The City of Demopolis has launched its campaign to save New Era Cap Co.’s presence in our city.

In conjuction with the Marengo County Development Authority, it’s director – Debra Fox – and other local and state agencies, local leaders are at work trying to keep the 300-plus local men and women who depend on that facility for employment.

Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson was dead on, identifying this task an “an uphill battle.”

The entire scenario boils down to this:

Does New Era want to close a plant only minutes away from its corporate headquarters or one more than 1000 miles south?

That this leadership committee has dignosed the logistics of this situation is smart. It allows them to prepare the best possible pitch.

While the mileage may be a daunting hill to climb, our laborforce is strong.

Our factory is efficient and community support is unrivaled. That union leaders at the plant are heavily involved in on-going and open discussion only makes the case for Demopolis that much stronger.

In the end, this will be a business decision. The plant that can operate on a level and at a capacity that provides the most amount of revenue at the least amount of expense will likely be the one who’s left standing.

Both communities – Demopolis and Derby, N.Y. – have circled their wagons and are prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. We think, of course, New Era Cap, Co. is best suited in Demopolis and we hope they see it that way, also.