COLUMBUS — After experiencing a rough patch in 2009 and the first three months of 2010, the nation”s economic outlook is in for a turnaround, according to a member of Mississippi”s congressional delegation.
First District U.S. Rep. Travis Childers, a Democrat, made these remarks Thursday prior to taking a tour of the Severstal facility in Columbus.
“I think we have seen the bottom, and I think we are on the upswing. We still have a lot to do, but I see the economy getting better. I am encouraged that it is making headway,” Childers said.
Childers, a Booneville native, said he is back home for a two-week period to do work in the district during the Easter recess.
“Congress is having its Easter recess, so this gives me a chance to come back home and meet with the people of my district. I have been wanting to come tour this plant and see the operation first-hand,” he said.
Childers was the second Mississippi congressman to tour the facility this week. U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, whose district includes Oktibbeha County, toured Severstal on Tuesday.
Before taking the tour, Childers met with Severstal”s Chief Executive Officer Jim Hrusovsky and Hot Mill Manager Dan Lambert to get an overview of the facility”s operations.
Hrusovsky touted the facility”s ability to maintain and sustain its workforce throughout the recent economic downturn without having any layoffs or work stoppage
“There have been plants that have had to go to half a work force, but we have been able to keep going all the time,” he said.
He also talked about how the facility has worked in partnership with East Mississippi Community College in its efforts to train workers.
“I appreciate the fact you are using EMCC, because I am one of the biggest supporters of this state”s community colleges,” Childers said.
Childers represents 24 counties, including Lowndes, Clay and Monroe.
“This facility employs over 500-plus people, many are from Lowndes, Clay and Monroe counties, as well as surrounding counties including Noxubee and Oktibbeha. This is good for them as it helps provide for their families. This is the kind of industry that is needed in North Mississippi. This is impressive,” Childers said, noting he is proud both to have Severstal in his district and of the asset it is becoming to this area.
“We have tremendous support from our elected officials, and we are glad he had the chance to visit our facility,” Hrusovsky said of Childers.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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