On the recordJuly 13, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I had the honor to visit a North Carolina business success story last week. Bridgestone Aircraft Tire, located in Rockingham County, came to North Carolina in 2007 from Miami when their Miami manufacturing facility was taken in an eminent domain proceeding. Bridgestone brought about 70 new jobs to the community as well as what they call its United Nations of employees. The Bridgestone employees hail from not just Rockingham but around the globe, including Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica, Singapore, Japan, Haiti, and Honduras. Best of all, Bridgestone and its employees have been active participants in the community. Plant employees volunteer their time, recently helping to restore the local Mayo River Park to become the newest State park in North Carolina, as well as supporting local youth sports, United Way, Salvation Army, and a local charity for noninsured cancer patients. Mr. Speaker, this facility and its dedicated, hardworking employees are truly a tremendous asset to North Carolina. ____________________
