Business owners excited about openings
Motorists traveling on Interstate 20 won't see Culpepper Ford near the Harlem exit anymore, but they will see a new business that focuses on a different type of transportation.
John Vultaggio, the general manager of Travel Country RV Center, stands next to one of his vehicles at his store in Appling. He says his location near Clarks Hill Lake's campgrounds will help drive sales.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Recently, Travel Country RV Center opened its doors at 6441 Natures Way in Appling, which was the site for the automobile dealership before it relocated to Thomson.
From diesel-powered buses to class A and C gasoline motor homes to travel trailers and fifth-wheels, General Manager John Vultaggio said the business offers camping enthusiasts a wide variety of selections from which to choose.
"We are a major center for recreational vehicles. We carry all types like Holiday Ramblers, Georgie Boy, Damon, Sports Coach, Fleetwood, Four Winds and more," he said, mentioning that he has 22 years of experience in the business. "We like to attract different age groups."
The average price for a trailer can be as low as the midteens, but diesel fuel motor homes can cost $100,000, the general manager said.
Vultaggio said most of the clientele buying RVs today are baby boomers. He said he believes his business's new location will help boost sales.
"We're close to Clarks Hill, a major campground in the area," he said. "We also give the public easy access to services as well as the potential to purchase an RV."
For more information about the business, visit www.travelcountryrv.com or call 309-9228.
Another business in Martinez also is expected to open next summer.
Health Center Credit Union, which is currently located at 4115 Columbia Road, Suite 4, is expected to relocate to the former Fairway Ford Used Car lot at 4333 Washington Road in Evans.
"In my mind, this is ideal property. We're very excited to be (moving to) that particular location," said Stacy A. Tallent, the president of the credit union, adding that the move has been a work in progress for two years. "It's close proximity to all of the development that is going on out there."
Tallent said that, out of the company's six branches in the area, the new Evans site is the only one that is owned.
"We now have a permanent home, and don't have to rely on renting," he said.
Some of the advantages Tallent mentioned about the new site, which is 5,000 square feet, is that it will have a five-lane drive-through in front of the building and an automated teller machine.
"The building is going to be refurbished, but we are going to have to customize it to fit the credit union's need," he said.
For more information about the credit union, call 855-3449.