Kudos to two longtime, local businesses that have found a way to keep a company’s doors open in Selma.

At a time when much of the local economic news involves closings or lay-offs, Fuller Building Supply has announced it will purchase King Building Material Company, and continue operations at both locations.

These family-owned businesses have been operating a &8220;friendly&8221; competition for years &045; King Building Material Company and Hardware Supply Company was started in 1978, Fuller Building Supply started 37 years ago.

The transition becomes official today.

According to Business Week magazine, family businesses account for 50 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product; 60 percent of the country’s employment and 78 percent of new job creation.

Indeed, according to Business Week, &8220;family-owned businesses continue to form the backbone of the American economy.&8221;

The buyout of King Building Material Company keeps jobs and business in the community.

Both locations will continue to operate under the Fuller Building Supply and Fuller Hardware Company signs.

This is a bold, progressive move that will enhance Fuller Building Supply and will continue serving the customers of King Building Material as well.