Plant closings and layoffs always draw headlines. The Charlotte Observer reported two weeks ago that a surgical supply company was closing its Statesville facility and laying off the 124 employees who work there.

The Associated Press reported the same week that a hand-sanitizer plant in Scotland County was closing, putting 70 more people out of work. Last week, the Watauga Democrat reported that an electronics plant in Boone was closing; 143 people work there.

Layoffs and factory closings are always big news in local communities and they should be, as hundreds of families are directly affected and the area's economy feels the blow. Politicians are often quoted too, promising both to help the displaced workers and making a commitment to try to create more jobs in the area.

For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Daily Reflector. Current home delivery and electronic edition subscribers may log in to access this article at no charge. To become a subscriber, please click here or contact Customer Service at (252) 329-9505.