If you’ve ever been to Markquart Toyota, you’ve seen Katie Schumacher. As the receptionist for Markquart Toyota, she is the one with the warm smile and a friendly “hello,” as soon as you walk in the door, and on June 9, 2014, she celebrates her 15-year anniversary with Markquart Toyota. After graduating from the Institute of Broadcasting Arts (IBA) with a degree in cosmetology, Katie gave back to the school as a teacher and recruiter. She did this for more than a decade before she decided to change gears in 1999, which is when she made her way to Markquart Toyota. Originally, Katie applied for a receptionist position at Markquart Motors. She was drawn to the dealership because many of her friends worked there and they spoke highly of it, she said. Although there was not an opening for a receptionist at Motors, the position was available at Markquart Toyota and the people there knew they couldn’t pass Katie up. Fifteen years later, Katie is still the receptionist for Toyota, but she is so much more. She is the glue that holds the ship together and keeps it sailing smoothly—lending a hand wherever she is needed. But it’s not just a one-way relationship she has with the dealership. Katie says she has learned so much over the years and has such fond memories of being here. “I am so thankful to Lee and John for giving me the opportunity to work here and for teaching me everything I know.” When Katie’s not working at Markquart, she is keeping busy directing plays and musicals for the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild and the Heyde Center for the Arts, and hanging out with her mom, sister and goddaughters. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for us, Katie! We appreciate all your hard work and look forward to the next 15 years with you!
Markquart Sponsors Eau Claire Free Clinic
From the first night the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic opened its doors in 1997 at its location in Eau Claire, WI and treated eight patients, to the roughly 60 patients it sees per week today, it is easy to see how important the clinic is to the Chippewa Valley. Offering free, adult-based, basic health services such as vaccines, mental health care, medications and more, the clinic has garnered attention from all corners of the Chippewa Valley. For the free clinic in Eau Claire, WI to keep its doors open, it relies on donations from community members, businesses, services and churches, as well as the 200-plus people that volunteer their time at the clinic. Each week, a business or two from the Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire area that supports the clinic is named “Sponsor of the Week,” and Markquart’s is the week of December 23 through the 27. In our third year of sponsoring the free clinic, we are proud to support such a great organization that gives back so much to the community and encourage those that feel the way we do to give back as well. Visit the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic’s website to sign up for volunteering or donate, and find out more about how the free clinic has helped to make the Chippewa Valley a better place for everyone.
The Boys and Girls Club of Eau Claire: Bettering the Lives of Children throughout the Community
Alaina (9), Evan (8), Logan (8) The Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has been helping children for almost a decade, affecting the lives of more than 1,000 children in and around the Eau Claire community since opening its doors in 2004. The Boys and Girls Club was established in 2001 and opened in 2004 as a place to “inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need it the most,” said Sara Antonson, the club’s executive director. Mary and Lee Markquart, along with Ed Sturgal, the new car sales manager at Markquart Motors, had a hand in helping get the club up and running in Eau Claire, which is why it remains close to our heart. Currently, the Eau Claire club has 800 members, ranging in ages from 8 to 18. There is a Chippewa Falls chapter, which has 200 members, that is expanding into Menomonie. The club has over 40 programs for kids to get involved in and participation is mandatory to be a member of the club. The five core programs of the Boys and Girls Club include the Arts; Education and Career; Character and Leadership; Health and Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Andrea (11), Destina (12) The Boys and Girls Club is more than just a place for kids to go after school. It is a place for the children to learn about themselves and the world, gain confidence, learn about respect, and learn how to make smart decisions in life. According to the Boys and Girls Club website, 89% of members say that club staff and members have helped them feel proud of themselves. “We really want to make sure we help kids to be good citizens,” Antonson said. Looks like they are headed in the right direction. It doesn’t take much to change the life of a child. You can help members of the Boys and Girls Club by volunteering and being a positive role model, or you can donate money to help the club function. If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, go to the club’s website at www.bgca-chippewavalley.org to fill out a volunteer application or make a donation.