Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Visits Twinsburg, Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry Testifies

Today, Friday, May 22, 2009, Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry testified before the Director of the United States Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, Ed Montgomery, on the impact the closure of the Chrysler Twinsburg Stamping Plant will have on communities throughout northeast Ohio. The event took place at the Twinsburg Government Center, located at 10075 Ravenna Road in Twinsburg.

The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the full resources of the federal government are getting to the workers, the families and the communities that have been affected by the failing automotive industry.

"We all need to remember that we have grave responsibilities to the workers at the Chrysler Twinsburg Stamping Plant and those who depend on the industry for their livelihood," stated Pry as he stood before fellow members of the Twinsburg Task Force and key government agency officials.

The County of Summit Executive's Office believes that in order for the overall community to recover from the lost jobs associated with the Chrysler Twinsburg Stamping Plant, local governments will need the following:

• Increased funding for retraining and placement of dislocated workers.
• Funding for Brownfield redevelopment and retrofitting existing facilities for innovative manufacturing technologies (wind and solar energy, biomedical devices and metal working).
• Resources to help attract new businesses to fill the existing spaces.
• Careful consideration for auto industry suppliers to diversify their business models.

Executive Pry closed his testimony by stating, "We need flexibility and speed from our federal government partners to meet the economic challenges we face. Rapid outreach, quick access to resources and local input on programs will be essential in responding to opportunities. We must be proactive in devising a strategy that will help us through the challenges we currently face, as well as for a sustainable future."