It is inevitable that the all-knowing despondents of Selma and Dallas County will proclaim that our community is shutting its doors and calling it quits. That is far from the case.

The news that L-3 Vertex Aerospace was closing its doors will surely bring those naysayers out of hiding to throw blame at the Mayor, Johnny Jones, Team Selma or even Wayne Vardaman. The fact is that the blame is not theirs to bear. The fact is that the U.S. Navy chose another company to do business with. It was not because they were located in Selma, not because they had a below average workforce, but because they wanted to and chose to do business with another company.

Taking a good and formidable approach, Team Selma has turned this into a positive for our community. “The hangar space is there, the opportunity’s there”, said State Sen. Hank Sanders. Who knows, maybe there is an industry looking for the space that will soon be vacated by L-3. Maybe the 54 employees who are losing their jobs will find better work at a better pay. All that is unforeseen, but could become a reality. That unforeseeable future could especially come true due to the continued decline in the county’s unemployment rate. Some suggest that the current employment rate is employing those who want to work, or who are skilled. If that is in fact the case, then doors should be readily opened for the former employees of L-3.

Nevertheless, the closing of L-3, and even Southland Mower Company, although both being heartbreaking, will not shut the door on the progress our community is making. Although not as visible as a closure, there are a number of good companies, making and keeping commitments to Selma and Dallas County. Good things will result from the hard work of Team Selma and others. Good things are in the future. The only door that needs closing is on the despondent and naysayer. Selma and Dallas County’s doors are wide open and waiting for new business and industry.