LaFAYETTE — Shane Teel has been into selling and servicing tires for much of his adult life, and now he has his own business. It’s in a great location, just off the very busy intersection of Highway 50 and U.S. 431 on the south side of LaFayette. It’s right across the road from Teague’s Piggly Wiggly.

Shane and wife Beth are the owners of Quality Tire, and they played host to a ribbon cutting at the new business on Friday morning. A good crowd was on hand at the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce event, among them LaFayette Mayor Barry Moody and other city officials, Chief Heath Cotney and firefighters with the LaFayette Fire Department, and Lt. Christopher Trice and Capt. George Rampey of the LaFayette Police Department.

Ashley Crane, executive director of the GVACC, welcomed everyone to the event. “We are so glad you are opening a new business in Chambers County,” she said.

Mayor Moody thanked the Teels on making an investment in the city. “We are excited any time a new business comes here,” he said. “We believe you will do well not just with LaFayette residents but from those who live in surrounding communities as well. The rural areas of our county are important to our city. We want them to continue coming here to do their shopping.”

Shane Teel thanked everyone for coming out and invited everyone to have a hot dog lunch at the store or to take a boxed lunch with them on their way out.

“We appreciate the support you have shown us today,” he said, adding in jest, “We wouldn’t mind it, either, if you purchased a set of tires from us while you’re here.”

Crane told the Teels that as Chamber members they are more than part of the community.

“You are family,” she said.

Shane added, “It is our goal to offer friendly, small town, quality service to all our customers.”

Quality Tire has a seven-member service staff and four bays in the service area to assure prompt, professional service. In addition to providing customers with new tires, they also do tire repairs, brake work and old changes.

When it comes to new tires, the offer some of the best brands in the business: Michelin, Kelly, Sigma and Multi-Mile to name some of them.

The Teels currently live in the Valley but will be spending a lot of time in LaFayette at Quality Tire. They’re no strangers to the area, and are well kn0wn in LaFayette and the surrounding area. Shane’s dad once ran a tire business in the area, and he wants to be a chip off the old block.

“Being successful in business comes down to treating people right,” Shane said. “Be honest with them and give them quality products and service for their hard-earned money.”