Recent news of the relinquishing of 250 jobs at the Eaton plant in Shenandoah, Iowa, has been met with great heartache and strain. My heart goes out to all those affected. In Shenandoah, those affected are vast in numbers - vast! For those out there who have jobs let this be a reflective time for you to humble yourself in gratitude for the employment you have. Let it remind you how fragile one's livelihood can be. For the community of Shenandoah this news will be a prelude of very difficult times. Yet, God-willing with the resilience of the people in Shen we will survive and claim the victory in the end.
Jobs Tendered Shakes Shenandoah
Let us all feel the pain right now. Allow us the moment of grief whether we are employed at Eaton or not. Let us claim this right to let it prick at the heart strings.
But......
An Eaton employee came into the store very early this morning. I work overnight so I see him from time to time according to his shift change. He was talking to me about this news and the reaction of many people in the room when it was announced. Visibly he was distraught but he chose to keep his sights up. He refused to let this obstacle get him down. In his rightful view the "Plan" for the employees doesn't end with Eaton. It goes on. There will be a correction in all the lives but the opportunities are or will be out there. For many this will unfortunately include relocating away from Shenandoah. Many others will stay. My conversation with this old friend was reassuring that the prospects can be bright though right now it seems so dim. I've known him for many years since the days we worked together at Pella Corporation also in Shenandoah. I hope his positive outlook will resound and be magnified to his coworkers.
Major Manufacturer Cuts Jobs in Shenandoah
Again, from your Councilman At Large I'd like to express my deepest regret for the downturn of Eaton at the Shenandoah location. I am keenly aware that it affects not only you but your families, friends and beyond. How can it not?? Eaton has been in Shen for 40 years or so give or take. For many it has been seen as the lifeblood of Shenandoah. This will have a significant economic affect on Shenandoah but I will not even entertain those thoughts. When I took the Oath of Office my focus and passion has been on the individuals and families of Shenandoah. Their welfare is and should be of utmost importance. To me it supersedes other priorities of cold policy making.
It is the people that makes Shenandoah!
Personally, I am planning to make it a point of Fasting and Prayer on behalf of these employees. I invite you to make a conscious vocal or silent appeal on Sunday, February 7th, that hearts may be comforted and that the way may be opened for all of them to obtain gainful employment. Do so in your own special way. Reach out in support and service to your neighbor that the yoke of burden can be shared.
This is not the time for negativity and pointing fingers. Address each other with cheer and goodwill. We are where we are and together we must find the way forward.
Remember February 7 or a day more appropriate for you.
Part ll - The People
I'd like to share a few more thoughts. It's been a couple of days since I posted the first part of the major announcement of the 250 jobs being cut at the Eaton Corporation. I'd like to delve a little more into the people that make up the Shenandoah plant.
I, personally, have had the privilege of working with many of the Shenandoah Eaton employees during my own tenure there as well as elsewhere and in the community. This group of people are grateful to have been hired at a fine facility that produces ultra high quality tractor trailer transmissions. They have strived to excel and magnify LEED manufacturing, ISO 9001 as well as huge steps in accident prevention. I haven't worked at Eaton since 2002 but the same mindset of pride in workmanship remains as it did then - as it has for the past 45 years. Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters make up this micro-community that has in many cases become generational employment.
It is for this reason that Shenandoah will survive. It is for this reason that this family will overcome this obstacle and leap into new ventures and prosper. Working at Eaton not only provided monetary means of creating lifestyles but it also formed and framed character and excellent work ethic. This is the foundation of their future success. Their involvement in the community of Shenandoah has helped further establish this town on the maps of unparalleled productivity, faith, family and prosperity. This is why Shenandoah will rise stronger than ever before.
Jobs Tendered Shakes Shenandoah
Let us all feel the pain right now. Allow us the moment of grief whether we are employed at Eaton or not. Let us claim this right to let it prick at the heart strings.
But......
An Eaton employee came into the store very early this morning. I work overnight so I see him from time to time according to his shift change. He was talking to me about this news and the reaction of many people in the room when it was announced. Visibly he was distraught but he chose to keep his sights up. He refused to let this obstacle get him down. In his rightful view the "Plan" for the employees doesn't end with Eaton. It goes on. There will be a correction in all the lives but the opportunities are or will be out there. For many this will unfortunately include relocating away from Shenandoah. Many others will stay. My conversation with this old friend was reassuring that the prospects can be bright though right now it seems so dim. I've known him for many years since the days we worked together at Pella Corporation also in Shenandoah. I hope his positive outlook will resound and be magnified to his coworkers.
Major Manufacturer Cuts Jobs in Shenandoah
Again, from your Councilman At Large I'd like to express my deepest regret for the downturn of Eaton at the Shenandoah location. I am keenly aware that it affects not only you but your families, friends and beyond. How can it not?? Eaton has been in Shen for 40 years or so give or take. For many it has been seen as the lifeblood of Shenandoah. This will have a significant economic affect on Shenandoah but I will not even entertain those thoughts. When I took the Oath of Office my focus and passion has been on the individuals and families of Shenandoah. Their welfare is and should be of utmost importance. To me it supersedes other priorities of cold policy making.
It is the people that makes Shenandoah!
Personally, I am planning to make it a point of Fasting and Prayer on behalf of these employees. I invite you to make a conscious vocal or silent appeal on Sunday, February 7th, that hearts may be comforted and that the way may be opened for all of them to obtain gainful employment. Do so in your own special way. Reach out in support and service to your neighbor that the yoke of burden can be shared.
This is not the time for negativity and pointing fingers. Address each other with cheer and goodwill. We are where we are and together we must find the way forward.
Remember February 7 or a day more appropriate for you.
Part ll - The People
I'd like to share a few more thoughts. It's been a couple of days since I posted the first part of the major announcement of the 250 jobs being cut at the Eaton Corporation. I'd like to delve a little more into the people that make up the Shenandoah plant.
I, personally, have had the privilege of working with many of the Shenandoah Eaton employees during my own tenure there as well as elsewhere and in the community. This group of people are grateful to have been hired at a fine facility that produces ultra high quality tractor trailer transmissions. They have strived to excel and magnify LEED manufacturing, ISO 9001 as well as huge steps in accident prevention. I haven't worked at Eaton since 2002 but the same mindset of pride in workmanship remains as it did then - as it has for the past 45 years. Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters make up this micro-community that has in many cases become generational employment.
It is for this reason that Shenandoah will survive. It is for this reason that this family will overcome this obstacle and leap into new ventures and prosper. Working at Eaton not only provided monetary means of creating lifestyles but it also formed and framed character and excellent work ethic. This is the foundation of their future success. Their involvement in the community of Shenandoah has helped further establish this town on the maps of unparalleled productivity, faith, family and prosperity. This is why Shenandoah will rise stronger than ever before.
