(Okoboji)– A groundbreaking ceremony was held this (Friday) morning for Okoboji Harley-Davidson at 1005 Eastview Avenue in Okoboji–just north of Shaw Paint, Glass and Locksmithing.
Jim Wilcox, Vice President of Ernie Williams Harley-Davidson, says the Okoboji store will serve as a satellite to their main store in Algona but it will be a full-line dealership with parts, sales and service. Wilcox says they’ll look at possibly adding rental services in the next year or two.
Wilcox says they had applied for several years to open a location in the Iowa Great Lakes. He says they were finally granted permission when Cherokee Harley-Davidson closed, opening the trade area.
Wilcox says construction on Okoboji Harley-Davidson is getting underway immediately. He says they hope to be up and running in February, 2008.
Wilcox says the business will employ 10 people full-time; four to six part-time; and another 12 to 16 on a seasonal basis.
The main show room will be two stories high, with the service area one story in height.
Wilcox says three steel sails, each orange in color, will be built on the front of the building, representing the three main Iowa Great Lakes.
Midstates Builders of Spencer is the general contractor.
