Local Leaders Discuss Future Of General Motors

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By Marcus Washington

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For the first time in Maury County history, all three city mayors and the county mayor are working together to bring business to the area after the General Motors plant shuts down.

During a press conference organized by Maury Alliance, the county's chamber; Columbia, Mt. Pleasant, Spring Hill and Maury County mayors spoke of the future.

"Every possible effort has been made by local and state elected officials as well as our local business leaders to keep GM jobs in place," said Maury County Mayor Jim Bailey. "The final decision was beyond our control."

From the Maury Alliance study, the county feels there is a need for more transportation, insurance financial, warehousing and call center jobs for the area.

"We will offer whatever it takes to compete," said Bailey.

Bill Gentner, Mayor of Columbia, said he has seen an increase of entrepreneurship in his city.

"They range from just 2 people to as many as 15. We've had 40 ribbon cuttings so far," said Gentner. "These are curious people who see an opportunity to grow our community in a way it has never been done."

Once the assembly line shuts down, 800 employees will stay at the Spring Hill plant, while 840 will be offered jobs in Detroit and nearly 600 others will be without a job.

"With every great challenge comes with it a great opportunity," said Spring Hill Mayor Michael Dinwiddie. "I think we will preserve at the end of the day. We are going to prevail and we will have something in that plant, so we can protect the residents in Maury County."

Dinwiddie said the state has budgeted $5 million into a training center at the Spring Hill plant, so employees will be trained on other skills.

Email: mwashington@newschannel5.com