Hurricane Damaged Firestone Retail Centre Re-Opens

Four years after Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage throughout the city of New Orleans, Firestone Complete Auto Care has celebrated the reopening of one of its centres in the city. The outlet on Carrolton street was forced to close its doors due to damage received on August 29, 2005, and to-date has been one of only a handful of automotive retailers to have returned to the area.

“Our Firestone Complete Auto Care stores are important parts of their communities,” said Ottis Lewis, vice-president, South Central Zone, Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO). “Our teammates not only care about our customers, but we care about the communities that we call home. Since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it has been BSRO’s goal to reopen this store – we are thrilled to be able to serve this close-knit community once again.”

The grand re-opening event began on Friday, July 17, with a ribbon cutting ceremony in which the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, City Council representatives, the New Orleans Fire and Police Departments and local community members participated. During the ceremony, representatives from the New Orleans Fire Department accepted a $500 donation from Firestone Complete Auto Care for their organisation. Firestone Complete Auto Care also donated $500 plus five per cent of all opening day sales to Children’s Hospital.

Events lasted throughout the weekend. Activities included a Bridgestone show car and race simulator, bounce house, raffles and prizes, lunch and refreshments, and discounted services.

The Carrollton Street store re-opening is part of Firestone Complete Auto Care’s larger commitment to the city of New Orleans. Last summer, the store located at 8615 West Judge Perez Drive re-opened, making Firestone the first automotive retailer in the area since Hurricane Katrina’s devastating effects.