The Selma economy is filled with success stories that often go unnoticed.

When we think of our economy, we often think of retail stores or large industries.

There is another, more subtle, part of our economy that consists of small businesses that fill a niche and sell primarily to other businesses.

These companies often provide services that we aren’t aware of.

A good example is Selma’s AirTech, located at Craig Field.

AirTech has been in the news recently because it has again expanded. AirTech recently purchased Ward Aerial Applicators in Louisiana.

That purchase came after acquisitions in 2000 and 2001.

The company’s owners say they are successful because they are good at filling the needs of customers, a basic for any business.

The company primarily provides reforestation services. Its customers include Weyerhauser, Bowater, and International Paper.

AirTech’s owners, Leigh Allen and Coyt Bailey, said that at one time they thought about moving the company to Mississippi.

But they found that the facilities and people in Selma were too valuable.

AirTech’s owners say the are pleased to be at the Craig Field facility.

The management at Craig Field has done a good job of providing for the businesses there and AirTech’s success is testament to this.

AirTech employs 25 people here. That may not sound like a lot, but small businesses like AirTech provide diversity to our economy.

We congratulate AirTech on its recent expansion.

We hope Allen and Bailey are able to further expand their company.