George Moore To Remain Open Despite GM 2010 Pullout

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL - General Motors is pulling its only franchise from the beaches in October 2010, but the owner of George Moore Chevrolet plans to continue his family-owned business.

"I feel responsible for 38 people in this dealership, and they're family, and I take that seriously," said Moore.

For 23 years, George Moore Chevrolet has been the General Motors dealership at the beach. But George Moore heard from General Motors on Thursday, June 11, that his GM franchise will be "no-more" in October of 2010.

"The fact that the decision was made up in a room in Detroit is probably the most disheartening part of it all," lamented Moore.

"You feel like you've lost a part of the family, or that you've been disowned by the family!"

But Moore isn't going down with the ship. He told First Coast News he and his company are going to 'Plan B.'

Sixteen months from now, the only Chevrolets he will sell will be used.

Eddie "E.T." Thompson has been with George Moore Chevrolet for more than 18 years, and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"Whatever happens with the dealership as far as Chevrolet we're still going to be around," said Thompson.

"We'll be around to serve the customers of this city, and to provide quality service!"

Long-time employees plan to stay the course as well. They say they owe it to their loyal customers, who will have to drive more than 15 miles to the next closest GM dealer after October 2010.

"I like that George is a family operated dealership and I'm part of his family," said another 18-year veteran salesman, Ken Beasley.

"We've made a lot of friends along the way. We've made a lot of loyal customers, and we've become an intricate part of the beach," added Moore.

And whether this landmark picks up a new dealership line or goes completely independent, the workers and their boss say they have no plans to go anywhere.

"We're going to stay in business. Maybe not as a Chevrolet store, but we've got a great family of employees here, and our goal is to keep that family together!"

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