The Tarrabain family of Lac La Biche is preparing to open a full line Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership in Athabasca in the New Year.
According to Tammy Tarrabain, they are already selling vehicles out of Athabasca Glass and Mirror, but are planning to open a sales, service and parts dealership. The name of the new business will be Tarrabain Chrysler Athabasca.
Since they are currently operating on a small scale, they will need to purchase property to expand their business. They have an unidentified site in mind, and Tarrabain is just waiting for the property owners to return from their holidays and give them the verdict.
“We’re just trying to find a permanent site right now,” Tarrabain said.
The Tarrabain family owns and operates a Dodge dealership in Lac La Biche and has since 1974. Tarrabain was emotional when she spoke of her late father and brother, who started the business all those years ago.
It was the wish of the late Jim and Sid Tarrabain to open a Dodge dealership in Athabasca, and Tammy Tarrabain wants to make that happen.
It’s been in the works for a number of years, and now they would like to put those plans in motion.
“We’ve already hired a general manager, and a couple of family members are going to help out,” she said. “We’re going to keep their legacy going.”
The dealership general manager, Rod Fisher, says he will be looking to hire staff starting as early as January.
“I’m going to be looking for parts people, mechanics, everything from cleanup people to accounting,” Fisher said. “Anywhere from five to 10 people.”
Tarrabain wants the community to know that the dealership will be there to service them.
“We’re going to be visible, and there for the community,” she said.
The dealership will be equipped with two bays, and they have already started ordering equipment.
Mayor Roger Morrill was unaware that a Dodge dealership was planning on setting up shop in Athabasca, but he said the town welcomes all new business.
“It’s welcoming news, and I think the people of Athabasca will welcome it,” he said. “I’m actually surprised we haven’t had a Dodge dealership represented here. We’ve had Ford and GM for many years.”
In the early 1990’s the Tarrabain family tried to open a dealership in Athabasca. Their endeavor was unsuccessful, but they are confident that with a bigger budget this time around, they will become a staple in the Athabasca region.
