Dear editor, The Times,

It was with great sadness to have read about the closing of the New Era plant, knowing that so many good, faithful, hard working employees will be without jobs and will face the financial hardships that this brings.

I know that Debra Fox, the executive director of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority worked tirelessly and nonstop with the team that she pulled together to try and save the plant from closing.

Portions of that team included Mayor Mike Grayson, plant manager Alvin Williams, city attorney Rick Manley, city council persons, county commission persons, UWA persons, Representative A.J. McCambell, State Senator Bobby Singleton, and numerous individuals from the Alabama Development Office as well as other state agencies.

I feel confident that Ms. Fox and Mayor Grayson and all of these others will work just as hard in trying to find another industry to come to our area so that these workers will have other job opportunities.

As a citizen of the area I appreciate the efforts of so many working together.

Jay Shows

Demopolis