By DAISY MOON / Staff Writer

A previously family-owned business in Harpersville is now part of a major Central Alabama conglomerate.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2007, the ownership of the former Holcombe Home Center swapped hands with Russell Building Supply, a smaller franchise of the expanding Russell Lands Inc.

“They (Russell) wanted to expand in this area,” said Johnny Holcombe. “This is a good market, and everything is moving this way out of Birmingham.”

Holcombe, who co-owned the family’s business with his father for 31 years, will continue working in the store until the end of March.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 5 to celebrate the opening of the new store.

In attendance were Tom Lamberth, president and COO of Russell Lands Inc., as well as Harpersville Mayor Theoangelo Perkins, Stacy Walkup, executive director for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and several Russell Land Inc. executives.

Store Manager Daniel Hewitt, store employees and several other local business representatives also took part in the ceremony.

Russell Lands Inc., based in Alexander City, is a thriving industry throughout Central Alabama. Besides the three Russell Building Supply stores, the company also has six Russell-Do-It Centers, one Russell Do-It Express, two Russell Home D/cor Centers and an energy business.

The company is also a significant part of the residential real estate development business around Lake Martin