Lauri Cothran, executive VP for tourism for the Centre for Commerce, is calling on area businesses, industries, civic groups and other organizations to provide an ornament for the Christmas tree standing in the entry hall of the centre during the Christmas season.

The new centre brings together under the same roof for the first time in Selma’s history the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority and the tourism office. All three, Cothran said, are dedicated to the creative promotion of Selma and Dallas County.

She said it’s a tremendous advantage for persons looking into Selma and Dallas County as a possible location for their business &045; along with others who need the services of offices housed in the centre, including visitors &045; to have these agencies together in one place. According to Cothran, there’s quite a bit of traffic through the centre and that’s why she believes a Christmas tree will be helpful in promoting the area to outsiders.

The tree was still in process of being put up the day before Thanksgiving. Some branches were still in boxes, and ornaments already submitted were still in boxes. But this week all should be in readiness for the ornaments to be hung.

Cothran explained that ornaments do not have to have a Christmas theme. The main thing, she said, is for the ornaments to tell the story of some vital part of the Selma community &045; especially industrial, business and financial institutions.

Ornaments should be small, she said, and donated to the centre. Also, small donations are appreciated to cover the expenses of the project.

For information call (334) 875-7241.