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With my 60th birthday now behind me.....

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:33:00 GMT

...I would like to share a very special gift I received from my family at Mid America Motorworks. This video, titled 35 & 60, covers so many special personal and business memories over the past 35 years of my involvement in the Corvette hobby, as well as showing my first car!

Enjoy the sights and music.

The Cult of the Customer by Shep Hyken

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Once again, I'm on the subject of books. My long time friend Shep Hyken recently published another book on customer focus, one of my favorite subjects. His new book is titled: The Cult of the Customer, and I highly recommend reading it.

Years ago while in Dallas attending a leadership development program, I had the good fortune of meeting and flying home with Shep. Since that fortuitous meeting, we have used his services repeatedly to assist in training the Mid America Motorworks Team on customer centered services.

Over the last ten plus years, Shep has assisted Mid America Motorworks in developing real world, big picture concepts of Creating Moments of Magic for our customers. Even working on the concept of how to turn that Moment of Misery into that Moment of Magic.

Most likely, we have all had those Moments of Misery happen to us. Reflect back to those awful times you have experienced when you had to return a product. Think of the times you have been disappointed, and how you felt. Think of the times that the return was really turned into a Moment of Magic. Yeah, that's what Shep has helped our team understand.

I can highly recommend Shep's services and his ability to teach, entertain and take your company and company views of Customer Services to a new and higher level - How to Create those Moments of Magic.

You might also get a small view into our company on page 99 and 100!

My First Corvette

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:34:00 GMT

A person's first Corvette is one of those GIGANTIC moments in many of our lives that is never forgotten. I remember the first sight of it; the first time I sat in it and drove it. I remember many other firsts in the Marina Blue 1967 Convertible. It was my first Corvette; it was the motivator to start the Mid America Corvette Corvette Club here in Effingham. My first NCCC event Corvette. The Corvette that I owned when I joined NCRS in 1975.

Without owning this Corvette, I would never have started Mid America Motorworks! That car was my first shipping and receiving dock!

Over the 35 years I have operated Mid America Motorworks and as I have bought, sold and collected over 300 Corvettes in my lifetime, I get one common question. What year is your favorite Corvette? Well, check out the picture below. My First, My Favorite and the "prettiest" Corvette ever made!

Darndest Thing Happened to Me On the Way to Mt. Tremblant.

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:13:00 GMT

Several years ago, Mid America Motorworks had hired an outside "resource' to put on a one day presentation about shows and displays. Our booking of the "resource" was done in response to a direct mail presentation and subsequent emails and phone conversations.

As the day unfolded, we got more than we bargained for in the presentation, and so did our speaker, Barry Siskind. Barry also got the all too common notice that his flight schedule had been altered by the airline and that he would not be able to catch an early evening flight back home to Ontario. "Ontario," I said. "Well, we just happen to be flying out tonight from Effingham to Mt. Tremblant, Canada for Michael and Blake to race formula cars. Can we take you home?" Silly question! He quickly replied, "Yes!"

On our way to Canada, our conversation ranged from the activities of the day, Mid America Motorworks business, Corvettes and finally, Barry's next project; a new book he was writing - a book on selling. As we chatted on the book’s content, Barry stated that maybe he would use part of my story in the book. "That would be cool," was my response.

Shortly thereafter we landed in Toronto, dropped Barry off, and flew on to Mt. Tremblant. Several years went by and one day I got a package in the mail with a book in it. Interesting. I did not order this book. What is it? A book with the title: Selling From the Inside Out, written by Barry Siskind.

Along with the book was a very kind letter reminding me of the trip to Toronto and his comments about his new book. Barry suggested that I check out pages 158-161. Sure enough, there was his version of my story. Pretty cool.

New episode of One on One with Alex Ruggieri featuring Mike Yager.

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:55:00 GMT

Watch an all new episode of One on One with Alex Ruggierie featuring Mike Yager. Mike Yager began his business when as a young man he borrowed $500.00 to purchase some patches and T-shirts which he had planned to sell at a Corvette car show. The rest as they say is history. Today Mike is the largest supplier of Corvette and Volkswagon accessories and supplies. He employs a couple of hundred people and just opened his first office in China. I really enjoy Mike's contagious attitude. He really lights up a room with his smile. The thing is this guy is for real. Its not hype. He carries his passion with him and he loves his business as much as he loves life! I get a kick out of that.

I borrowed the above from Alex's web site and I thank him for his time. Now if you have the time, just click the One on One link above and see both Alex and I in action.

Effingham RailRoad Company - Who Are They?

