Officials hold Int'l Paper forum

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) - At a community meeting, dozens from Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties, and Northeast North Carolina shared concerns and updates about what happens when International Paper shuts down.

The final machine at the paper company is scheduled to shut down for good on April 15. Several people keep their jobs for just a few weeks longer, cleaning and closing up the site that was an economic engine for more than a century.

Wayne Clark told WAVY.com, "May 13th is my final day. May 31st is my wife's final day."

Clark is one of the 1,100 workers needing another other source of income. Over the past months he and his wife had tried to take advantage of resources available for displaced IP employees.

"We did everything they've been asking, went to resume school. We went to interview schools. We took all the placement tests at places like the [Virginia Employment Comission] VEC and Opportunity Inc... Then you get frustrated because you don't get a response back. With time approaching, especially being a two income family from IP it gets frustrating," Clark said.

Some of his co-workers have had success. According to Franklin Mayor Jim Councill, "We know some have gone to Newport News, some to Norfolk, some to Hopewell, some have been re-employed with IP in other locations. I think there are a couple hundred by now."

Councill said additional employees will find work once International Paper sells its site--but it will take time.

"Mill re-purposing will not happen over night. One thing I said from the first meeting was that I wanted to shorten the gap between last pay check and first paycheck. But there will be a gap. I don't think 24 months. I think there will be construction hiring earlier. It may take 12 months before IP has partnered, contracted with somebody to come in there and take over."

One-time Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe and his business partner Peter O'Keefe put in a bid for the plant in Isle of Wight County in February.

McAuliffe and O'Keefe were looking at the site as a possible location for a green energy business. IP accepted more than a dozen proposals for the site this year. Councill told WAVY.com that while there have been many discussions, no deals have been finalized.

Clark said, the efforts are appreciated, but the timing is difficult to handle.

"There's no doubt in my mind they're making an effort. But a lot of what you hear here tonight is long term and a lot of us need short term results." Clark said there are about 400 remaining employees who will be jobless in less the next several weeks.

Federal trade and unemployment funds are the only short term options for employees who do not find another job before IP closes.

Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and economic development officials also participated in the forum. Business leaders are trying to work regionally to attract additional companies and promote the Franklin, Isle of Wight, and Southampton communities in tourism.

The VEC, Opportunity Inc., and the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center are all resources for individuals and businesses that may be impacted by IP's closure.