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Mark’s Musings
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THE BEACON
AUGUST 29, 2012
Opinion
A
manufacturing shoes n interesting instead of importing article came to my them from England. attention late last week In fact, I was thanks to my Dad. As surprised to learn that reported in the Aug. some of the popular 20, issue of Footwear brands of tennis shoes News, on shoring is are made in the United the new off shoring. States, instead of China According to the article, like I (and perhaps a number of American everyone else) thinks. footwear firms are New Balance has moving production back MARK FORTUNE five factories in the New to the U. S. The article went on to say that, England area, Keen Shoes boast a “Manufacturing overseas is becoming 15,000 square foot facility in Portland, less attractive: Transportation, Ore. and sandal maker Vere has a material and labor costs are factory in Geneva, N.Y. Of course, skyrocketing, and you’ve also got Allen Edmonds has been made in the ocean carriers implementing slow small town of Port Washington, Wis. steaming to save fuel, so it’s taking since 1922. I’m not saying that even longer to get product,” said Nate Herman, VP of International trade for unemployment is going to drop the American Apparel & Footwear overnight, but certainly this has to Association. The challenges are be encouraging to those of us who finding people that know how to set continue to read the gloom and doom up the complex machinery that makes of jobs going overseas. Labor costs shoes, and particularly binds the sole rising in China means manufacturing to the “upper” of the shoe. As Colin there is not quite as efficient as once Hall of Allen Edmonds stated, “If viewed, increased freight and travel you’re going to start manufacturing time across the ocean in an age of here, you’re basically going it alone. instant gratification and on demand You’re reinventing those processes.” inventory could very well result in The article went on to cite that the jobs returning to America. Are we ready? How could little situation in China is very uncertain. Prices there are continuing to creep ‘ol Coshocton County benefit from up, and challenges are many in this news? While I am anxious for quality control and logistics. (China the Utica Shale to take hold, I don’t think it is a long-term solution. It’s go is a big place you know) So, there you have it. We could time folks, and if you’re ready, we’re literally be on the cusp of rebuilding ready, you can make things happen. Source: Footwear News, August our manufacturing base and creating jobs that actually pay a decent wage, 20, 2012, Volume 68, No, 29. come with some benefits and more. “Homeward Bound”, Erin Clack, pp. The footwear manufacturing business 40-44. is of course, primarily based on the east coast and in the New England states, all going back to colonial times when Americans started
Plenty of fresh options at the Coshocton Farmers Market CONTRIBUTED TO THE BEACON BY JESSIE TUBBS I personally enjoy a fry pie from Yoder’s stand or a cinnamon roll from Pam Hill and a hot cup of coffee (thank you Amy Parlan) for my breakfast while I shop and visit with the vendors, shoppers, and families at the Coshocton Farmers Market. I must say, it is a beautiful way to gather some goodies for my family for the week. The River View FFA has been joining us to sell some of their fresh veggies and herbs. It’s nice to see them sharing the knowledge they are obtaining, making some money and growing some quality produce. I bought a bag of small roma tomatoes from them a couple weeks ago and ate every one of them before making it back to my home in West Lafayette. Delicious! Windy Hills has been making some amazing treats as well. If you get the chance to try Mrs. Zelone’s sweet potato butter, do not hesitate! You will not be disappointed. I think I could eat it with a spoon directly from the jar. Need something to spread the butter on? Do not fear! Pam Hill, Amy Shaw, Amy Parlan, and Elenor James frequently have bread and/or rolls that just can’t be beat. My mouth is watering just thinking of clover leaf rolls and sweet potato butter or a delicious jelly. Did I mention the pies and cookies? We have that covered too! Lisa Cutshall makes a small mountain of cookies each week and has tables of pies and dried noodles. Elenor James, Amy Parlan and Cassie Seigriest have a nice selection of pies as well. Amy even has some sugar free for those needing to watch their sugar intake. There are so many other wonderful vendors. Come down and share kalarabi recipes with the Kirkpatricks. You can find fresh herbs and a nice variety of veggies at the Snyder Our Garden table. Krista Seibert is now known as the soap lady because of her amazing laundry detergent (she also has some delicious zucchini breads). Flying Pig farms had sweet corn that smelled heavenly last week. The list goes on and on. We would love to see you there from 8:30 a.m. to noon rain or shine at our Coshocton Fairgrounds.
The Beacon wants your opinion! Have an opinion or want to comment on something you’ve read in The Beacon? Please email Mark Fortune at: mark@coshoctoncountybeacon.com. The Coshocton County Beacon is now accepting Letters to the Editor! Be sure to include your first and last name. Emailing your Letter to the Editor in Microsoft Word format is preferred. The Beacon reserves the right to edit, refuse or otherwise reject any letter that is deemed inappropriate or offensive to our readers. No more than 500 words please. Please have your letter turned in by noon on Friday.
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