MURRAY — Everyone knows the economic recession has put a stranglehold on consumer buying, but folks at the Larry H. Miller Group are convinced things are on the mend. They are so upbeat about economic improvements that on Monday, they opened the doors to a relocated, renovated and bigger Chevrolet dealership.
Larry H. Miller Chevrolet was open for business at 5500 S. State, one of four new facilities that will extend south down the street, with opening dates set for this year and next.
Of course, the recession has had an impact, but things are looking brighter by the day, insists Tony Schnurr, president of Larry H. Miller Automotive Division.
"We feel very positive about the auto industry — in this case, General Motors. We also feel positive about our local economy in Murray and in the state of Utah," Schnurr said.
The "new" dealership is actually a relocation of a Larry H. Miller dealership into the former LaPoint Ford building that has been extensively changed.
"We believe all the renovation will improve the guest experience," Schnurr said.
Changes have been made to reflect the vision the manufacturer believes best reflects its brand, he said. In the case of the Chevrolet dealership, the facility is larger and more contemporary, down to such details as its color scheme and furniture.
The building offers a waiting area with free wireless Internet service, a play area for children and kiosks to learn about Chevrolet vehicle features and accessories, among other things.
The other locations will either be using renovated structures or new buildings after older structures are torn down. They include a Larry H. Miller Toyota, at 5650 S. State, which is expected to open in November.
Another dealership, which will be announced later, is expected to open in December 2011 at 5720 S. State. And a Larry H. Miller Honda is set to open in May 2011 at 5800 S. State.
"I think everyone has to remember all the lessons that were learned in these last two years, but we do see the economic outlook getting brighter every day," Schnurr said. "The national numbers support that."
He said the North American auto industry has just experienced its eighth consecutive month of growth in year over year comparisons. "That's very positive. That will hopefully get people back to work and continue to get things going."
Schnurr said the "same great staff" will be at the new location, so longtime customers will see familiar faces.
Like other firms, this company has undergone some layoffs.
"Now as business is a little better, we are adding staff back. As people are needed, we're adding them," Schnurr said.
Kasey Webster, who started working as a receptionist for Larry H. Miller as a teenager, has climbed the corporate ladder and is now is general manager of the 5500 S. State location.
That is not uncommon, Schnurr said.
"One of our core values, taught to us by Larry Miller, is to always make every effort to promote from within. Kasey has had a marvelous career with us and when the decision came down to replace the person who was leaving, it was easy to make the decision," he said. "She started as a receptionist and now she's the boss."
e-mail: lindat@desnews.com