Ingrid Bergman's car "Daisy" has been restored for a local resident and was on display for the nights celebration at Volvo of Oak Park
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Antonio Scalzo, owner of Volvo of Oak Park thanks attendees, the Village of Oak Park, Volvo of North America, and a host of others, for all of their
help.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Many of Oak Park's leaders and business people were present at the
grand gala for the lighting of the tower for Volvo.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Oak Park's Bianca and David Powers celebrating the
evening with the Volvo event.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Oak Park's John Bishop, Director of Special Events for Volvo of Oak Park warms up the crowd.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Probably the last time you will see the Volvo tower with the lights out.....it is about to be lit.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Bobby Raymond Larson dances to the nights beat with John Lukehart.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
Antonio Scalzo, owner of Volvo of Oak Park gets ready for the count down to the lighting of the tower.
© photo by Suburban Journals of Chicago
The evening was filled with lots of praise and good wishes for continued success in car sales for Mr. Antonio Scalzo and for
the entire business community in Oak Park. The great food,
music, and art at the Volvo of Oak Park would make this not
only a great showroom, but it could also double as a fine
night club.
Antonio Scalzo along with David Pope thank the many who helped. Countdown and lighting of the Volvo tower.Volvo of Oak Park Website
December 12, 2006
photo courtesy of Oak Park Volvo
A MAGICAL EVENING WILL LIGHT UP OAK PARK
ON DECEMBER 14
The nation’s only vertical auto showcase beckons from the Eisenhower expressway like a jewel-box. Cars whiz by, not realizing that this unique tower is more than just a showcase for Volvo vehicles. It stands as a symbol of the success of a community --
Oak Park -- and the success of a man who came from Italy as a young mechanic. On Thursday evening, December 14, 2006, VIP’s will gather at a gala celebration to recognize the achievements of a car dealer who took an abandoned piece of land and constructed
first a state of the art car dealership, and then a tower that signifies the gateway to Oak Park.
Two years ago, Antonio Scalzo realized his dream of building one
of the nation's finest Volvo dealerships. Scalzo was trained in the European tradition of excellence -- first as a master mechanic, then as an entrepreneur. Typical of Oak Park is the diversity of Volvo's employees -- racially and ethnically diverse -- truly an international group that caters to the individual needs of its customers.
Also typical of Oak Park is an emphasis on the arts, and the "Light It Up" celebration will also focus on the arts -- in conjunction with Art Holdings of Chicago which will show works by John Mason, Andrew Ryan Robb and Faith Ann Gilbert-Robb and the Oak Park Art League, represented by Roberta Raymond Larson, Janice Elkins, and Nick Bridge. Christopher Holland, director of Corporate Services for Arts Holdings, manages all of the LOOK galleries located within Macy's, including the gallery at the flagship downtown store. In addition to the fine arts on exhibit, music will be performed by classical guitarist Goran Ivanovic (whose compositions have been performed by Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg and Yo Yo Ma). After lighting up the tower, the 15 piece Georgia Frances Dance Orchestra will "kick up" the action as guests enjoy dancing. Oak Park video images will be projected, including photos of the original Madison Street auto dealership which preceded Volvo.
Combine all of these arts offerings with fine food and cocktails, and the evening will indeed be magical. Additionally, a very special car will be on exhibit. "Daisy" -- a 1950's Volvo designed for Ingrid Bergman, renowned Swedish film star -- will be on view. Ingrid loved to drive while in Hollywood, and "Daisy" was identified with Ingrid. Today the car has been purchased by an Oak Park area owner who sought the best mechanics to restore her. Now being completed at Volvo of Oak Park, "Daisy" will assist the dignitaries
in celebrating two years of the dealership and more than 50 years
of life as a top quality vehicle.
Oak Park's notables will join owner Antonio Scalzo, his son Carmelo, and other family members in the countdown that
will bathe the tower in light. Seen from the sky, this tower will
be a beacon of economic development in the community. Oak
Park Development Corporation's President John Eckenroad notes," For the past fifteen years, OPDC has supported the growth and expansion of Volvo of Oak Park, and we view the new tower as its ultimate focal point." Oak Park's new Village Manager Tom Barwin recognizes Antonio Scalzo's accomplishments and welcomes the tower -- "It's tasteful, strong, and blends modern lines with business know-how -- we're pleased to have it." Village President David Pope will speak at the dedication and adds, "We're proud to be part of
this celebration on such a magical evening.
The evening’s festivities will be produced by Oak Park resident
John Bishop, Director of Special Events for Volvo of Oak Park.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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