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Merchant Ford held a ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating its grand opening Thursday.

Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and State Senator Robert Stewart helped cut the ribbon with Ford officials to officially open the dealership in cooperation with the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Perkins thanked the chamber and its board for their role in bringing the dealership to the area and delivered a prayer to bless the food provided by Valle Grande Restaurant in Valley Grande.

“Prayer can do what we can’t do,” Perkins said. 

Stewart called the grand opening a momentous occasion, something needed in the city.

“Workforce is a priority in the community,” Stewart said. 

Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Executive Director Sheryl Smedley said the automotive industry in the area gets a huge boost by the dealership’s opening. 

Charley Royal, general manager of Merchant Ford and Merchant Honda, said he is excited to have a pair of dealerships in Selma.

“Customer service is our number one priority,” Royal said, “Things are looking great for us.”