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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Friday, January 9, 2009 9:19 PM CST
Battery Specialists moves

By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
nwest@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — Battery Specialists in Charleston now has a lot more room.

After demolishing the former 1,500-square-foot building in April, the new, four-bay shop opened in August at the same address, 1519 Madison Ave.

“We went from the old shop to a 5,000 square-foot-facility,” said owner Gene Thacker.

Battery Specialists, which repairs and installs alternators and starters as well as selling a wide array of batteries, first came to Charleston in 1990. Thacker also owns the Battery Specialists store in Mattoon, 309 N. 15th St.

It is a family business, as Thacker’s sons, Jim and Bill Pierson, both work for him.

After tearing down the original building, Battery Specialists relocated across the street while the new steel structure was erected on the old property as well as a nearby lot, which Thacker purchased.

The new building includes four bays, including one large enough for working on semi tractors and large trucks. “That’s the big plus, being able to get (larger) stuff inside now,” said Thacker.

There is also a greatly expanded area devoted to rebuilding alternators and starters. “We have a lot bigger facility than we’ve ever had,” said Thacker.

In addition to batteries for all manner of vehicles, the store also stocks batteries for digital cameras and video equipment, cellular phones, watches and handheld radios.

“We have all sorts of small batteries,” Thacker said.

In addition to Thacker and the Piersons, Battery Specialists employs Frank Winnett full-time in Charleston and Lee Hudson in Mattoon. Gary Sims is a part-time employee.

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Tom Andres wrote on Jan 10, 2009 9:02 AM:

" It's great to see Battery Specialists thriving in Mattoon and in Charleston. I've never done business with anyone more 'on top of his game' or more honest than Gene Thacker! "

61938 wrote on Jan 12, 2009 7:32 AM:

" After demolishing the former 1,500-square-foot building in April, the new, four-bay shop opened in August at the same address, 1519 Madison Ave.

It's good to see our one and only paper is right on top of the news today, as usual. This move to the same address just happened 5 months ago?

I will agree however that Gene is a pleasent business owner to deal with. "

soybeanpod wrote on Jan 12, 2009 7:52 AM:

" Ditto the first comment. Just one example of the importance of the small businessman in our overall economy. "

cd wrote on Jan 12, 2009 8:07 AM:

" Friday, January 9, 2009 9:19 PM CST
Battery Specialists moves

By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
-----------
Where have you been Nathaniel? This is old news.
It's a good story, but at least a month late. "