Top Schimmel dealers were treated to a tour of Germany from September 16 – 24. The historically educational trip was hosted by Hannes Schimmel-Vogel and Viola Schimmel.
Qualifying dealers on this trip were first treated to a tour of the city of Braunschweig, the home of Schimmel, followed by a factory tour and dinner which included honored guests Nikolaus and Christine Schimmel. After Braunschweig the group travelled by private bus to Berlin for a tour of the city which included, among other things, Checkpoint Charlie, the Dali Museum, the Reichstag, and a Vivaldi concert in the Berlin Dome. In the days following, the group travelled to the historic cities of Bamberg and Munich, and to the mountain village of Oberammergau in Bavaria, famous for painted buildings, wood carving, and the largest Passion Play in Europe which is performed every 10 years with 2,500 of the village’s 5,000 inhabitants as actors in the play.
Highlights of the trip were a visit to BMW World in Munich—a complex which includes the factory, a museum, restaurants, the BMW offices and interactive displays of BMW cars motorcycles, and airplane engines.
Schimmel dealers represented on the trip were Robert Lowrey Pianos Experts, Classic Pianos, Baldassin Pianos, Colton Piano Gallery, Forshey Piano, Forte Piano, Roger’s Pianos, and Ruggero Piano. Qualifying dealers who were unable to attend included Az Piano, Collora Piano, and Greene Music.
Rob Slayman, Director of Marketing & Sales for North America and Debbie Wise, Executive Administrator, were in attendance with spouses Michelle Slayman and Chip Wise.
Special recognition this year went to the two top Schimmel dealers. The #1 North American Dealer Award for 2015 went to Robert Lowrey Piano Experts of Toronto. The #1 U.S. Dealer Award went to Classic Pianos of Portland, Oregon with stores also in Seattle area, Denver and Albuquerque.