With a federal arbitration case behind them, the staff of Bell Chevrolet in Sistersville is free to serve the community like they have for nearly four decades.

John Bell’s 39-year Chevrolet franchise has been a staple in Sistersville for nearly four decades but until recently the dealership’s future did not look so bright.

Bell Chevrolet, one of 17 suspended GM auto dealerships across the state, recently learned that it won its arbitration case and will stay open to serve the community and the surrounding area.

As part of a federal government takeover following bankruptcy, Congress forced General Motors Corporation into arbitration with hundreds of dealerships chosen to lose their franchise. Bell found himself in the business battle of his life as he sought to reinstate his franchise through the federal binding arbitration. If he had lost, his franchise would have ended this fall.

“We were represented by one of the top law firms in the state,” Bell remarked. Dallas Kayser and Matthew Clark of Kayser, Layne and Clark in Point Pleasant presented the case in Charleston in June.

“We’re very excited to have this behind us and return to the family of GM dealers,” Bell said. “We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support our employees, customers and the entire Ohio Valley extended to us during this period of uncertainty.”

Bell expects a shipment of new GM vehicles in the coming weeks.