Bob Culpepper, owner of Culpepper Motor Company: Move To Interchange Improves Dealership's Business

31 Mar 1998
The Augusta Chronicle; Page C08
Copyright 1998, The Augusta Chronicle

Culpepper Motor Co., once tucked into the center of Harlem, is now enjoying a rebirth since the automobile dealership relocated to Interstate 20's undeveloped Exit 61.

"Business has definitely increased. We moved mainly so we could service our customers better," said Hollie McManus, sales manager, adding that the move provided greater visibility.

"We have a lot of customers outside of the Harlem area in Evans, Augusta, Martinez, and it provides better access to everybody. Our service department does a lot of business," said Ms. McManus.

Bob Culpepper, owner of Culpepper Motor Co., can be considered a modern-day frontiersman, taking the gamble to be one of the first to settle relatively unchartered industrial and commercial territory. And more like him are expected to come once water and sewer is developed in the area, according to Columbia County Chamber economic officials.

Within two years it is expected that new water and sewer lines will lead the way westward to new industrial and commercial expansion in the Harlem area.

The Columbia County Industrial Development Authority and the Columbia County Commission continue to explore the possibility of developing a water/sewer system in the Harlem and Appling area that could support major industry.

In the county's Horizon South Industrial Park, there are only two large tracts left for development; one is 71 acres and the other is 17 acres.

Essentially, the Harlem/Appling area is the final frontier for industrial development in Columbia County, having large tracts of land available with access to Interstate 20.

Culpepper Ancestry. Bob Culpepper is the son of William S. Culpepper: #42925