Mayor David Held Speaks to Our Town

On April 2, 2007, Techtronic Industries (TTI) announced that the North Canton Hoover manufacturing plant will be closed by October and the Hoover facility will be sold. As a result 1,000 very dedicated Hoover employees will lose their jobs. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the Hoover employees and their families as they transition into a new position of employment or retirement.

On a positive note, TTI will honor the existing IBEW labor agreement. This will allow 800 union employees to be paid through June of 2008 and will allow the City to collect the income tax revenue from these positions. This will provide the City of North Canton time to adjust as we continue to work with Governor Ted Strickland and his Economic Development team, the Federal Government, the Stark Development Board, and other agencies as we seek to bring new jobs to the Hoover facility.

We have also met with the representatives of the Omni Realty Group which has been selected by TTI to find a buyer for the Hoover facility. TTI and the Omni Group have indicated to us that the sale of the Hoover manufacturing facility, office building, and property may be sold as one or multiple units depending on the buyer. According to Patrick Finley, managing partner of the Omni Group, the Hoover facility has generated a great deal of interest from potential buyers but that no agreement has been made at this point. We will continue to work closely with all interested parties in order to bring new jobs to the City of North Canton.

As our City Seal indicates we have great “pride in our past and hope for our future.” The Hoover Company will now become a part of our proud past and at the same time we have a great deal of hope for our future.

Thank you and God Bless,

Mayor David Held

Copyright 2008 Dansizen Enterprises LLC ~ All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2008 Dansizen Enterprises LLC ~ All Rights Reserved