Unfortunately, Shoals leaders and business recruiters have reversed the thought in this particular version of the old Robert Johnson blues standard. They will shrug at the loss of a Ford plant, but call a press conference concerning a new paper clip business locating in an abandoned store front.
From the August 22nd TimesDaily:
Folks at the National Alabama railcar plant in western Colbert County are talking to two or more companies unrelated to the railcar industry about a business partnership that would lead to the 2.2 million-square-foot facility reaching production mode. National Alabama officials are mum about the rumors, though. One project appears to be further along than the others. Yes, that said 2.2 million square feet. Hmmm, a lot of flea market booths.
So, one of our frequent questions from readers is who exactly is in charge at National Alabama. Is it David Bronner or John Stein, plant manager? We would doubt that Dr. Bronner would have any interest in micromanaging the plant, if the word micro could apply to such a behemoth. As for actual legal owners and responsible individuals, this is the latest published data from the Alabama Secretary of State:
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The almost 70K square foot former Sears building on East Tennessee Street in downtown Florence is almost history. We predict a new medical office building coming soon.
The building housed Sears department store for approximately 41 years. After a fire and lying vacant for several years, the building was home to the central office of Martin Industries for approximately 20 years until the manufacturer went bankrupt in 2003.
Oddly, Sears seems to have provided many fond memories for Shoals residents, while Martin memories are less than pleasant--perhaps why the home heating honchos went bankrupt?
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Be sure to catch Trader's new blog on some Shoals menu staples: Link
Did you know Jeff Dowdy at Waterloo High School? Perhaps you knew him at UNA? No, then how about working in men's wear at Rogers' Department Store downtown? Or maybe in the accounting department at the old Martin Industries on Tennessee Street? Or was it Wood Avenue Church of Christ?
If you did know Jeff any of those places, we're pretty sure you were surprised when he actually did join the FBI. You were also probably surprised when he made it through Quantico. Why? Well, Jeff was always...just a little bit...crazy. Yes, that's the word. Jeff was a wild and crazy guy.
Now, Jeff Dowdy is a genuine hero. Maturity sneaks up on all of us, and judging by the grey in Jeff's hair, he is no exception. Congratulations, Jeff. We're proud to have known you way back when.
The old Liberty Super Market at Seven-Points in North Florence sits vacant no more. The Habitat for Humanity Re-Store has moved from its South Royal Avenue location to the intersection of Royal Avenue and Howell Street. This building is roomy and more appealing than the site of the old store, plus it offers an abundance of off-street parking.
Those who grew up in North Florence, once known as Needmore, have fond memories of the old Liberty grocery, where former police chief Rick Thompson once toiled as a bag boy. After Liberty's closure, Martin Industries purchased the building for its engineering department. Perhaps the Habitat managers will find time to remove the unsightly testing tower erected by Martin. It's one of the few unsightly edifices located in the quaint community.
With everyone searching for a bargain, this expanded store should be a first stop for those in the market for home improvement paraphernalia. Plus, when we make a purchase there, we're not lining the pockets of corporate executives, we're helping to build our community.
What's up with this: It seems Florence animal control officers partially blame Tennessee residents for the high number of abandoned animals at the local shelter. Hopefully our friends to the north will be shamed into building their own shelters. It's another sad commentary on how we treat those who can't help themselves.
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