IOLA, Wis. - Rick Schlabowske has joined the Iola Old Car Show staff as its events public relations director.

Schlabowske brings years of public relations and publicity experience to the show staff. He spent six years in the auto racing promotions business undertaking management, publicity and announcing. He was also a member of the organizing committee for the Iola Rod and Kustom Show and operated a bi-annual swap meet in nearby Waupaca, Wis., for several years. He has also been a parts vendor at Iola for more than 15 years.

"Joining the staff here at Iola is really a dream job," he said. "I eat and sleep vintage cars, and this is one of the finest shows in the country. I'm delighted to be here.

"My job is to bring fresh ideas and new attractions to Iola. I'm always open to suggestions on how we can improve this fantastic event," he said.

Schlabowske spends his off-duty hours in his shop working on one of his "rolling restorations," surfing online automotive forums and cruising to the many car shows he attends each year. He and his wife Karen are long-time members of the Minnesota Street Rod Association. His current inventory of
collector cars includes a '56 F-100, '54 Triumph TR-2 and '49 Plymouth.

The 35th annual Iola Old Car Show is set for July 12-15, 2007. The theme for this year's show is Coming Up Sevens and will feature cars and trucks built in years ending with the number seven.

Learn more about the Iola Old Car Show by calling 715-445-4000, or go to www.iolaoldcarshow.com.