On the heels of American Candy’s apparent demise, economic leaders in Selma and Dallas County say Christmas is not far around the corner.

According to one leader, there could be more than 1,000 new jobs in Dallas County by the end of the year.

“The activity level right now is tremendous,” said Wayne Vardaman, executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority. “I think a lot of it has to do with this Renewal Community program.”

Dallas County has been selected as a “Renewal Community” by the U.S. Government. Along with other perks for being a “disadvantaged” community, the government gives companies a $1,500 tax credit for every employee hired to work in an industry located in this area.

“That’s made a huge difference, and I think it has helped bring so much attention to this area,” Vardaman said.

Crowne Health Laundry Services Inc., which has announced it will begin operations in Selma, is only one of the many opportunities Dallas County has for new employment.

According to Vardaman, another new industry will make an announcement the next two weeks about its plans to create new jobs in Dallas County. By the end of the year, there could be a number of new industries in Dallas County, and that doesn’t include any announcements by Hyundai Motor Co., which plans to build a $1 billion car manufacturing plant less than an hour from Dallas County.

Part of the reason for the surge in economic activity in Dallas County comes from a group dubbed “Team Selma.” Members of that team include Mayor James Perkins, Probate Judge Johnny Jones, Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Wallace, Pioneer Electric’s Economic Specialist George Alford, Craig Airport Authority Director Menzo Driskell and Vardaman.

“This group of people has worked really hard to attract industries to Dallas County,” Vardaman said. “It’s paying off now.”

In terms of industry recruitment, Vardaman said there are many particulars he cannot discuss, yet. Some of the industries still must sign contracts or close various purchases. Other industries, which include local industries, have looked at expansion and will help generate new jobs in Dallas County.

And American Candy is not out of the loop, yet. According to a court order, the current ownership of the Selma company must sell by Sept. 16. Apparently, there are a number of potential buyers of the company, and some have indicated an interest in keeping the company in Selma.