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:42:00 GMT

Unknown to many, Effingham RailRoad Company was started in 1999. It began as a dream of local entrepreneur Jack Schultz, to attract additional industry to our hometown, Effingham. Ten years later that dream is a successful reality. The company has relationships with both CSX and CN railways and has invested over $39 million in infrastructure and public warehousing buildings.

These facilities, located near Mid America Motorworks south warehouse, in the Effingham Industrial Park, offer businesses many advantages to locating in our city. From full electronic data interchange with car tracing capabilities, car storage, bulk transloading to neutral access and direct service to all of North America. Centrally located at the Crossroads of I-70 and I-57 add to the efficiency of locating here in Effingham.

Our community is a very dynamic, strategically located "gem". We are blessed not only with a great location, high ethics workforce, but also a very entrepreneurial driven business environment. If you or anyone you know is looking for an opportune business location, look to Effingham.

Corvette Funfest Entertainer to Appear with Eagles Timothy B. Schmit

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:28:00 GMT

Former Beach Boys Musical Director soars with Eagle

Blogs are cool! For those of you who enjoyed the Jan and Dean Show at Corvette Funfest this year, here's some "inside information". I thought you might enjoy and or be able to go see Chris perform.

Chris Farmer, former musical director of The Beach Boys, is set to tour with Timothy B. Schmit, bassist/vocalist for the super group the Eagles. Farmer, who spent 12 years on the road with "America's Band" as their musical director, vocal arranger, and bassist, is looking forward to performing with one the finest vocalists is the music business.

Chris was the bass player and lead vocalist during the Corvette Funfest concert and was also the bass player when The Beach Boys were at Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest four years ago.

"I definitely have my work cut out for me in this situation," he says, referring to the multi-tasking duties in the group. "Bass, keyboards, and the high harmony parts have been assigned to me. Timothy is a singer's singer, constantly fine tuning the vocals. It's going to be great fun to perform his original songs for his fans."

Farmer, who runs his own music company, Chris Farmer Music, and is a session vocalist in the Los Angeles, California area, also has his own corporate event group "The OC" Beach Band, which features current and former players and singers from the Brian Wilson band and The Beach Boys. He also is musical director of The Jan & Dean Show, featuring Dean Torrence.

It’s not often Timothy B. Schmit does his own tour, but the Eagles member has slotted a few solo concerts to showcase his first album in 8 years. Schmit’s album – Expando – lands in stores Oct. 20, 2009. Although it’s a “solo” album, Schmit did get a little help from his friends, including Keb’ Mo’, Graham Nash, Kid Rock, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Garth Hudson, Van Dyke Parks, Dwight Yoakam and Benmont Tench of The Heartbreakers. He has appeared on a multitude of other artists' recordings including Steely Dan, Vince Gill, Dan Fogelberg, Clint Black, Crosby Stills & Nash, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffett, Ringo Starr, Elton John, and Warren Zevon, as well as his contributions to Poco and the Eagles. Timothy has won three GRAMMY Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles.

For tour updates, go to: timothybschmit.com.

Bobby Likis CarClinicNetwork.com Shares Mic with Mike Yager at Corvette Funfest 2009

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:04:00 GMT

Today's technology benefits never cease to amaze me. Last week, during Corvette Funfest, I did a live radio broadcast, from the middle of our Funfest Events property, on my cell phone, and was live on Bobby Likis Car Clinic Network worldwide.

From that location on the Funfest fields on a cell phone, my voice and Bobby's was going worldwide, streaming live on the Internet, all the while, both Bobby and I were remotely located, the show went flawlessly.

Click here for Mike's page on CarClinicNetwork.com

Bobby Likis is the only car-talk host on commercial radio named to the "Talkers 250," the list of the top 250 talk-show hosts in America. His live broadcast from Corvette Funfest in 2002 was a great hit, and we look forward to the shows return next year. at Corvette Funfest 2010.

Corvette Funfest and the Detroit News

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:32:00 GMT

The September 29,2009 edition of the DetNew Joyrides column covered Mid America Motorworks 16th Annual Corvette Funfest. Larry Edsall, journalist and blogger, covered this event for the Detroit News.

I had never had the opportunity to meet Larry prior to Corvette Funfest, and at the event, just limited time, but he sure captured lots of good "fun" feelings of our event and related activities. Be sure to also click on the"More Photos" icon for lots of additional Corvette Funfest photos.

Corvette Funfest 2008, WSIU Episode 436

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:22:00 GMT

As I promised last week, here is a chance to see Corvette Funfest through the eyes of WSIU inFocus. This film presentation was captured at Corvette Funfest 2008 and was episode #436, aired on WSIU this past Friday, September 25th.

You can also view the first episode on Mid America Motorworks , episode #435, posted here on September 22nd.

Thanks once again to the staff and students at WSIU inFocus for a job "well done".

