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Information About Ben Bissett Chevrolet
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In August 1954, the men and women now referred to as "the greatest generation" were intrenched in family life, working 8 to 5 jobs, and tuning into a technological phenomenon -- the black and white television set. It was that month and that year that two members of that generation, Benjamin Bissett Sr. and his son Ben Jr., opened a Chevrolet dealership in Mercer, PA. Three months later, Ben Jr., who took charge of the business, celebrated with a grand opening which showcased the 1955 Bel Air Sport Coupe - billed as "one of 14 new Fisher Bodies in three new series". Ben sold that coupe and other cars and trucks that year.
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In the 53 Years since that October event, three more generations of Ben Bissett Chevrolet customers have walked in the showroom doors at 130 North Pitt Street and driven out coupes, sedans, station wagons, hatchbacks, trucks, SUVs, and Corvettes. Throughout those five decades, the buildings have been renevated, the equipment replaced and updated to state-of-the-art, and the lot expanded again and again. Even with all the changes at the dealership and in the cars, it has retained an incomparable charm built on business standards associated with that great generation. As the millennium approached, Ben Bissett Chevrolet consistently received top - that is the highest rating in customer service by the Chevrolet Motor Division. This means that the person who purchased a car or truck was not only completely satisfied with the service that the employees at Ben Bissett Chevrolet rendered, but wouldn't hesitate to buy again from the dealership.
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In the early 1970s, a new face appeared on the salesman "wall of fame". He was Ben Bissett III, who this year celebrated his 33rd year at the dealership. Under his father's tutelage, Ben or Benjie, as he is still refered to by some customers and many employees, learned that a dealership isn't just about selling vehicles.
"It's about caring for and about every customer every day. And it's about being part and taking pride in the community. Helping out with civic, school and holiday activities. It's about making the small town the best town." ~ Ben Bissett Jr.
After his father retired, Ben continued to carry on these canon of business ethics as dealer and is now sharing them with his son, Ben IV, who has worked at the dealership since he was 15. He is now a senior in college majoring in automotive marketing.
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Now, Ben Bissett Chevrolet has taken the next step by building a state-of-the-art new facility on Route 19, 1 mile north of Interstate 80. Completed in 2006, our new facility is bigger and better than ever. We still offer the same great services but now we have a larger show room, wireless internet, a bigger show lot to see all the great Chevy cars and trucks we have available.
Looking at a yellowed newspaper clipping of Ben Sr. and Ben Jr. posing with bow-tied Nevin Willis, former owner of the garage when it exchanged hands, it seems inconceivable that the picture was taken in 1954 and it is now 2007! But, Ben Bissett Chevrolet was there then and still is today. Cars were sold and serviced then, and are still being sold and serviced today. It doesn't matter whether the car is "one of 14 new Fisher Bodies" or that brand new SSR in the showroom. What matters is that customers know that they can depend on Ben Bissett Chevrolet for the very best in sales and service. After all, they have been doing it for generations and generations!! |
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