From The State Journal-Register

PETERSBURG, IL -- An auto-parts supply store in Petersburg, IL, has become the 10th outlet in the Quincy Automotive Supply chain.

It also becomes the second acquisition in less than six months for the Springfield, IL-based company.

"This is our 10th, and we're looking for more. We'd like to stay in the central Illinois market," said company President J. Garth "Butch" Elzea III.

Elzea is the third generation to head the company, which was founded by his grandfather, J. Garth Elzea Sr., in 1921 in Quincy, IL.

The company, which is affiliated with NAPA Auto Parts, has been based in Springfield since 1944. About 90 percent of its business is with wholesale customers, such as repair shops and automobile dealerships.

Employees said the shop on the Petersburg square has been in business since at least the mid-1970s and most recently was owned by Norm Knous of Petersburg. The business will operate as NAPA Auto Parts of Petersburg.

Elzea said the interior of the business will be renovated and the inventory expanded. There are five employees at the Petersburg store.

Quincy Automotive Supply purchased a Taylorville, IL, store in June that had been closed for a year. In addition to Petersburg and Taylorville, the company now has two stores in Springfield, IL, and stores in Pekin, Peoria, Morton, Decatur, Jacksonville and Beardstown, IL.

With the addition of the Petersburg store, Quincy Automotive Supply now has a work force of 110.

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