Baugh Ford and Mercury’s new owners officially opened their dealership during a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning.

Owner Tommie Baugh III said he has been overwhelmed by the big welcome he’s received from the Chilton County community.

“The community has taken us in with open arms,” Baugh said.

Though the dealership “officially” opened Tuesday, the Baugh family has been operating it since April 22. Baugh’s brother, Joseph Baugh, is also a partner in the dealership.

Tommie Baugh, who has 15 years of experience with Ford, said he hopes to continue the success and long history of the Ford dealership in Clanton.

“It’s a good investment for us and the community,” said Tommie Baugh. “Our main objective is to turn this into a community dealership.

A Ford dealership has been operating in Clanton since the 1930s.

“If something can survive in the up and down economy for 70 years, that says something about community support,” Joseph Baugh said.

The Baughs said they want to carry on the work of previous owner Wayne McKinnon.

Tommie Baugh and his wife, Ashley, have a 2-year-old daughter, Ava. The family plans to relocate from Clarke County soon.

“We’re going to make this home,” Tommie Baugh said.

They plan to have another grand opening event this Saturday, May 22.

The dealership will be serving refreshments from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will give away a flat screen television during a drawing at 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.