Carlisle Chevrolet Cadillac paused Saturday to give thanks for those who have made the dealership a real American success story, with an eye looking into the future anticipating their upcoming remodeling. 

 

Carlisle's customers, the general public, faithful friends, and government officials were invited to enjoy the five-hour event. Nothing could have been more Texan – good food cooked on a sizzling grill, one hundred degree summer weather, well performed live country and western music, and a warm friendly attitude as if you were inviting your best friends for a backyard barbeque.

 

The current General Motors models were on display from Chevrolet and Cadillac. Although some vehicles were sold on Saturday, the emphasis was on the hundreds of guests who joined the celebration. From the beginning, the event was planned as a huge thank you for everyone, past and present, who have brought Carlisle to where it is today from its formation in 1926 by Y.C. Carlisle.

 

Finally, everyone gathered in the showroom where Frank A. Blankenbeckler, III, known to his friends as Tres, personally thanked everyone for their participation. His emotional remarks gave thanks for three factors that have brought the auto dealership to this point in history. 

 

First and foremost, Tres gave recognition to Divine Providence for the formation of the business and the continuous service to the community and beyond. Tres mentioned several things that occurred in our nation's history and in the recent automotive business climate that could have destroyed the business. But in the providence of God the business lives on. 

 

Secondly, he thanked all the employees who have worked at Carlisle during the previous decades. Many of the current employees have worked faithfully at their jobs for many years, and during the recent national slump in vehicle sales, most have stayed rather than taking other employment.

 

And thirdly, Tres praised a community of loyal customers who have supported the business with their dollars. Tres described many customers as “generational,” meaning current customers have had their parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and even cousins buy and service their Chevrolets at Carlisle. It is not surprising that customers still are called by their first name when they stop by or call. 

 

A large architectural rendering was on display in the showroom to giving customers a first look at the new face of Carlisle. In the upcoming months the current facility will be remodeled and expanded, allowing Carlisle and General Motors to continue the rich tradition of automotive excellence to Waxahachie, Ellis County, and beyond.