Report from France - Rock-Ola, the Iconic Ambassador

Blogger's Note: This report and accompanying pictures were contributed by Jean Claude Trauchessec of Arts & Memories, Rock-Ola Authorized dealer in France. Fascinating! - AK

WELCOME TO THE VIERZON SHOW / APRIL 2010

Since 1992, the city of Vierzon ( center of France, 2h south of Paris) also becomes, during a spring week-end, the Center of Europe for its now very renowned & famous " Rock' N Broc Years Festival "

Historically, Vierzon was the designated city for this event. Just after WW2, Vierzon was already breathing in American rhythm, style and musical atmosphere. Between 1951- 1968, US Army bases & Air Force squadrons were numerous around Vierzon and neighbouring cities such as Chateauroux and Orléans. Since that time, the US spirit and culture were adopted by the citizens in that area of the French provinces.

For its 19th edition, April 24-25 2010, this 50's Collector show dedicated to Pinballs, Jukeboxes, Jackpots & Slot-machines, Records and US deco was deemed a great success for organizers, exhibitors and visitors alike. Coming from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France, more than 13.000 bikers, collectors, amateurs, baby-boomers & friends were able to admire and purchase a wide variety of games, toys, spare parts, clothes with a strong turnout for collector jukeboxes and the new line of Nostalgic Rock-Ola as the Bubblers and Harley.

Among them, Ben Franse and Norman Coster from the Netherlands, and of course, J.Cl Trauchessec (French Rock-Ola representative).

Entertainmentwise, there was Country Music with the Tennessee Rose bands, Merilly the French Loretta Lynn female singer, R N' Roll Diner- Concert, Line Dance, Jive and Boogie, and a Cruising Parade in the city of Vierzon with a parade of 350 harley-davidson, 250 Us cars, big bands and Pom-pom girls.

For the next 20th edition in 2011, Bernard Moulin ( the dynamic French organizer ) expects a full three days Hall of Fame 50's Show made in America, over 5.000 M2 for exhibitors, many thousands of visitors and of course, the whole range of the Rock-Ola Nostalgic and Music-Center jukeboxes.

See you in 2011 for the 20th edition.........of the French Las Vegas 50's Show !

Rock-Ola Expands Its Brand in Europe

Rock-Ola Jukebox Manufacturing Corporation recently announced sweeping changes to its European distribution network in an effort to augment and increase brand awareness in the territory.
In a recent interview, CEO Glenn Streeter stated, “We believe that the current combination of favorable dollar exchange rate and the ability to purchase factory direct will allow our international dealers to expand their inventory and increase their bottom line. At the same time we are interested in expanding the presence and brand recognition of the All-American Rock-Ola jukebox world-wide.”

Rock-Ola in Continental Europe
Mr. Jean Claude Trauchessec, of Arts & Memories, Paris, has been appointed official Rock-Ola Dealer for France. Mr. Trauchessec, pictured at left with CEO Glenn Streeter at the Rock-Ola factory in Torrance, has worked ceaselessly in the last several years to promote the Rock-Ola brand and products. Working in a very cooperative spirit with fellow Rock-Ola jukebox dealers in Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland, Mr. Trauchessec has elevated the Rock-Ola brand to greater prominence in Europe with aggressive marketing, thoughtful placement, and dedication to his belief that Rock-Ola is simply the best nostalgic jukebox available.

Rock-Ola in the United Kingdom

Great changes have also taken place in the UK. In October, Rock-Ola dissolved its exclusive distribution agreement with Mr. Graeme Challis, opening the opportunity for UK Dealers to order factory direct and better serve their customers. Existing and new dealership inquiries should be directed to Andrea Kowalski, Rock-Ola Sales.

Rock-Ola’s Authorized Service & Parts Center for UK and Europe

Appointed earlier in 2009, Jukeboxes Unlimited, owned by Mr. Ted White and located in the U.K., remains the official Rock-Ola Service and Parts provider for the UK and Europe.

As the only jukebox still made in America, Rock-Ola symbolizes a genuine American Spirit of independence and optimism. Dedicated Rock-Ola dealers throughout the world are readily supplying the jukebox that captivates the world’s imagination.

France: http://www.jukebox-france.com/

Authorized Rock-Ola Service Centre, Europe: http://www.jukeboxes-uk.com/