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A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday for the grand opening of Merchant Honda.

Charley Royal, general manager of Merchant Honda and Merchant Ford, was joined by Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and State Senator Robert Stewart to honor the opening. Since 2018, the Selma Honda dealership has been under the ownership of Long Lewis of Selma. 

“The two openings are a move of awareness to small business and the community at large,” Royal said. 

Nunn said Merchant Honda and Merchant Ford both will financially benefit Selma and Dallas County. 

“The grand openings of Merchant Honda and Merchant Ford will be a big boost on sales tax in Selma and Dallas County,” Nunn said. 

The Coffee Shoppe owner Jackie Smith, chairman of the board of directors at the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, said the two dealerships will improve employment opportunities in the area.

“Getting the two dealerships means a lot to Selma and Dallas County for providing jobs,” Smith said. 

Selma Area Food Bank (SAFB) Executive Director Jeff Harrison said bringing more businesses to the area is important.

“I think it’s great to have more car dealerships in town,” Harrison said. “We need to have more businesses in Selma. We see a need.”