Ricky Craven draws hundreds of people to a Mexico auto parts store.
MEXICO – Applause, hoots and whistles greeted NASCAR driver Ricky Craven as his white stretch limo entered the VIP parking lot.
Hundreds of fans turned out to see the Maine native and spokesman for VIP Parts, Tires and Service stores. On Wednesday, along with members of the local chamber, growth council and municipal government, he was there for the grand opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest VIP.
He not only got applause from hundreds of loyal fans, but also the key to the town from Town Manager Joseph Derouche and selectman Chairman Reggie Arsenault.
“This is great,” said Arsenault before the ceremony. “We have a new VIP store. As Mexico grows over the years, businesspeople will be happy with the town.”
Craven was pleased to be at the Mexico opening and to be back in Maine.
“If I’m in California or Virginia, I always think about home and the people of Maine, and how lucky I am to have your support,” he said.
John Quirk is president and owner of VIP’s 49 stores in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The headquarters are in Lewiston. He credited the town for making his new store such a success.
“The town of Mexico has been absolutely terrific. Thanks to Joe Derouche, Mexico is the best town we’ve dealt with,” he said.
A smaller VIP store operated in the town about a half-mile west of the current site until the new, larger store, at 11,500-square-feet, opened last month. Quirk said several businesses are looking into using the former VIP site.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by River Valley Chamber of Commerce members and River Valley Growth Council members, as well as by the town’s Board of Selectmen and hundreds of Craven fans.
Growth Council economic developer Scott Christiansen had said earlier that about half the development expected to take place around the new Wal-Mart store has been spoken for. Besides VIP, which is directly across Route 2 from Wal-Mart, a new building supply store is under construction near the Region 9 vocational school, and a second auto parts store is planned for a site adjacent to Labonville.
Announcements are expected about several more businesses over the next few months.
eadams@sunjournal.com
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