Leeds Mayor David Miller was on hand for the openings of two new businesses celebrating their grand openings at The Shops of Grand River Friday, April 26.

Grand River Pickers opened in Suite 672. Miller and store owners, William and Amy Hamilton, cut the ribbon with a host of Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce local business professionals, local artists and the Grand River team.

“Boy, I’m impressed! I don’t know how big this place is, but it may be one of the biggest stores here,” siad Miller. I think this is going to go over really well. This is a good spot and what you’ve got here is something we don’t have so good luck to you. We’ve seen 85 or 86 new businesses come to Leeds since we’ve been in this administration and most of them are still here so that is that speaks well. I think you’re going to love it.”

“Will and I are happy to be here,” said owner Amy Hamilton. “We enjoy this store. We enjoy the family atmosphere and have great employees. They’re part of our family so we’re looking forward to many, many years ahead right here at Grand River Pickers.”

Also opening its doors is the new Southern Magnolia Gallery, located in Suite 114.

The gallery features artwork from a variety of artists. Miller and owner, Nita Losowsky cut the ribbon with a host of Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce local business professionals, local artists and the Grand River team.

“This is wonderful. I never thought we have this quality of a gallery here, but we’re really excited that you came and I think you’re going to really like it here in Leeds,” said Miller. “I think this is going to go over really well. This is something we don’t have or anything even close to it so welcome to Leeds.”

“We’ve got some Leeds pottery here, Earthborn,” siad Losowsky. “All of our artists are from the Birmingham area. Everything is made in Alabama and made in the USA.”