Phillip Bradshaw, Jim Councill, and Mike Johnson
Published Saturday, April 10, 2010
The people of Franklin, Southampton and Isle of Wight have braved many challenges over the years: hurricanes, flooding, economic good times and bad. For the past 122 years International Paper, Union Camp and Camp Manufacturing have been a crucial part of the community, helping to weather these storms, providing solid careers. The mill closing rivals all these challenges and has shaken Western Hampton Roads to its core.
Tears were shed on that day last October, when International Paper announced that it would close a paper mill that has been a vital part of the region for more than a century.
But since then, the community has rallied, the 1,100 employees are mostly on their way to new beginnings, and local officials are waiting to hear what will happen to the huge mill in Isle of Wight County, just across the Blackwater River from Franklin.
Company officials have said there are about 15 offers to “re-purpose” the mill, said Phillip Bradshaw, chairman of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors and a former mill employee himself.
By Charlie Passut | Tidewater News
Published Wednesday, April 7, 2010
FRANKLIN—As the final days of the long, proud history of paper manufacturing in Franklin comes to an end, local officials say they are confident that the company bringing that proud history to a close — International Paper Co. — is committed repurposing the Franklin mill facilities for other uses.
Speaking to the media before an economic recovery task force meeting Tuesday, the local leaders say IP has been impressed with the collaborative effort to help the community recover from the loss of 1,100 jobs at the mill.
FRANKLIN—When the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in 2014, clearing the way for much more cargo to enter the Port of Virginia, demand for warehouse and distribution facilities in the region is expected to skyrocket.
“We’re really geographically blessed being near the Port of Virginia,” said Randy Betz, vice president for workforce development at Paul D. Camp Community College.
To meet the expected demand, PDCCC this semester introduced a career studies certificate for warehouse and distribution operations. The nine-credit-hour certification program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions at warehouse and distribution facilities, including operations, equipment, procedures and safety training.
