Firestone Complete Auto Care Store Re-Opens In New Orleans

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. (July 20, 2009) — Overcoming the widespread destruction Hurricane Katrina caused nearly four years ago, Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is proud to announce the grand re-opening of the Firestone Complete Auto Care location on Carrollton Street in New Orleans, La.

After suffering terrible devastation from Hurricane Katrina, the Firestone Complete Auto Care store location at 3500 Carrollton Street was forced to close its doors. Today, many New Orleans residents have moved back to the area and the community is beginning to thrive again. Rebuilt at the exact location of the original store, Firestone Complete Auto Care is proud to be one of the few automotive retailers to re-open in the area.

Our Firestone Complete Auto Care stores are important parts of their communities, said Ottis Lewis, Vice-President, South Central Zone, 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 BSROs 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 ribboncutting ceremony with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, City Council representatives, the New Orleans Fire and Police Departments and local community members. During the ceremony, representatives from the New Orleans Fire Department accepted a $500 donation from Firestone Complete Auto Care for their organization.

Firestone Complete Auto Care also donated $500 to Childrens Hospital. In addition, 5 percent of the retail sales made during the grand re-opening on Saturday, July 18, will be donated to Childrens Hospital.

Public events lasted throughout the weekend. Family-fun 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 Cares larger commitment to the city of New Orleans. Last summer, the store located at 8615 West Judge Perez Drive re-opened as the first automotive retailer in the area since Hurricane Katrinas devastating effects.