DIFFERENCE
Wheelers Family Auto Group received the WATEA Friend of the Industry Award
Wheelers Family Auto Group received the WATEA Friend of the Industry Award.
The Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association honored us at its 2026 Annual Meeting & Celebration in Wausau.
By the Wheelers Team | Wheelers Family Auto Group
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) presented Wheelers Family Auto Group with its Friend of the Industry Award at the association’s annual meeting at Greenwood Hills Country Club in Wausau. The award recognizes continued support for WATEA and its work to strengthen and promote opportunities in the transportation industry.
A Thank-You From Our Whole Team
We are proud and honored to be recognized. Wheelers has been a local, family-owned business since 1964, and a lot of what we do depends on the people who work on vehicles every day, from the technicians in our service bays to the instructors who train them.
Members of the Wheelers team attended the evening to accept the award in person.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from WATEA. Strong technicians and strong training programs make a real difference for our customers every day, and we are proud to support the people and schools behind that work. Thank you to the WATEA Board of Directors for this award.”
Mary Jo Wheeler, Wheelers Family Auto Group
About the Award
WATEA’s Friend of the Industry Award goes to individuals and organizations that have shown continued support for the association and its efforts to strengthen and promote opportunities within the transportation industry. In the notice we received from the WATEA Board of Directors, they said our support and partnership have made a meaningful impact on their organization and the work it does.
That kind of partnership goes both ways. We are grateful to WATEA for what it does for students, schools, and employers across Wisconsin.
About WATEA
The Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association, or WATEA, brings together people and organizations that care about training and education in the automotive and truck industries. Its tagline says it well: “Driving the training that keeps you running.”
You can learn more about the association at watea.org.
How the Evening Went
The 2026 Annual Meeting & Celebration took place at Greenwood Hills Country Club, 2002 Poplar Lane in Wausau. The event was free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about WATEA and its initiatives. Here is how the evening was scheduled:
| Time | What Was Planned |
|---|---|
| 4:30 PM | Board of Directors meeting |
| 5:00 to 6:00 PM | Cocktails and networking |
| 6:00 PM | Hors d’oeuvres |
| 6:15 PM | The program begins, including WATEA and school updates |
Why This Matters to Us
Good technicians are the backbone of any dealership. When a customer pulls in for a tire rotation, a brake job, or a major repair, they are counting on someone who was trained well and cares about the work. Supporting automotive and truck education is one way we invest in the people who will keep Central Wisconsin vehicles safe and running for years to come.
Thank you to the WATEA Board of Directors for this recognition, and to our customers and team members who make Wheelers what it is.
Experience the Wheelers Difference
Local and family owned since 1964. Stop in and meet the team that earned this recognition, or schedule your next service visit online.
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