STAFF REPORT

Blue Ridge Tractor has bought seven acres of property from the Benton West City Economic Development Corporation to build a dealership that will sell and service Dressta North American construction equipment.

Retiring EDC Director Steve Woodfin, new Director Dave Cooper and Board Chairman John Huffman announced the deal this week.

Blue Ridge Tractor is the new Dressta dealer fro the southern half of Illinois and western Kentucky.

The seven acres bought by the dealership are part of a 34-acre tract of land owned by the EDC. EDC officials say the tract will give Blue Ridge Tractor interstate visibility, and hopefully will be the start of other commercial and retail development along I-57 and the airport.

Blue Ridge Tractor will build a storefront to display new machines, as well as provide machinery sales, parts sales and light service work at the site.

Benton Mayor Gary Kraft called news of the new business “very encouraging.”

“It is a great opportunity for more growth and development,” said West City Mayor Charles Cockrum. “Glad to see it happen.”

Blue Ridge Tractor General Manager Alex Gibbs said the company is eager to begin construction at the site.