Professional hockey is on its way to Shelby County.

When the new team hits the ice at the Pelham Civic Complex it could bring as many as 4,000 fans, according to representatives from the World Hockey Association.

But the new franchise will create much more than just an exciting atmosphere and competitive hockey.

A good deal of revenue will be generated for the city of Pelham and Shelby County with the influx of fans and advertisers.

Pelham Mayor Bobby Hayes and Pelham Civic Complex Manager Paul Andrzejewski did an excellent job of convincing the WHA2 to choose Pelham over other locations, including the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center.

While the Pelham Civic Complex is a top-notch facility, it was the community, it’s &uot;potential&uot; and the efforts of city leaders like Hayes and Andrzejewski that sealed the deal for the hockey organizers.

Pelham’s municipal leaders should be commended for those efforts to bring top attractions to our neck of the woods and facilitate growth in our county.

Pelham is not the only city striving to make Shelby County an alluring attraction.

Montevallo recently did its part by hosting the first weekend of the Montevallo Walking Tour as part of Gov. Bob Riley’s initiative to increase awareness of Alabama’s culture and history.

Mayor Grady Parker and Ben McCrory, executive director of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, led the first guided walk showcasing some of Montevallo’s (and Shelby County’s) finest attractions.

Shelby County is a great place with much to offer &045; and much to gain through potential growth.

City and county leaders should incorporate both of these ideas by highlighting local assets while encouraging new growth and development