CT auto dealers can affect towns

Wallingford (WTNH) - Connecticut Auto Dealers and employees are keeping a close eye on what's going on in D.C. and Detroit, Michigan with the "Big Three." Its implications could be far-reaching all the way to the communities where we live and work.

In Wallingford they have 10 dealerships and they're the hub of the area. They support a lot of charities, people, programs; they're ultimately the back bone to the town.

The Toys for Tots box sits underneath the Christmas tree at the Wallingford Buick Pontiac GMC Dealership. It's just one of dozens of charities supported by the dealership.

And while they are keeping a close eye on what's going on in D.C. and Detroit, Michigan, so is the President of the Wallingford Rotary Club.

"You realize it's not just something that effects people that live in Detroit and Michigan," Matt Bailey said. "There are a lot of people who have jobs here."

What happens in the Big Three can trickle down into Connecticut and it might not be such a trickle down depending on what happens in Detroit.

And, with local dealerships being the backbone of the town, this can have great impact on the state. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, each car dealership gives an average of $25,000 to charities a year. With 10 dealerships in Wallingford, you're looking at about $250,000 for that community alone.

"I would rather cut back on advertising and still support the little league and hospitals," Chris Backes, of Wallingford Buick Pontiac GMC, said. "Because ultimately those are the people that are the customers."

The dealers are one of the biggest employees in Connecticut. Car dealers are responsible for 14 percent of payroll and 8 percent of employment within the state.

So, while the nation is concerned about the nation -- there is a bigger picture here in CT.

"If something were to happen to the network, the impact to the overall economy would be devastating," Backes said.