By Popular Demand, A New Fall Holiday Corvette Lifestyle Catalog

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:26:00 GMT

Coming your way in early November 2009 – Mid America Motorworks’ first Corvette Lifestyle catalog in over ten years!

We normally print and mail a 230+ page parts and accessories catalog. Many of our customers have requested a "Corvette Lifestyle/Gift Catalog" only be mailed to them during the Fall Holiday season. We’ve listened!

Over the last several months our staff has diligently searched for and added hundreds of new "Corvette Lifestyle" items to our website. Now these new items can be viewed in our all new 112 page Corvette Lifestyle Catalog. This catalog should arrive in your home during the first week of November. After you receive it, let me know your thoughts.

Corvette Mako Shark Vintage Video

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:21:00 GMT

After having my first Corvette "experience", this is the Corvette that I hero worshiped. The Mako Shark advertisement from Look Magazine was on my bedroom wall along with my other super-star hero, Roberto Clemente.

I recently found this GM Video on the Mako Shark. Most likely one of very few films of early Corvette Experimental Corvettes.

After viewing this video, my mind wandered around to such subjects as: where in GM archives is the video on CERV-1, XP-819 or the 1964 New York World's Fair Corvette? A short movie on any of these Corvettes would make a super addition to their display in the MYGarage Museum!

Enjoy this wonderful vintage video.

Car Carzy Central Features Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest 2006

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:05:00 GMT

The web is wonderful, and always full of surprises. Tommy Darell, host, Car Crazy Central recently posted a thirteen minute video shot during their visit to Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest in 2006.

As i watched the video, I noticed lots of changes in the three short years sine that event. We had an anniversary party for Grand Sports, their 10th. Now there are NEW Grand Sports once again. There were vintage Baldwin Motion Corvettes, not there are retro-Baldwin Motion Camaros.

One of our feature cars that year was the Last C2 1967 Corvette. Now in a private collection and out of circulation.

Another interesting aspect of this twelve minute video are a couple of our guests talking about their first Corvette and why the Corvette is the icon that it is. Their stories match those of 10's of thousands of Passionate Corvette Owners worldwide. Check it out!

WSIU Public Broadcasting Airs Two Documentaries on Mid America Motorworks

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMT

Inspiration Powered by You. What a strong statement. That is the tag line used by WSIU Public Broadcasting, College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, Souther Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.

So the story begins about one year ago, when David Kidd, Senior TV Producer for WSIU, calls and explains a project he has in mind. His project was very simple, come to Effingham, interview me, tour our campus, tour the MYGarage Museum, and film during Corvette Funfest. His mission, expose the WSIU inFocus audience to businesses and event happenings in Southern Illinois.

Click on the following link, Mike Yager, Mid America Motorworks, and scroll down to episode #435 to view the results.

It is always interesting, and scary I might add, to watch yourself on TV. When filming happens, there are literally hours of camera time, questions, comments and "views" filmed that have to be edited into a 8-10 minute story. I am always comfortable doing so, but my normal response when I view is hold on, and oh my, I really said that!

As you read this, hold on, I understand that their will be a follow on story on Corvette Funfest on episode 436, this Friday, the 25th! Oh my, now what.

New Bench on Corvette Funfest Property -Show Me Vettes

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:44:00 GMT

Today was just one of those super days of friendship. Seven members of the Show Me Vettes of Missouri delivered the bench shown below. The gift was a token of their clubs' appreciation for Corvette Funfest and for Nancy Bushurs contributions to Mid America Motorworks club relations program. It will be proudly "used" by many during Corvette Funfest 2009 and for many years to follow.

Pictured above are Mike and Vicki Lundy, Charlie and Debbie Mitchell, Bob Langan, Dwayne Williams, Nancy Bushur, Mike and Laurie Yager. Pat and Madison Williams were missing for the shot!

This effort was started last fall when the Looking Glass Corvette Club and The Original Corvette Club of St Louis donated two trees for our Funfest food court. In true Corvette competitiveness, Show Me Vettes decided to supply the bench for under the shade trees.

I am very honored and flattered that these three clubs would step up and donate their time, money and efforts to help improve our Corvette Funfest property. Thanks to all three clubs and their members for such wonderful and needed gifts.

Name De'Cow Contest at Mid America Motorworks Corvette Funfest

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:29:00 GMT

Another cow will join the Mid America Motorworks MYGarage Museum Collection. This time, it is a Corvette Club cow. What's a club cow? Easy recipe follows:

Take one cow
Paint it white
Add two red Grand Sport Stripes
Ask ALL Corvette Clubs to send in club decal or,
Substitute a club visiting Mid America Motorworks brings and installs club decal personally

Take all ingredients, install on cow and you now have....

a Corvette Club De'Cow.

