MOSES LAKE - After 51 years of service as C&V Auto Sales & Service, the business is being sold to a dealer next door, Bud Clary Auto Group.

The ownership change is tentatively planned for Dec. 31, said Rich Childress, C&V's owner.

The economic climate was one reason he is selling the business, he explained.

"Just as equally, it's just a situation where you're tired of fighting the battle," he said. "You reach the point in your age when it's time to retire. It's a young man's game."

Having multiple dealerships and franchises is beneficial because you're not dependent on only one, Childress said.

He carries Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.

"I think the people next door will represent the product well," he said.

His staff has been retained by Bud Clary.

Highlights of his career include watching the rise and downfall of the Chrysler Corporation and the growth of Moses Lake.

"At one time, the original dealership was on the edge of town," Childress recalled. "Now I'm back on the edge of town again. Who knows what the next 20 years will be for development and moving practices?"

He recalled many years ago, when local parts stores and other dealers would hold holiday parties for good customers.

The businesses would attend each other's parties, but now, many of those operations are gone and owners have passed.

"Things have changed. We don't do the parties anymore," Childress said. "It was just a different time and place; for whatever reason, they don't do it anymore."

Office Manager Judy Fogerson has worked at the business for nearly 28 years and is remaining when the new owners take over.

She says she started out "as a one-girl office."

As the years passed, more employees were added.

"There was a family feeling between employees," Fogerson said. "We watched each other's kids grow up. We knew the names of each other's grandchildren. It made it very pleasant."

She enjoys the daily challenges of the job and day-to-day workings.

Last year, C&V received a plaque marking 50 years as Chrysler dealer.

Childress's father, Jack Childress, and Larry Van Keulen, started the business in 1953.

Jack and Van Keulen sold the business to Rich in 2001.