Five months after a destructive F4 tornado struck Ringgold, GA, the local Peterbilt dealership is announcing a one-million dollar investment in renovating their operation. The Peterbilt Store – North Georgia (a division of The Pete Store,LLC) sustained significant damage to its facility on April 21st during one of the most active tornado seasons in recent history.
The company kicked off the renovation with a reception to unveil its new energy- efficient LED sign, which will cut energy consumption by 72%. Company president John C. Arscott explained that the sign is a “symbol of progress and hopefully an indication of our commitment to rebuilding this community. It begins with this sign, but we will continue with a $1 Million investment to upgrade the facility into a first- class dealership -- we believe that our employees and our customers deserve that.”
Construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2012.
Attending the ceremony was 2008 CNN Hero Tad Agoglia, founder of the non-profit organization, First Response Team of America. Agoglia and his team were some of the first responders to volunteer to help the people of Ringgold after the tornado.
Arscott and his company have long supported First Response Team of America in their efforts to aid in rescue and recovery after catastrophic storms. When Agoglia and his team heard about the devastation in Ringgold, including many Peterbilt employees and their families who were displaced, they did not think twice about coming to help. “We had the unique opportunity to team up with the Arscott family and The Pete Store, one of our most significant supporters,” said Agoglia. “It was an honor to work hand in hand with the very people who have given us the capability to help so many communities across this country.So often, our supporters do not get to see the direct impact that their contribution makes in the wake of a disaster, but in the town of Ringgold, where so many Pete Store employees live and work, they could see the result of their support. “
The Pete Store has donated several Peterbilt trucks to the First Response Team of America fleet, including one truck that was shipped to Haiti to help with earthquake relief, and remains there today.
The Pete Store, LLC is a Peterbilt dealer group with eight full service locations in Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. An exclusive dealer of world-class Peterbilt trucks, they offer a
The First Response Team of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to filling the gap between the onset of a disaster and the arrival of traditional relief agencies. Team members unite with first responders to provide rescue and recovery resources including equipment, tools and personnel to reduce the time it takes for help to reach those in need. To learn more about the First Response Team of America, visit www. Firstresponseteam.org.
