This business is best described by an employee who says "Their actions match what they say. Their deep commitment to family and community transfers to their business, its customers and employees."

This family business has deep roots in the Woodland Community, starting in the early thirties when young Ansgar Schei and buddy Freeman Keller bought into a Richfield service station on old Highway 99. After the World War II Ansgar worked for Ken Bjur in the Woodland Chevrolet agency and shortly became a full partner with his friend. Following Bjur's untimely death Ansgar purchased the agency, later bringing son Eric into the business. Currently Eric is president of Lewis River Motors and Ansgar is Chairman of the Board. Ansgar has been happily married to Milly Kane Schei for 65 years. In addition to Eric they have another son Donald.

This high profile business serves as a model of integrity and commitment to the local community. Loyal return customers, employees and a community that reaches far beyond the confines of the Woodland area regard the business as one to be trusted and depended upon. Whether buying a new or used vehicle or asking for aid for a worthy project people know they can return again and again for honest support.

Among the local endeavors Ansgar Schei and Lewis River Motors has supported are Woodland Little League, the Woodland Swimming Pool Committee, Woodland Schools, Planters Days, Lower Columbia College, Northwest Medical Teams, Woodland Chamber of Commerce and Woodland Rotary Club. Any kid with a worthy cause knows they can depend on this Chevrolet Agency for support. A dedicated patriot, he sends a teacher every year, at considerable expense, to a seminar on the East Coast to learn more about the rich history of his beloved America.

Raised and schooled in Woodland he never forgets his roots and the needs of his community but is aware of the need to be regional in his scope and charitable ventures. He has been a member of the Southwest Washington Medical Center board of directors since the 70's and considers the needs of the surrounding small communities who benefit from the Center. His interest in medicine and his introduction to Ron Post who founded Northwest Medical Teams led him to sponsoring a fundraiser in Woodland. Since that first banquet he has raised more than half a million dollars as chair of the annual event.

Never shy about politics he publicly backs a candidate he deems worthy and will take time to convince you of that candidate's worth. He is the first one to testify at a public meeting and the last guy out the door when the meeting is over.

Employees at this father and son business appreciate the commitment to family which prevails. Office Manager Sheryl Trumbower says that when personal issues arise among employees - sick kids, deaths in the family, special events, the Scheis think of the employee's welfare before they think of business.

Former employee Kathie Griffin knows of many a local who has been given a hand up and sometimes a handout when no one else would trust their word on a car deal or a rental agreement. "So many of their clients are return customers, year after year, because the people at this first class agency work hard to keep their customers happy and insure that shopping in Woodland is to their advantage," she said.

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