Publisher
Fillmore County Journal
jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com
The battle to keep jobs in America has been ongoing for decades.
This past week, we learned that Caledonia is contending with the loss of more than 80 jobs as a result of Rawlings Sporting Goods closing the local Miken Sports facility, a manufacturer of Major League Baseball helmets and bats for youth sports, and moving those jobs to China.
Disheartening, to say the least.
When a large facility like this closes in any community, it leaves a huge void that cannot be filled easily.
The individuals working for Miken Sports spend money at the local grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers. They purchase homes and support their school district with property tax dollars. They give of their time to the community as volunteers for the school and other local organizations. They donate to their church.
You can’t put a dollar figure on the loss of 80 jobs.
The ripple effect of these types of decisions are felt by many – far more than we may realize.
Hopefully, everyone working for Miken Sports will be able to land a job close to their roots in Caledonia.
While many of our local and state political figures have decried this decision by Rawlings Sporting Goods, unfortunately, I don’t think it will change the outcome.
I’ve seen this happen in so many industries.
What can we do to keep jobs in America?
Anthony McConnell says
Of course, it is about the money. It may not be about the head of the companies wallet either. The whole company may need to trim in some areas. Is the USA over regulated and workers too well paid? No-because quality and protection for workers is worth a little more. I would have the whole of Caledonia and SE MN start sending letters to the baseball players. Local politician’s eyes have perused the situation, but seem helpless. Get a Kent Hrbek or a A-rod to come and make their plea will have more effect then most anything else. Don’t go quietly into the night. Get some beer, hotdogs, and a few Major League players. It still might not help, but I think this little factory is worth trying to save.