Elmhurst Auto Group will receive 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 in the main-floor ballroom at The Drake Oak Brook Hotel in Oak Brook on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 5 to 9 p.m. Click HERE to register.
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 Chief Executive Officer since 1999, “and their dealerships are positioned to continue to serve Elmhurst as an economic engine for decades to come.”
Elmhurst Auto Group generates more than $1million 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 annual award is given based on a member’s contributions to the Chamber’s success, to the betterment of both the business community and Elmhurst community, and impact in their field of business, each in the given year and historically, along with years in business and years as a Chamber member.
The award presentation will be made by Pete Cruger, Owner of The Elmhurst Independent, the 2018 Business of the Year honoree, and Quigley.
The annual award, which features a traveling trophy and permanent plaque, is named in memory of A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who served as Chamber President for nearly a decade until his death in July of 1999.
As the grandson, son and nephew of the co-founders, Kurt Schiele is now the Vice President 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.”
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 operated a car leasing business in Hamburg, West Germany, for four years and his son studied automotive mechanics prior to the family’s1956 immigration to the United States.
Thanks in part to a $6 million Tax-Increment Financing (TIF) 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.
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.
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).
The traveling trophy of imported 24% German lead crystal atop a mahogany wood base will be displayed by Elmhurst Auto Group until the Chamber’s 2021 Annual Awards Gala, while an award plaque with a nameplate listing Elmhurst Auto Group is on permanent display at the Chamber office.
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and our community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.