Jim Fair
Skip and George Davenport, far right, respectively, observe the presentation of the D&D Motors sign that has been part of its business heritage.
Jim Fair
Skip Davenport cuts into the ceremonial ribbon held by George Davenport during today's ceremony at D&D Ford's new showroom and service center on Wade Hampton Blvd.
Jim Fair
The waiting area at D&D Ford features a room for reading and watching TV. Two work stations with Internet service and a separate play room for children are among additional ammenities.
Skip Davenport did the honors of cutting the ribbon with community leaders, business representatives and friends watching. It’s the third ceremony of its kind the Davenports have had through 75 years and three-generations of ownership of the Ford dealership in Greer.
“It’s special to me because I spent 19 years working in every department learning every part of the business,” Skip Davenport said. “I designed this building putting all our inventory and services under one roof.
“The ribbon cutting means the store is officially open. I’m excited and it’s been well worth the wait,” Davenport said.
George Davenport said he thought back to his father during the ceremony. “I thought about how he had a one-car showroom and six vehicles on the lot. People didn’t think he had much of a chance back then.
“I remembered when we moved away from downtown and to Wade Hampton. People thought we were crazy to move out of downtown. Now we’re at the end of town again and people probably think we’re crazy again,” George said with a laugh.
Reno Deaton, Greer Development Corporation President reasoned that the landscape where D&D Motors is now may change as much as it did at the company’s previous address.
“We appreciate this development and what the Davenports bring to the table. What’s to say this area won’t develop into the hub that developed around their former location in the next 10 years."
Greer Mayor Rick Danner and Chamber of Commerce President Allen Smith were among the guests at the ceremony.
One of D&D’s first promotions will be tied into the 2013 Ford Fusion that includes a chance for contestants to appear on “American Idol”. The one-night promotion is Nov. 15 at D&D and Ford dealerships in the U.S. The Fusion is also part of the promotion.
Consumers who visit D&D Ford on Nov. 15 can view a message from Ryan Seacrest, host of “American Idol”, via a webcam and can test their judging skills on camera. A team of experts at Ford’s program headquarters will judge entries and one winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to Hollywood and a VIP experience with American Idol.
Participants will be entered into a prize drawing to win a Fusion.
D&D Ford moved into its $7 million state-of-the-art showroom and service facility Oct. 1. The dealership has 36,642 square feet and is located on 6.19 acres of land.