Cavalier job losses

The announcement this week that the local plant of Cavalier Home Builders, Inc. intends to terminate 124 jobs is distressing news for Millen and Jenkins County. When combined with the previous job losses from the closure of the local Jockey International plant, approximately 1/3 of the county's industrial workforce is now unemployed.

Cavalier officials have stressed that the job terminations are not indicative of the plant's closure. However, any loss of employment in this community, which is already facing economic challenges, is certain to create additional problems for our leaders, businesses and citizens.

The pursuit of additional industry for Jenkins County is a longtime and ongoing endeavor that has been adopted by several local organizations, with support from our elected officials. Although, the public often cannot see anything happening in this area, things are still taking place, albeit behind the scenes at times.

Two additional tracts of property have been purchased by the Jenkins County Development Authority for industrial development, and these properties have already been shown to prospective industries many times. Plans are also being made for infrastructure development on the sites. A working relationship has been established between local and state officials who are committed to the effort and a local program to encourage entrepreneurship has been initiated. Progress has been made.

We must also continue our support of existing industries such as Cavalier Home Builders who have been good corporate citizens for many years. We do not need to lose the old in our quest for the new.

Securing additional industries for Jenkins County and Millen is a work in progress that will one day become a reality if we presevere in our endeavors.