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Lake Elmo Fights To Keep Car Dealership Open

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May 30, 2009 7:50 pm US/Central

Lake Elmo Fights To Keep Car Dealership Open

LAKE ELMO, Minn. (WCCO) ― Hundreds of people from Lake Elmo and the St. Croix Valley gathered at Fury Chrysler Dodge to send a strong message to Washington that they will not let a successful dealership close without a fight.

Owners Jim and Tom Leonard learned their 46-year-old family-run business was marked for closure as a part of Chrysler's restructuring. The Obama administration told Chrysler to reduce its inventory nationwide by 25 percent.

Many in Lake Elmo gathered on the five-acre plot to demonstrate their support for the business that generates over $3 million in tax revenue for the state of Minnesota.

"We bought seven all together in this place," said customer Betty Erickson from Stillwater. "We've counted on them and their service and their thoughtfulness and their help for all those years."

"We're blowing cars out of here to get our numbers as high as possible," said Fury co-owner Tim Leonard.

He added that the family-owned business is also very involved in community and charity organizations, and its closure would impact the community in a negative way.

Congresswoman Michelle Bachman was on hand to lead the rally to save the dealership. She said she will take their fight to Washington on Wednesday when Chrysler leaders will be questioned by members of the senate about the future of local car dealers.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar will also take the fight and a petition signed by attendees of the rally to Washington.

Many in Lake Elmo said if the dealership leaves, so will a big part of the community's economy and history. With 40 people employed by Fury Chrysler Dodge, it is the largest employer in the city.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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