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Honk if you're attending local Ford 'customer reunion'

Saturday event prompted by dealer closing

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: November 5, 2009

Customers of Legendary Ford-Mercury will gather at the dealership on Saturday to voice their anger about its closing and get the attention of Ford Motor Co.
At noon Saturday, a "customer reunion" will be held at the dealership located at U.S. 70 West and U.S. 221 North.
"Have you driven a Ford lately?" read an announcement for the event. "McDowell County has lost Legendary Ford. We were loyal customers, we bought Ford cars, we chose Ford parts, we preferred Ford service, and in return Ford chose to take the jobs of our friends. Join other friends Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 12:00 noon at Legendary Ford as we reflect on what was, what could have been and where we are today!"
Jack Wood is one of the organizers of the "customer reunion." Wood said he and other customers are upset at Ford's decision to close Legendary and feel that the automaker has not been truthful about the reason.
The reunion on Saturday has several purposes, according to Wood.
One will be to thank Legendary's staff for their commitment to customer service in McDowell. The other purpose will be to show support for businessman Ford Miller and his efforts to help the people of this county. Miller, owner of Miller Engineering and the old Marion Manufacturing plant, recently made an offer to pay off the dealership's mortgage and buy the building, if dealer principal Tommy Calhoun would be allowed to run the business as before. However, the automaker would not accept Miller's offer to buy out the mortgage.
Wood said he and other upset Ford customers hope they can "attract the attention of Ford corporate and tell them Ford will be here or nothing."
"We will not go to Morganton, Asheville or anywhere else," he said. "Personally I own five Fords and I will buy aftermarket, remanufactured, salvage yard or eBay but I will not spend money with Ford Motor Co."
The McDowell News has tried to contact Ford representatives about the closing. Ray Parrish, Ford's Southeast regional general manager, said Wednesday that he does not have responsibility for this market. He said he had referred the newspaper's inquiry to the "appropriate parties for response."