By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Elmhurst Auto Group received the A.J. “Toche” Terrones Business of the Year Award for 2019 at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s 101st Annual Awards Gala held on Friday, Jan. 31.
The award was presented toward the end of the awards ceremony, which began with a Color Guard presentation by the American Legion Post THB 187. John R. Quigley, ECCI president and CEO, offered the annual State of Our Chamber address.
Outgoing Chairman of the Board Kevin Kost was invited to give remarks to reflect upon his year. Kost was also named Ambassador of the Year for 2019.
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Ken Bartels and Bill Korbel spoke about his role as the new Chairman of the Board.
Following the awards, Bill Shanklin was invited to the dais to be inducted into the Civic Hall of Fame and to say a few words. He said he first got involved in the community when Terry Elliott invited him to Rotary. After that, he has been involved, not only at the Legion and with veterans affairs, but also with Elmhurst College, the Library, even as chair of the City’s Economic Development Commission.
“The one thing I’ve learned is how much hard work is done by our elected officials and the City staff and work force,” he said. “Being involved in the community, I’ve gained more experience in ways I never would have thought.
“I am eternally grateful for this honor.”
More about Elmhurst Auto Group
Owned and operated by Kurt Schiele’s family since 1961, Elmhurst Auto Group currently includes Elmhurst Toyota and Elmhurst BMW, located at 440 and 500 West Lake Street, respectively, along with a pre-owned car lots between the nameplate stores.
“Kurt and his family have contributed to the financial vitality of our community for nearly 60 years,” said John R. Quigley, ECCI president and CEO, “and their dealerships are positioned to continue to serve Elmhurst as an economic engine for decades to come.”
Elmhurst Auto Group generates more than $1 million annually in retail sales tax—which is the City of Elmhurst’s largest revenue source—and the Schiele family supports our military veterans, local police and fire, and numerous community organizations.
The award will be presented by Pete Cruger, owner and publisher of the Elmhurst Independent, the 2018 Business of the Year honoree, and Quigley.
As the grandson, son and nephew of the co-founders, Kurt Schiele is now the vice president of Elmhurst Auto Group, while his brother Brian Schiele is the owner/operator.
“I want to thank the chamber for selecting us for Business of the Year,” Kurt Schiele stated. “On behalf of my family, we are honored to be your recipient.”
Schiele also spoke at Friday evening’s gala event.
“We like working with the City, the Chamber, I truly believe they want all businesses to succeed,” he said in his remarks.
Kurt Schiele has served on the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) Board of Directors, including 2012-13 Board Chair and Chair of the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.
A Chamber member for 15 years, Elmhurst Auto Group was started by Schiele’s grandfather Fred, father Jerry and uncle John as Westlake Import Motors.
Grandfather Fred operated a car leasing business in Hamburg, West Germany, for four years and his son (Schiele’s father) studied automotive mechanics prior to the family’s 1956 immigration to the United States.
Thanks in part to a $6 million sales tax incentive from the City of Elmhurst, the Schiele purchased property to the west of their former Elmhurst Jaguar dealership and construction a new 50,000-square-foot facility that opened in November of 2018.
The Schieles opened one of Toyota’s first Chicagoland dealerships in 1966 and Elmhurst Toyota officially celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a party in May of 2017.
Every July, Elmhurst Toyota hosts its annual BBQ for the USO, a fundraiser which draws several military units from throughout the area for demonstrations as well as a barbecue and other family-friendly activities. The effort has raises more than $20,000 each year.
Elmhurst Auto Group also owned and operated a Jaguar dealership located west of the old BMW facility for more than 50 years, but has more than replaced the luxury nameplate’s business with an expanding market for their sales of pre-owned vehicles.
[Ed. note: Information for this story was provided by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry.]
Previous Business of the Year recipients
Business of the Year honorees include Brewpoint Coffee (2017), Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (2016), Café Amano (2015), West Suburban Office Products (2014), Community Bank of Elmhurst (2013 and 1999), York Furrier (2012), Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (2011), OEC Business Interiors (2010), Harris Bank Elmhurst (2009), Diplomat West Banquet Halls (2008), Suburban Bank & Trust Co. (2007), Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge (2006), York Theatre (2005), Synergistic Networks, Inc. (2004), The Silverado Grill (2003), Great American Exteriors (2002), Cardinal Cartridge, Inc. (2001) and Unique Travel Service, Ltd. (2000).
