Jacksonville, FL (September 23, 2021) – This morning, Jacksonville welcomed its newest family-owned and operated business, Battery Source. While they have been in operation at their current location for the past six months, today was the official opening of the Beach Blvd location. CM Becton was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for their second location in Jacksonville and first in District 11.
Founded in 1958 by Ray Glass, Battery Source began as a small-town battery store originally called Ray Glass Batteries, Inc in Thomasville, GA that served auto part stores, garages, and service stations. Over the years, the business has expanded to include multiple parts of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. In 1989, a new retail division was added when the Glass family decided to change their focus from wholesale route trucks to retail sales and Battery Source was born. The company soon began to sell an array of batteries and chargers, including automotive batteries, marine batteries, and more. They also got into the business of selling golf carts, which here in Jacksonville are widely used by folks from various sections of Duval County. Over 55 years in business, Battery Source is still owned by the Glass Family and is currently the largest privately-owned chain of retail battery stores in the southeast and is constantly growing and evolving.
Prior to construction, Battery Source had to go through the process of having the land properly zoned for their business. CM Becton played a part in 2017 in helping the Glass family navigate through the zoning process and helping to pass Bill 2017-379, which eventually allowed them to secure the land for the Beach Blvd site. CM Becton shared a few words with the crowd gathered after cutting the ribbon:
“As the Councilmember for District 11, I would too, would like to welcome everyone here today on this very special occasion. It is always exciting when we have a company like Battery Source who sees Jacksonville and the opportunity our city presents to serve our residents and create new customers. It is the confidence in our city that I first get excited about and then to see the services that they provide, it definitely fills a need, as their motto says, ‘Your Discount Battery Super Store’.
What is equally exciting is that this is Battery Source’s 2nd Store in our city and 25th store in their company. For Jacksonville and our area, this means more jobs that bring new neighbors to our communities, new lunch patrons for our local restaurants and for our small business community, opportunities to grow alongside your success. On a personal note, I am also excited to see a company headquartered, in Thomasville, GA not far from where I grew up in South Georgia to come to Jacksonville, as well!
In closing, on behalf of the entire Jacksonville City Council and the residents of District 11, I want to personally congratulate you and say thank you for your confidence again in our great City of Jacksonville and wish you and your team continued great success at this new location!”
