City Electric Supply of Augusta held its grand opening on Thursday, Nov. 18, highlighting a dozen of its vendors and boosting the Make a Wish Foundation.
An electrical supply distributor based out of Dallas, Texas, its 1345 Jones St. location has been open for a little over two months.
“We opened our doors on Aug. 26 to let people know where we were located, but we waited until Nov. 18th for our grand opening,” said Ashlea Gulasa, Augusta’s operations’ manager.
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Vendors participating in the grand opening included Channel Lock, Leviton, Milwaukee, Tamco, CES Cares, Southwire, Eaton, Klein, Glenn Assoc., FRM, Kain Sales and 3M.
While some of City Electric Supply’s other locations focus on residential supplies, the Augusta branch specializes in commercial and industrial products catering to the needs of businesses in the heart of the medical district.
Not only did the company want to highlight its products but officials used the grand opening to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation.
“We have 542 branches, and we have asked each of them to raise $500 apiece for the Make a Wish Foundation. They have until March of 2022 to do so,” said Karen Gray, social impact manager with City Electric Supply Cares.
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Gulasa said the grand opening events helped the Augusta branch exceed that challenge.
“Our branch raised $745 today, and I am proud of all our crew,” she said.
A raffle was one way the local branch raised funds, but many customers and employees gave donations as well. Raffle prizes included a TCL big screen LCD 4K smart television, a Rec Tec pellet grill, various coolers, hand-tools and T-shirts.
The employees and guests at the event gathered for a meal around the middle of the day and beyond. Shealy’s Barbecue from Batesburg, S.C. catered the event. Barbecue, fried chicken, sides, and tea were served.
City Electric Supply is a worldwide company with 542 stores in the United States. It also has locations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Germany. John Gray, the company’s chief operating officer attended the event.
Ron Baxley Jr. is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
