I know DuPont had planned to close that factory, but the quality of nylon..
...was so high they continued running it for probably a couple decades longer than planned. Textiles were definitely killed by NAFTA. All of the textile production went south of the border. As for furniture, much of that headed to China. Not sure if you've read Factory Man, but it covered what happened. I learned a few things in that book...lol
They keep talking about turning a huge chunk of 220 into a interstate. Some of that has been built to "interstate standards," but there are a lot of sections that need to be addressed. Frankly I don't see Virginia providing funding for that project.
I know they were trying to start a 4-year college in Martinsville, but not sure on the status or what it does. Distance learning facility?
Another area they need to improve is their hospital. I'm not impressed with the quality of medical care in the area.
Haven't picked any tobacco in Franklin County, but I have camped at Salt House Branch...lol My work as a teenager consisted of working in a furniture factory, as well as fast food. Joined the Navy after VT, and the rest is history. There wasn't a lot there for college grads before I left, and NAFTA killed any chance to work there post-Navy. At one time they had an intelligence contractor facility there, and since I had a TS/SCI clearance, I seriously considered it when I retired. But I came to my senses and thought, how in the world is that going to survive without a population of people with security clearances? I think it either folded, or moved. Yeah, nothing for me there now, and with sub-standard medical care, don't see myself moving back for my "golden years."
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In response to this post by HokieEngineer)
Posted: 12/12/2018 at 4:50PM