We have been busy out here on the farm which has delayed our latest issue of Totally Trotwood. The wet weather in April and early May and some related mechanical repairs delayed this year's planting activities and we hope to wrap it up and get back to work on covering our hometown news stories.
In the meantime here is a little entertainment for you featuring a tractor percussion section in a rousing rendition of Sweet Georgia Brown.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chrysler Pulling Out Of Trotwood
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood’s Salem Chrysler Jeep was told Thursday they have been recommended for termination from their Chrysler franchise agreement. The Zappia Family owned dealer is one of 47 in the state on the company’s closure list submitted to the bankruptcy court.
Mary Kay Zappia said Thursday afternoon that calling it a closure list is actually deceiving. “The list is a recommendation to Bankruptcy Judge Gonzales to terminate franchise agreements.” The list contained the names of 789 dealers out of the nation’s 3,200 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep outlets.
The Zappia’a own their 43-year-old dealership and have vowed to fight the recommendation even if it means testifying in court. Sensing they may be on the list they have already joined the Committee of Affected Dealers. A Cincinnati law firm is helping the committee fight the termination requests.
Zappia said they cannot be told to close but they may lose their ability to sell Chrysler products. The dealership also boasts a robust service department that will work on more than
just Chrysler products. “We will be open as usual,” said Zappia.
“The Zappias have been extremely good corporate citizens in Trotwood,” said Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking. Over the years the dealership has made significant donations to the city’s fire and rescue department and other charity support. “We’ve been in contact with her and she is determined to fight this recommendation.”
The list was published on Thursday morning. With 53, Pennsylvania has the most dealerships on the list. Other states near the top of the list besides Ohio are Texas with 50, Illinois 44, Michigan 39, Florida 35, New Jersey and California with 30 each, 28 in New York, Missouri 26 and 24 in nearby Indiana.
Dealers will be allowed to argue against Chrysler’s action in the bankruptcy proceedings. Chrysler reasons the reduction will allow the remaining dealers to return to a higher level of profitability.
Last year about 1,000 dealerships closed nationally on their own, mostly due to economic pressures.
Next it will be General Motors turn. As many as 2,600 GM dealers across the country are expected to be phased out as that company tries to deal with their own financial challenges. GM has indicated the reductions will have the largest impact in urban and suburban districts. Nearby officials will be holding their breath in neighboring Brookville home to the nearest GM dealership, Boose Chevrolet.
Trotwood’s Salem Chrysler Jeep was told Thursday they have been recommended for termination from their Chrysler franchise agreement. The Zappia Family owned dealer is one of 47 in the state on the company’s closure list submitted to the bankruptcy court.
Mary Kay Zappia said Thursday afternoon that calling it a closure list is actually deceiving. “The list is a recommendation to Bankruptcy Judge Gonzales to terminate franchise agreements.” The list contained the names of 789 dealers out of the nation’s 3,200 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep outlets.
The Zappia’a own their 43-year-old dealership and have vowed to fight the recommendation even if it means testifying in court. Sensing they may be on the list they have already joined the Committee of Affected Dealers. A Cincinnati law firm is helping the committee fight the termination requests.
Zappia said they cannot be told to close but they may lose their ability to sell Chrysler products. The dealership also boasts a robust service department that will work on more than
just Chrysler products. “We will be open as usual,” said Zappia.
“The Zappias have been extremely good corporate citizens in Trotwood,” said Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking. Over the years the dealership has made significant donations to the city’s fire and rescue department and other charity support. “We’ve been in contact with her and she is determined to fight this recommendation.”
The list was published on Thursday morning. With 53, Pennsylvania has the most dealerships on the list. Other states near the top of the list besides Ohio are Texas with 50, Illinois 44, Michigan 39, Florida 35, New Jersey and California with 30 each, 28 in New York, Missouri 26 and 24 in nearby Indiana.
Dealers will be allowed to argue against Chrysler’s action in the bankruptcy proceedings. Chrysler reasons the reduction will allow the remaining dealers to return to a higher level of profitability.
Last year about 1,000 dealerships closed nationally on their own, mostly due to economic pressures.
Next it will be General Motors turn. As many as 2,600 GM dealers across the country are expected to be phased out as that company tries to deal with their own financial challenges. GM has indicated the reductions will have the largest impact in urban and suburban districts. Nearby officials will be holding their breath in neighboring Brookville home to the nearest GM dealership, Boose Chevrolet.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hamvention Countdown To May 15
By Bruce KettellePreparation activity in and around Hara Arena is already visible in anticipation of 20,000 ham radio enthusiasts descending on Trotwood May 15-17. Since 1952 Hamvention has become the world's largest gathering for radios, antennas, and associated gear.
This year's theme is Dream, 'Digital Radio Enabling Amateurs to do More.' In addition to the 500 inside vendor exhibits and 2,500 flea market exhibits outside, participants can attend a multitude of forums covering everything from the basics of soldering to advanced digital transmissions.
Local businesses are also gearing up as the surge of visitors brings new customers to area restaurants and retailers. This is the largest weekend event hosted in Trotwood. Residents
are advised to adjust for increased travel times on Shiloh Springs Rd during the three-day event. And if you happen to see some cars with out of state plates be sure to wave a warm welcome to our visitors.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See picture of Hamvention Button at
http://www.totallytrotwood.com/home_5-1-09.htm
Did You Know?
On May 2, 1934 WLW in nearby Warren County became the most powerful radio station in the world with 500,000 watts of transmission power. Broadcasting at 700 kilohertz AM, it could be heard clearly coast-to-coast in North American and as far away as England. It had begun in 1921, broadcasting at only 20 watts. In 1922 it increased to 500 watts, 50,000 watts in 1928, then 500,000 watts in 1934. Due to complaints, its power was reduced after 5 years back to 50,000 watts, the highest wattage allowed today. At its highest level the signal was so strong that broadcasts could often be heard over wire fences and wood-burning stoves. (Courtesy of
Trotwood Madison Historical Society)
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