Decades of V&M experience lined up, straight from their jobs in the plant, ready to see President Barack Obama take the stage Tuesday.
"It's a good positive thing for the Valley," said Neil Hooper, 18-year employee. "We really need that, because the Valley has been really hit hard during this slow time."
And during that recent slump in the economy, officials in Youngstown and Girard worked diligently. Sometimes they hit rough patches in the negotiations, but ultimately they smoothed them out to land the major investment, both in the local plant and the local workforce.
"Great day for the Valley," said Girard Mayor Jim Melfi. "Great day to have the jobs, the investment. If the agreement between Girard and Youngstown is met fully and honestly, then it's a complete circle and a great day."
Youngstown's Mayor Jay Williams said the years of waiting around for positive news are behind us. He said it's up to local leaders to take a proactive stance like they did for the V&M expansion and that they will be able to attract more state and federal funding, but also give the commander in chief more reasons to return to the Valley.
"This I believe is a result of that when we talked about the public and private partnership," said Williams. "When we talked about creating an environment where business saw it was profitable to invest. And again, we need federal assistance, we need state assistance but ultimately if we create those opportunities locally we will see the successes."
Workers at V&M are proud to show off to the president of the United States.
"I think it's a positive thing for the whole community," said Silas Dozier, 10-year employee. "You know, with the whole state. I mean he's willing to back us to help us get through. There's businesses out there that can do the same thing. You just need a little boost, a little help."
"It was real positive," said Terry Houston, 19-year V&M employee. "It shows that he cares about our Valley. And maybe things will start turning around."
