Cordell Car Dealership Makes Cuts

CORDELL, Oklahoma -- Chrysler is cutting nearly a dozen dealerships in Oklahoma.

In this town of 2,500 people, family businesses are a driving force. So when the city of Cordell got news its Chrysler dealership is on the list to be cut, it was devastating.

"It's upsetting, they work hard here and they put in their time," owner John Thomas said. "Their families are dependent on here and it's just gone."

Courtney Dowty is one employee whose future is uncertain.

"It's really hard, there's not a lot of job opportunities in western Oklahoma when you lose your job," Dowty said. "I don't know what's going to happen."

As a single mom with two kids, the cut could hurt her family and livelihood.

"Everything I have revolves around this dealership and this town," Dowty said. "We wanted to stay in a small town, that's why we moved here."

Her town is also feeling the burden. The city's annual sales tax will drop 2.4 percent. But Mayor Alex Damon says that's not the biggest loss. The long time dealership donates $15,000 a year to sponsor local schools, programs and children. The countless cards of thanks are evidence of the support from over the years.

"The programs will carry on, but obviously it'll be more of a struggle since we'll have to deal with less income, less sponsorship contributions coming from car dealerships like John Thomas," Cordell Mayor Alex Damon said.

Back in the office, employees and Thomas are working the remaining hours at a business they've always considered their extended family.

"The store means everything to me," Thomas said. "Like I say under the Oklahoma law, I've got everything I've got put into this store."

Thomas says right now, his focus is keeping his Ford dealership in Hobart afloat; meanwhile, he has hired a lawyer to fight the closing.