Ojai Ford
When Ojai Ford closed its doors after operating on West Ojai Avenue since the 1950s, albeit under three different ownerships, an announcement was made that the current owner would re-open with a new import dealership, hopefully, before the end of the year. In light of the auction that cleaned out virtually everything in the buildings, is re-opening really his intention?
posted by OVN administrator at 9:30 AM
4 Comments:
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Well, if a new dealership does come to town, judging from OVN's recent poll, they had better have lots of hybrids on the lot! The real question is, can Ojai sustain a car dealership...and in the meantime how is the city dealing with the loss of sales tax revenue?
The closure of Ojai Ford is very troubling in that the sales tax revenue collected from large dollar items purchased in the City of Ojai, such as vehicles, will negatively impact the City's budget. Although maybe not right this minute, however, how will it be in the next 6-12 months and if the City's other revenue streams decrease? The City of Ojai's main goal should be to counteract this significant loss by working with the current owner to facilitate replacement of a similar revenue source. It would be ideal if a Toyota or Honda dealership were to come to town. Both of these organizations have great hybrid vehicles that would not only appeal to local residents but would draw people to come to Ojai to purchase their environmentally friendly vehice (gee, maybe the visitors who come to Ojai will even shop and dine locally, which will stimulate the local economy even more...). If a new dealership were to come to Ojai, they should develop a business and marketing strategy that would stimulate sales locally, regionally, and statewide. They could partner with the Ojai Valley Inn and other similar businesses to promote their organization's outside of the area to draw visitors to the area.
The City should also focus on economic development, which would include developing an overall strategic plan that would outline how the City will increase and diversify their revenue stream to ensure the City is economically viable over the long run.
If I were one of those with money, I mean enough money to make money, I'd jump at this oppoortunity. For those who this applies to, here's a suggestion. In consideration of the great location, decent space, and an eco-friendly community, and with regard to the future of business, as invisioned in documentaries like "The Corporation," and,"An Inconvenient Truth", you should take the Ford property and turn it into an eco-friendly dealership. Only cars that meet the highest emission standards, gasoline included, should be staged on this lot. In addition, strike a deal with the Inn, so that guests staying there would have direct access to the property, with shuttle service to the rental facility you'll be setting up. How cool for the rich and/or famous to relax at the Inn and sport around in the latest cutting-edge technology, cars that aren't available to the general public. Take Ojai and make her an example of how business and ecology can work hand in hand to increase the bottom line and maintain the natural beauty of our home planet. You'll be a hero!
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