The Laplante family has run a business servicing or selling cars since 1954, according to their website. Romeo Laplante started the family business as an auto repair shop, and now, three generations later, his grandchildren are breaking ground on a new 27,000 square foot new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership in Embrun.
With a growing population in the region, increased interest in electric vehicles and a goal of maintaining customer service, the Laplante’s decided moving the dealership from its current location at 700 Notre-Dame Street to its new spot less than kilometre away on Saint Guillaume Road while tripling its size.
“We will be able to service much more people and adapt to all the electric vehicles and the hybrid vehicles that are coming in,” said Genevieve Laplante, principal dealer, joined by her brother Sebastian, vice-president of operations, and her sister Stephanie, principal dealer of the Laplante’s Casselman location.
Russell Township Mayor Pierre Leroux helped move the first ceremonial shovels-full of dirt along with councillor Marc Lalonde. For Leroux, seeing the dealership stay in Embrun and expand is nothing but a good sign for the region.
“We’re in a community that’s growing by leaps and bounds,” said Leroux. “So, the businesses have to adapt and grow accordingly. This will be the starting point for a beautiful new commercial subdivision in the township … It’s a win-win for everybody in the economy, and in the township. More businesses coming in help keep taxes lower on the residential side. It’s always a good thing.”
Staying in the area was also an important consideration for the Laplante’s.
“This is where it all started,” said Genevieve. “It is a great market for us to continue and expand in Prescott-Russell. We were born and raised here and it’s always been our niche market. We love the people, and we just want to service everybody around here and grow the business here.”
The Laplante siblings are optimistic that the new dealership will open it’s doors in December 2023. Until then, the doors at the old location remain open.
