A lot of people have commented on Alcoa’s recent layoffs, as would be expected in a town with an economy that revolves around that industrial plant.
Some don’t seem worried and view this as just a hiccup in production, although an expensive one. Others are hoping the bean-counters in Pittsburgh realize that Rockdale Operations is still a very viable part of production and are holding their collective breath. And everyone with a business and/or mortgage here is more than a little curious to see what’s going to happen.
To me, new plant manager Royce Haws seems like a mechanic who knows how to fine-tune an older model vehicle. And it seemed like he was getting our 1950s-era plant cherried out until this power problem came and flattened the tires.
In meeting with some local business owners last week, Haws showed he is being open and honest about the plant’s current problems, and we appreciated being kept in the loop. Too often, tight lips at the plant lead to speculation everywhere else in town, and when the rumor mill gets churning, unease grows.
I talked with a friend last week who no longer resides here and is much wiser than myself (that’s a nice way of saying he’s nearing the old fart threshold). He said no matter what happens with Alcoa, Rockdale is in for growth over the next decade. He said there are outside forces beyond anyone’s control that will shape our community—namely, a lot of affordable real estate, retiring baby boomers, and a desire to have a place in a pretty countryside.
Also, he said with transportation costs rising, the commuter culture will be re-examined. Driving an hour each way to work has become an unaffordable burden for many. So hopefully, entrepreneurs will get busy locally and franchise companies will bring their goods and services to we on the outer fringes of the metro areas.
I’m sure he’s right. Whether Alcoa is here for 50 more years or not, this county needs to diversify its businesses so we’re not so dependent on one.
Rotary members heard an interesting talk from Jonathan Scott of the Temple Economic Development Corporation, which has landed some great companies lately. Gulf States Toyota, a vehicle processing plant, will bring $200 million and about 400 jobs to Temple and Panda Energy, a natural gas plant, will be a $750-million investment to provide 1,000 megawatts of power.
We always talk about the booming Austin-Round Rock area and notice that Bryan-College Station is adding rooftops every day. But Temple is really starting to be a mover and shaker.
And guess which town sits right in the middle of all those?
—kec—
Congratulations to Patti Free, who competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant. We’ve known “Peppermint Patti,” as I call the freckled red-head, since she was a wee lass. Her parents, Art and Susan Free, both had military careers and moved to the Minerva area to raise their children. Their son Jere is in the Marines, Patti is a standout and the youngest, Erin, I’m sure will also excel in life.
The Frees are the perfect example of the idea that involved parents produce smart, confident, mature children. You wonder why that seems to be such a mystery when you look at the national headlines.
—kec—
The search will soon be on for another city manager. T. Flemming gave his reservation to head out west and accept a job in Sundown.
T. is an affable man and was generally very open about city affairs. His three years at the helm saw the completion of a new sewer plant and some items checked off the city’s ever-growing slate of water-related issues, whether it be trying to remedy red water or planning to replace old and leaky pipes downtown.
Rockdale still has a long way to go in this area. But in T’s three years here, he helped us out, especially considering what he was dealing with personally.
So thanks, T., and good luck in the Panhandle.
