jjacob@themeridianstar.com
The rough economy and poor housing market have hit the nation hard. Though the economic blow in East Central Mississippi has so far been lighter than that of many other parts of the country, our area has certainly not been immune to the economic crises that is causing turmoil across the United States.
Earlier this year, Tower Automotive announced that it would lay off numerous employees in Lauderdale County because of the failing auto industry, and development projects like Phase II of the Meridian Crossroads shopping center, and the "old mall" project were put on hold or dropped completely because of a lackluster national retail market.
Now in Clarke County 58 people will lose their jobs when their Air Vent plant closes its doors at the end of the year. The company, which manufactures ventilation equipment for construction, cited the poor housing and building market as its reason for closing the plant, Clarke County Supervisor Paul Mosley said. Air Vent is a subsidiary of Gibraltar Industries, a manufacturer of building and processed metal products.
Currently, the Clarke County plant has eight salaried employees, 30 full time non-salaried employees, and 20 part time employees who will lose their jobs by the first of the year.
Mosley said the plant closing will not do much damage to the county's overall economy. "Anything hurts us and we hate to see anything close but it's not going to have an impact like Burlington had on us," he said.
Burlington Industries was a factory in Clarke County that closed in 2002, causing 900 people to lose their jobs.
Mosley said he is hopeful that another industry will come along and replace the jobs lost by Air Vent's closing sometime soon.
Local News
Clarke County plant to close
- Local News
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
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Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
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