Yellowhammer RV owner Andrew Cooley cuts the ribbon during a ceremony on Tuesday. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Members of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and various other community leaders were on hand for a ribbon cutting at Yellowhammer RV on Tuesday.

“I’ve been shocked about how the community has been behind us every step of the way,” owner Andrew Cooley said. “I’ve never felt more welcome than what we are right now. We’re all moving in the same direction, and that is forward,” Cooley said.

Yellowhammer RV is a dealership and campground located directly off Interstate 65 at Exit 208 in Clanton.

The facility offers travelers a place to spend the weekend, as well as the ability to perform RV maitenence and sell the latest products.

“We’ve got the newest inventory in the whole nation and the No. 1 selling product in the Grey Wolf travel trailer,” Cooley said.

Cooley expects sales to steadily pick up as news of the opening spreads. There are about 40 units for sale. That number looks to jump to 110 by the end of December.

“It takes time to develop a culture,” Cooley said. “When a customer walks into the lot and talks to one of us but it feels like they’re talking to all of us, is when you have something special.”

The campground is open seven days a week and consists of 50 full hookup sites with free Wi-Fi. Restrooms and showers are also for guests and a security guard will be on duty at all times.

There is a program in place that will offer a discounted rate of less than $20 a night to Passport America members.

According to Cooley, what separates them from other businesses is the on-demand service option available.

“We’re uniquely Alabama and we want to stay that way,” Cooley said. “We want to be Alabama’s service dealer.”

Cooley has been working in the industry for over 18 years, while his general manager has 21 years of experience.

Over that time, they have heard their share of questions and understand that there are several especially when buying a camper for the first time.

Yellowhammer RV offers a free night stay in the campground for those who purchase a travel trailer with the dealership.

“We look like a different place when you drive by and I want people to also feel the difference when they walk in,” Cooley said. “Without customers we wouldn’t have a job, and we treat them that way.”

For more information about the dealership or campground portion, visit www.yellowhammerrv.com, call (205) 755-2623 or email info@yellowhammerrv.com.