Join the fun at Corvette Funfest in Effingham, Illinois this September 25th-27th. Bring your Corvette Club decal.

We are also asking Corvette Clubs to help us name De'Cow. As of this AM, we have had a club in Luxembourg and Prague Czech Republic suggest names. What will your recommendation be?

Having grown up in the Midwest, I do question the anatomic make up of this cow? I am sure the Corvette Clubs that participate will find this udderly delightful fun!

Corvette Engineers Return to Corvette Funfest 2009

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:24:00 GMT

Need to see the NEW Corvette Grand Sport? Need to talk to a knowledgeable person about your C6? Need to talk to the guys who built your Corvette?

These and many more questions can and will be answered at Corvette Funfest. We are privileged to once again have Corvette Engineers from the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green under their big top tent!

Paul Graham, Plant Manager will be here, so make it a point to stop by and say hi to Paul and wish him and Marian good luck on their new assignment. Unfortunately for the Corvette community, Paul will be moving to Arlington, Texas to run the Suburban Plant. He will be going from the South to the Southwest and picking up an additional 2,000,000 square feet and an additional 2,500+ employees. We will miss his contributions to the Corvette and the great guys and gals at UAW 2164 that build our Corvettes.

Also in attendance will be our long time friend Tom Hill, Vehicle Assembly Engineering Manager, and yes,Liz will be with him!
Speed-man Steve Grilli, of Funfest 2009 ZR-1 fame, will once again be released for public appearance. Tony Alferio, General Assembly Area Manager, will be here to answer C6 Corvette questions and to share his knowledge of the car with all who ask. Last and certainly not least, Art Spong, Quality Manager, will be here with his knowledge and enthusiasm for all things C6 and beyond.

Please make it a point to tour what's new with Corvette at the Corvette Engineering tent. The ever popular C6 hauler will be parked on the Corvette Funfest grounds with a load of new Corvettes. What a door prize that would be!!

As with any good team, our Corvette Engineering friends are supported at these events by their wives. I would like to personally thank Marian Graham, Liz Hill, Lucy Grilli, Lynetta Alferio and Betsy Spong for sharing their Corvette Rock Star husbands with our guests during the Corvette Funfest weekend.

Corvette Limo to Lead Corvette Funfest Kick Off Fun Run

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:22:00 GMT

Preparations for the Corvette Funfest kick off Fun Run, Thursday September 24th, are underway. Our 1994 Corvette Limo will be leading the way for the 200 select Corvettes participating in the one hour Road Tour. The 30 mile Fun Run will leave the Mid America Motorworks corporate campus about 4 PM Thursday.

From my past experience in being the driver, this rig is sure to get lots of stares, thumbs up, and looks of disbelief. I will have my cap and uniform ready for the drive.

Mid America Motorworks obtained this "unique" Corvette at the Mecum Corvette Auction at Bloomington Gold this past June. The custom coach was converted in 1994 by a New York state limousine builder and has seen over 25,000 miles of FUN Service since it hit the streets.

Goodyear Billboard on Corvette Funfest Property

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:01:00 GMT

As our guests arrive at Corvette Funfest this year, they will be greeted by a new billboard. Our friends at Goodyear liked the idea of promoting Goodyear Tires to our Corvette customers so well, they posted this giant welcome on our South entrance.

Mid America Motorworks and Goodyear have a history that relates to Corvettes and Corvette tires of almost twenty-five years. As the "Official OE Corvette Tire" supplier for many years, we have partnered with Goodyear since the days of the Escort Endurance Series in the mid 1980's, into the Corvette Challenge years and at many Corvette related events since.

The 1968 L88 LeMans Corvette featured on this billboard, finished 15th overall and 1st in class over 5 Litres, at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1972 on Goodyear Race Radials - a first race victory for Goodyear street radials. This record was held from 1972 until 2000 when the C5R Corvette finished 1st. This was during the tire wars between Goodyear and BFG to capture the street car market for what was at that time, a new product, RADIAL TIRES!

Here's an interesting Corvette Racing trivia comment: this Corvette was a forth team car for the Ferrari NART team. Three Ferrari's and one Corvette made up the NART entry for LeMans in 1972. Long story - more on this story later!

Austin Powers Corvette to Appear at Corvette Funfest September 25th-27th, Effingham Illinois

Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:33:00 GMT

Movie cars are always a crowd pleaser and we have one in store for our Corvette Funfest guests this year. Have your picture taken with this one of a kind Corvette! This over the top movie car, without Austin Powers, will be on display all weekend.

We have tried finding scale models of this Corvette to have available for our customers to purchase, but they seem to be all sold out. Stay tuned.