According to general manager Bob Vigil, whose family operates the two companies, the merged company will operate under the Smith's One Hour name at the Smith's One Hour Pueblo-based locale, 827 W. 10th St.

The site of Vigil's Air Conditioning, located at 800 W. Eighth St., is being purchased by The Pueblo Chieftain newspaper, which is next to the site. The newspaper bought the site for possible future expansion but does not have any immediate plans for the property, said general manager Marv Laut.

Smith's One Hour was recognized in 2004 as "Franchise of the Year" at the national One Hour Franchise Congress, held in Bonita Springs, Fla. The national chain features distinctive yellow trucks and a guarantee of on-time service.

"Combining forces with a company whose excellent reputation and superior service has been a mainstay in Pueblo for over 30 years will continue the fine tradition of excellence in service that both companies' customers have come to expect," said Vigil.

Publication date: 03/13/2006