For some, there's no good news

One thing I've always found interesting is the reaction of local residents when there's a positive announcement involving one of our existing industries or when a business decides to come to the Shoals.

That reaction can go in a lot of directions.

Most are eager and excited. Calls we get often involve where do I need to go to put in an application. Others manage to find a way to be pessimistic and find something wrong with good news.

Our area is probably no different from any other. It's human nature, I suppose, for people to react a certain way - both good and bad. The ones who look for the bad will always remain a puzzle to me, though. I'd hate to live my life in that manner, but that's something out of my control.

The reaction to an announcement two or three weeks ago that Wise Alloys has signed a major contract with Anheuser-Busch hasn't been exactly what I envisioned. For those who were out of pocket, Wise and Anheuser-Busch signed a multi-year contract. Wise will produce aluminum can sheets for Anheuser-Busch, which will turn them into beverage cans.

A couple of people called and said it was a bad idea to get in the same bed with a company that sells beer. