 nominations from 26 states and two countries. A panel of independent judges from a variety of backgrounds selects the six honorees based on the dealer's activities, length of participation and personal motivation. With each year's group participating in hundreds of causes, selecting just six dealer to individually honor is a difficult, but rewarding task."

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers
In addition, Don and Cheryl were also recently named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers by the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

From Coulee News Article:
Robin Tanke, Chapter President said, "The Brenengens were nominated for their work in West Salem and in La Crosse. This is a couple that really demonstrates the true meaning of giving and philanthropy." she said.

Congratulations Don and Cheryl, we are all proud to be here with you!

WATDA Dealer of the Year Article pdf
LaCrosse Tribune TIME Magazine Award article
read LaCrosse Tribune TIME Magazine Award article in pdf
Coulee News Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers article
read Coulee News Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers article in pdf

Our Child Seat Checks make front page of Tribune!

2009-02-09T13:24:00.005-06:00

The La Crosse Tribune ran an article about our Child Seat Checks on the front page on Wednesday Feb 4th. We are glad they did as the article explains that out of the 133 Child Seats we checked last year, only 16% were installed correctly. This identifies a serious need for our Free Child Seat Checks and we are happy to provide this service to our community.

The Child Seat Checks are held on the First Thursday each month from 3-7pm at Brenengen Chevrolet on Hwy 16 in West Salem. Certified Child Safety Technicians from the County of La Crosse will be there to fit your Child or Booster seat and also show you how to do it correctly.

Quote from the article:
“Business has been steady at the safety checks, but we’d love to see more people,” Silha said. “I think some people are embarrassed to come for help, but they need to know it’s not easy to fit these car seats correctly.”
“We want to help them do it right, and we actually teach them the right way to do it,” she said.

Read the article at Lacrosse Tribune
Read the article in jpg
Our 2009 Child Seat Check schedule
Flyer for our Child Seat Checks pdf
Current Booster Seat Law and guide pdf
Wisconsin Child Passengers Safety Association

Brenengen Auto comes to Tomah

2008-12-16T14:50:00.008-06:00

Brenengen Auto Group is proud to welcome the loyal customers of Norris-Vernier to our family.

Don Brenengen, President of the Auto Group, believes this is a natural fit. "We are looking for an opportunity to bring the Customer for Life philosophy to our new customers in the Tomah area. We think it's a great community and look forward to being a contributing member in the years ahead."
'Brenengen Motors Tomah' home page
What is Tru Discount Pricing?

We are going GREEN, join us!

2008-08-09T13:25:00.036-05:00

At the Brenengen Auto group we have been taking steps and making changes to GO GREEN for many years. In fact, 1998 is the year we installed Geo Thermal heating at our Sparta Chevy store.

Our Founders, Don and Cheryl Brenengen, and the owner group continue working hard to find ways to reduce our waste, use less energy, and lessen our environmental footprint.

Here is a list of what we have done so far:

West Salem Chevrolet, West Salem KIA and Sparta Ford Mercury
1) Waste oil heating for the shop (except KIA store)
2) Converted shop lighting to high efficiency, fluorescent lighting
3) Converted show room and office lighting to high efficiency fluorescent
4) Set back timers for all zones of heating and air conditioning
5) Replace all CRT computer monitors with LCD flat panel type
6) Replaced paper towel dispensers with High efficiency Dyson Hand Dryers (West Salem Chevy only)

Sparta Chevrolet Buick Pontiac
1) Geo thermal Heating and Air Conditioning system.
2) Converted shop lighting from metal halide to high efficiency bulbs
3) Waste oil heating for the service department
4) High efficiency fluorescent show room lighting
5) Set back timers for all heating and a/c zones
6) Replace all CRT computer monitors with LCD flat panel type

Bodies by Brenengen Body Shop
1) Water born paint
2) High efficiency fluorescent lighting
3) Replace all CRT computer monitors with LCD flat panel type

All Brenengen locations also recycle the following:
• Cardboard
• Scrap Metal
• Freon
• Motor Oil
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Computer Monitors
• Starters, Alternators, Steering Gears
• Catalytic Converters
• Emissions Sensors

At Brenengen Auto Group, we are serious about Going Green and continue to take steps to protect our environment.

If you would like more information on what YOU can do, there is lots of information at the links below.
GreenLaCrosse.com website where we are a major sponsor.
GO GREEN tips for your vehicle (pdf)
NADA Green Driving USA site
Ecodriving USA site by Arnold Schwarzenegger
EPA Go Green site and Newsletter
YouTube video review of our Dyson Hand Dryers
GO GREEN Initiative for Schools
Regeneration Global Green movement

ok, it's me

2008-06-16T14:31:00.016-05:00

Digital Dealer magazine was kind enough to feature me on their cover along with a nice article. I am honored to be recognized by this publication. Digital Dealer is an industry magazine covering the Internet operations of Auto Dealers.
Read the article at their site here
Read the article in pdf

A special couple gets a California Special

2008-06-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

Fred Dodd and Deb Killian are the proud owners of a very 'special' car. The Mustang GT California Special is available on GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique “Cal Special” contrasting Dove or Parchment leather inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5 inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear fascias.

Check out the slideshow below for more photos.

Congratulations Fred and Deb from Brenengen Ford-Mercury and your salesman Troy Ziegler. Enjoy your new car!
Slideshow

Kris Kinder wins at June Dairy Days

2008-05-31T09:59:00.004-05:00

Kris Kinder has just won the 5k Table Rock Trott at June Dairy Days in West Salem. Kris works as Cashier at the West Salem Chevrolet store and has been with us for 4 years.

Great job Kris!
June Dairy Days website

Sparta Chevy store reaches 100% for World Class Technicians

2008-03-24T18:17:00.022-05:00

Our Chevrolet Buick Pontiac store in Sparta has one more World Class Technician, Wilbur Filter(left), bringing their total to 3, all 3 that is.

Nationwide, only 4% of Service Techs are World Class Technicians. This store is at 100%.

GM Goodwrench technicians have the chance to become World Class Technicians in the GM STC training program, which provides technicians the opportunity to validate their knowledge and demonstrate their skills to employers and customers.

Congrats to Wilbur Filter(left), Tim DeCrane(middle) and Chris Pearse(right). We are proud to have you!
GM World Class Technicians website

We knew there was more to Jen's hairstyle

2008-03-22T13:45:00.044-05:00

After Frank graced us with his Travolta photo, all kinds of things are being unearthed.

Jennifer Schauf, Business Manager at the West Salem Chevy store brought in this article from the Monroe County Democrat.

Jennifer was just a customer at Curt's Family Hairstyling in Sparta when she was asked to appear in Inspire, a national hairstyle magazine. Jen says she was always asking for new colors and styles and Curt thought she was perfect for the part.

With great style comes great responsibilty.

Our very own Travolta!

2008-02-18T19:49:00.010-06:00

Believe it or not, this was Frank Smaby in 1979 at 22 years old. Tell me he doesn't look a bit like John Travolta, seriously.

Here is our good old Frank today. He still has all of his hair although it isn't quite as high.

Frank is a good sport as you can tell from his multiple Blog entries. Click here to see the "Ramp incident".

Frank has been with us at the West Salem Chevrolet store since we opened in 1991 and we are glad to have him here today. Go Franky!

Nancy Koeneke retires after 28 years

2008-01-15T10:27:00.002-06:00

Nancy Koeneke has retired after 28 years of service as an Accounting Clerk at Brenengen Chevrolet in West Salem.

Nancy started work in 1979 for Curly's Chevrolet and remained with the dealership in 1991 when it became Brenengen Chevrolet.

She is starting her new life traveling with her sister, who's son is Larry the Cable Guy!

Larry has graciously given the 2 travelers his old Tour Bus to use on their new adventures which will start on the East Coast.

Nancy was a loved part of our family here and we wish her all the best.

Larry the Cable Guy Official Site

Rare Shelby Mustang at West Salem Chevy store

2007-10-03T14:22:00.001-05:00

One of only 111 built in Red with the Satin Silver stripes, this car was traded in by it's original owner with only 603 miles on it. The 2007 Shelby GT 500 is an Historic car and we are happy to have it available. Edit: Now has been sold.
Slideshow
Hear the exhaust sound (mp3)
Production Numbers Article
Nice article with Wallpapers

Scott Siver honored in national magazine

2007-09-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

Scott Siver, salesman at our Sparta Ford-Mercury store, was featured in Auto Dealer Monthly as "Sales Professional of the Month". Auto Dealer Monthly is a national magazine for Auto Dealers. Included is a great story about how Scott was 'discovered'. Congratulations Scott, we are proud to have you on our team.
Read the article- PDF
Read the article(jpg,zoom or maximize image)

The Miller's take their T-Bird for a run

2007-08-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Jerry and Eloda Miller of Sparta, WI stopped by Guttenberg, Iowa in their 2003 Ford Thunderbird they purchased from Brenengen Ford-Mercury. They were participating in a convertible road tour which made the news in Guttenberg, Iowa. Looks like they had fun!
This was published in the Guttenberg Press. Link below.
Guttenberg Press site

Jim and Scott switch bodies

2007-07-28T15:37:00.001-05:00

2 of our salespeople at the West Salem Chevrolet store have actually switched bodies. The Before is 2003 and the After is today. We had a few weight loss contests in the past few years and Jim Gleason has lost 80 pounds and Scott Campbell has gained 50. For Jim it was Diet and Exercise, for Scott is was Defiance and the Buffet. Click the Slideshow for more pics.
Slideshow

Boys and Girls Club in West Salem opens Monday

2007-07-14T13:45:00.002-05:00

The Boys and Girls Club of West Salem will be opening it's doors on Monday, July 16th. The Club is open from 10am - 4pm Mon-Friday this summer. A Grand Opening will be held in August.

The Club will be open to ages 7-18 yrs old. There are many fun-filled activities available including a Game Room, Teen Center, Arts and Crafts, Computer Lab, Music Room, and Sports activities. With 20 Computer stations, Playstation 2, Gamecube, 2 Pool tables, Foosball table, and Air Hockey, this should be alot of fun.

Brenengen Auto Group of West Salem and Sparta has donated over $4500 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Salem and Sparta. We believe they are very important to our local communities.
Slideshow
Coulee News Article pdf
Club Programs

Frank checks out the new ramp for 'wreckabilty'

2007-07-03T09:10:00.001-05:00

The year was 1992. The car was a Chevy Cavalier wagon. The ramp was the old metal one. Frank decided he was going to put the car on the ramp by himself and above is the result. Recently we installed new concrete ramps at all Brenengen locations. Frank is shown surveying the possibilities of our new ramp in the slideshow below.
Slideshow

Transformers take over next week

2007-06-25T18:47:00.002-05:00

The new Transformers movie opens next Monday (7-2-07) at Valley Square in Onalaska. The movie features many GM and Ford vehicles including the new 2009 Camaro, Hummer, and the Ford Mustang. Stop in to the West Salem Chevy store for Free Posters of the movie. I was a pretty big Transformers fan so we'll see how this movie stacks up to plastic toys and my imagination.
Slideshow
Movie site
Chevrolet Camaro site
Chevy Tranformers game site
Valley Square Showtimes

Car ads from 70's Fuel Shortage have a story to tell

2007-06-18T18:15:00.001-05:00

I found these magazine car ads from the 70's and 80's. The ads in the Slideshow below begin just before the 1973 Fuel Shortage and continue through the early 80's. US manufacturers were trying to get into the small, fuel effecient car market. You may remember many of these cars including GM's answer to the VW Rabbit, the Chevette, above. 43mpg was great, but good luck getting up a hill.

Many other interesting ads in the Slideshow below including a few surprises. Post a comment if you find the first "Real" Crossover vehicle.
Slideshow (23 ads)
View more ads at adclassix.com

Coon Valley couple takes home the Shelby GT

2007-06-16T09:46:00.001-05:00

Rod & Jean Schroeder from Coon Valley will be taking delivery of the Shelby GT from our Sparta Ford-Mercury store today. The Shelby GT was limited to 6,000 total vehicles produced. We were very lucky to have one to sell to the happy couple. Salesman Troy Ziegler sent a nice group of photos for you to check out in the Slideshow below.
Slideshow
Fan Site
Manufacturer Site
Shelby Auto Site
Wikipedia Article

HAIL in West Salem leaves a few big dents

2007-06-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

You may see our West Salem Chevy store on the news tonight. We had some golf ball sized hail. It lasted about 4 minutes at around 3:30 pm. Most of our vehicles did not get large dents, but as Popeye points out above, a few sure did.