MARION, Va. – Stephen Phillips worked for more than 20 years as a manufacturing engineer for the automotive industry, but after the recent economic downturn, he is without a job.
He went to the Entrepreneur Express workshop here Thursday because he’s looking for a job where he won’t get laid off again.
“There are so few opportunities locally in my profession,” said Phillips, of Saltville, Va., who has watched thousands of manufacturing jobs leave the area over the years. “So I’m forced to look at opportunities that will allow me to stay here in this area.”
Faron Couch, of Russell County, also attended after a recent layoff.
“I’d like to have more control over my own destiny,” Couch said. “If I make my mistakes, it’s my mistakes. I don’t have to rely on someone else.”
Their stories were common during a workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs find a way to get through a tough economy – and to create jobs for themselves and others in the meanwhile.
Others, like Suzanne Capone, of Rural Retreat, Va., participated to get ideas for her new business, an organic farm that also welcomes tourists.
“Hopefully, we’ll see new businesses open and grow,” said Jerry Jones, executive director of the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event. “Our main employers today are the small businesses.”
Jones said the region’s people are its best resource when it comes to economic recovery – and he hopes that helping them start businesses locally will have an impact on Main Street.
dmccown@bristolnews.com | (276) 791-0701
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