Last Friday, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Saks) listened as Avondale employees gave him all sorts of ideas to get Alabama’s textile economy spinning. Not surprisingly, winning the war in Iraq and supporting the troops turned out to be the other major theme of the hour-long plant tour and employee meeting.

“People are concerned about their loved ones in uniform. They want them to come home soon,” Rogers said. “But while our number one priority must be to ensure our troops have the resources they need, a close second is getting the economy moving and creating good jobs.”
The Sylacauga textile mill has long been a feature of the east central Alabama community and come under increasing pressure recently from overseas competitors. Rogers, whose mother worked in mill much like Avondale, said he understood the worker’s concerns about the economy.

“Companies like Avondale are the lifeblood of small communities,” Rogers added. “We must do what we can to support the textile industry and ensure that Alabama workers keep their competitive edge.”

Avondale Executive Vice President Mark Tapley hosted the plant tour which featured time for employees to talk directly with Rogers. The Congressman encouraged workers to contact him with their concerns at his Sylacauga mobile office which is open at City Hall every third Tuesday from 9:00am to 11:00am.