Tulare County Economic Development: Ribbon cutting at new Autozone in Earlimart, CA

AUTOZONE GRAND OPENING -- WHITE RIVER PLAZA, EARLIMART, CA
The nation's newest AutoZone is set to open its doors at the White River Plaza located at the northeastern corner of Avenue 56 (Sierra Highway)and CA State Route 99, in Earlimart, CA.
The construction of the 7,500 square feet building is complete, the shelves are being stocked and the final details are being completed prior to the opening. The new AutoZone store will be open to the public on Thursday, December 12, according to Lisa Whitlow, AutoZone District Manager for the Central Valley District. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013.
"AutoZone is the country's largest retailer of automotive aftermarket products with more than 4,800 stores across the United States." Said Michael Washam, the County's Economic Development Manager. "The new AutoZone will provide a clean, well-lit, well-merchandised store offering a large selection of automotive products not currently available in the Community."
While the AutoZone is the first retailer to open at the White River Plaza, a Dollar General store is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2014. The White River Plaza development represents the largest retail commercial development ever built within the community of Earlimart. Additional tenants planned at White River Plaza include a supermarket, national fast food restaurants, and other retail and services businesses.
"The White River Plaza has been several years in the making and the Community of Earlimart and Tulare County are thrilled to see the doors begin to open," said Chairman Pete Vander Poel, who represents the Earlimart area on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. "I am proud to support economic development activity that will provide jobs and resources ranging from auto parts to fresh and nutritious food for residents."
White River Plaza is a 7.5 acre development project that was approved by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors earlier this year. This project is being developed by White River Plaza LLC, headed by Tom Hocking and Max Bacerra, local developers and professionals. According to Max Bacerra, "We wanted to be a part of Earlimart's progress and help create new and permanent jobs for the residents in the local area. The community of Earlimart is the gateway into Tulare County from southern California and we are glad to be a part of a very positive and refreshing community."Dollar General should open in February 2014. Additional new buildings and businesses are being processed and negotiated at the present time. The White River Plaza development should see more store openings throughout the 2014 year.
Expected guests and speakers at the AutoZone Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting event include Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, Pete Vander Poel; Michael Washam, Tulare County Economic Development Manager; Juan Ortiz, Regional Manager for AutoZone Corporation; representatives from Congressman David Valadao's office,and the White River Plaza developers.

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