Economic Development Leader Gives Insights on Delayed Closure of Paper Mill

At Friday’s news conference about the end of the Chillicothe paper mill…that turned into a rally to use extra time to save it, I asked local economic leader Tammy Eallonardo for more context about the situation with the Pixelle facility.

The director of “Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development” said it was a big day for Chillicothe. The original announcement felt like the death knell for the community, she said, with the closing of the paper mill that has been the lifeblood of the town for generations.

But the turnout of state and U.S. leadership shows that Chillicothe is important to the state as well, and she thanked those who helped them in their hour of need. Eallonardo said she is encouraged that they got the reprieve, and that it gives time to get their footing and see if they can salvage 830 jobs.

She said the good news came out only that day, the result of Senator Moreno angrily talking to “the powers that be.” Next week, after Easter weekend, she said they need to start to work – and they have a great team.

I asked Eallonardo how much chance there is to save the mill. She said it is impossible to say, but they have faith and confidence that the right people are in place to do so – if energy has anything to do with outcome, then they are set to succeed.

I also asked if the paper mill is too outdated or is a ‘money pit.’ She said no – of course parts are old, but in recent decades the operators have been held to responsibility by the EPA and OSHA. Not understanding the papermaking industry, she said she can’t speak to the quality of its equipment, but there is tremendous talent there.

How does the official number of 830 employees fit into Ross County and regional employment figures? Eallonardo said they and partners OhioSE Economic Development are working to get information from Pixelle on employee information, like where they live.

She said surrounding communities are also concerned about jobs since the paper mill pulls employees from all around. She said all of them will figure out best situation for the paper mill and the people there.

To learn more, Eallonardo recommends the popular Facebook page of “Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development” (GCRCD). Hear her in her own words in the below video.

Learn more in the previous story focusing on U.S. Senator for Ohio Bernie Moreno news that he got a delay on the closing until the end of the year, instead of within two months – and stay tuned for part three with complete videos of the other seven speakers at the event.

(Although Senator Moreno announced that the CEO of H.I.G. Capital told him that he will announce they will suspend the closure to the end of year on Friday, there is no update on the closing I could find on the on the H.I.G. or Pixelle websites on Saturday evening.)

Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including a video interview.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.