Despite a series of layoffs across the region in the past few weeks, Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce officials say they remain optimistic about Floyd County’s economy.
Mohawk closed its tufting facility in Armuchee on Tuesday, leaving 158 employees unemployed. While it said those employees will be offered available jobs at other Mohawk sites, it also announced a closing in Dalton that put 68 employees out of work.
“Any time we hear of layoffs, it’s distressing,” said Sam Freeman, director of existing business and industry services at the chamber. “But they are offering (positions) with other facilities in Northwest Georgia.”
Freeman said, while not all employees can transfer, Mohawk told the chamber there are 84 openings in Whitfield, with other openings in Summerville, Lyerly and the Huffaker and Lavender locations in Rome.
“We are hopeful and happy to hear a lot of jobs were offered at other facilities,” said Heather Seckman, director of economic development at the chamber. “The Department of Labor has stepped forward to help other employees get re-training.”
In June 2007, Mohawk closed its dye plant on Lavender Drive. In August, plants were closed in Calhoun and Dalton.
Across the region, Mount Vernon Mills in Trion announced earlier this month it is laying off 250 employees. At the end of January, Wheeler’s Building Materials laid off 264 employees in Rome and Cartersville, following 2007’s closing of plants in Charlotte, Dalton, Calhoun, Newnan, Morrow, Madison, Cartersville and Birmingham. Pierre Foods closed its Cedartown Zartic plant Feb. 9, with a loss of 153 employees.
“Of course we’re concerned because of the loss of jobs in the community,” said Freeman, “and unfortunately it seems to be economically what’s going on. But the bright spot is we have a diverse economy, and people laid off can find other industries that are strong.
“The downturn in the housing market and the economy, they are experiencing the same thing nationally. I think it will have less of an impact on Rome and Floyd County than others in the U.S. because of a diverse economy,” said Freeman, adding the nursery/landscape industry also has taken a hit because of the drought.
“But we’re continuing to have inquiries of people looking to do things in this community,” said Freeman. “Nothing concrete, but even with the economy like it is, there is a good deal of economic interest in Rome.”
Both Freeman and Seckman said employees not absorbed by Mohawk will be helped by the Department of Labor through job fairs or opportunities to retrain for a new career.
“One guy went to Coosa Valley before and now works in nuclear medicine,” said Freeman. “He turned a bad situation into a good situation, and there’s help available because they lost their job. There are other areas that are strong and doing well, even in an economic downturn.”
Freeman said he has no inkling as to other layoffs ahead, but he said it’s hard to say because of the nation’s current economic situation.
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