More from Mr. Smith:
“Another update on RLJ-McCarty-Landers:
Branson, MO:
There are 4 dealerships within 30 miles of Branson, MO.
1. Branson, MO——> Tri-Lakes Motors (RLJ owned)
2. Ava, MO-———> Davis Dodge (owned by Larry Davis)
3. Ozark, MO———> Heritage Chrysler-Jeep (owned by Kay Church)
4. Ozark, MO———> Ozark Dodge (owned by Kay Church)
Mr. Davis and Ms. Church gave no money to any political candidates since 2004.
The RLJ owned dealership in Branson will remain open while the other 3 dealerships will be forced to close in June.
Tri-Lakes Motors in Branson (RLJ owned) will have no other Chrysler dealers within a 30-mile radius of its dealership.
So far, RLJ-McCarty-Landers will have 8 competing dealerships total eliminated from 3 of their markets: Lee’s Summit, MO; Branson, MO; and Bossier City, LA. I’m willing to bet that the other 3 markets that they serve are similar in nature.
More to come...”
FWIW, the co-owner of the Ozark dealerships was found shot dead at his business a couple months ago, shortly after layoffs were announced, and then the businesses closed shortly thereafter.
Nobody arrested yet. No comment from LEO whether self-inflicted.