Ashley's Wanek celebrates 50 years in business
Company marks milestone with bronze statue
Jay McIntosh -- Furniture Today, August 22, 2011
ARCADIA, Wis. — A new bronze statue of Ashley Furniture Chairman Ron Wanek stands tall in Arcadia Memorial Park here, honoring a man who has brought jobs and prosperity to this city and has been a driving force behind the creation of the largest U.S. furniture manufacturer and retailer.
 Ashley Chairman Ron Wanek stands by a new statue of him in Arcadia Memorial Park. |
More than 2,000 Ashley employees and guests attended a tribute here on Aug. 12 honoring Wanek's 50 years in the furniture business, capped by the surprise unveiling of the statue. It stands atop an ornate base, which includes inscriptions about Wanek and his career.
One says, "This statue honors Ronald G. Wanek, a philanthropist and one of the greatest industrialists in Wisconsin history. Donated by the Wanek family, Ashley Furniture Industries and all of its employees."
Officials said plans for the statue were in the works for two years, without Ron Wanek's knowledge, to keep it a surprise.
Jason Lockington served as the emcee of the event and invited all Ashley employees with 30 years or more of service to the stage, thanking them for helping to make the company what it is today.
Todd Wanek, Ashley's CEO and Ron's son, delivered remarks about his father.
Other speakers included Richard Glowcheski, who spoke about the early years of Ashley; James Dotta, who spoke about the company as it exists today; Gary Bautch, who told about Ron Wanek's commitment to improving the infrastructure of the City of Arcadia; and William Koslo, who spoke about Wanek's commitment to the company for the past 41 years.
 A crowd gathers in Arcadia, Wis., to dedicate a new statue of Ashley Chairman Ron Wanek, which was unveiled in a ceremony to honor his 50 years in the furniture industry. |
 Ron Wanek and his wife, Joyce, pose near an inscription at the statue’s base. |
 Ashley Chairman Ron Wanek, left, former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson (in gray suit) and Ashley CEO Todd Wanek view the statue’s base and inscriptions. |
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Statue honors Ron Wanek
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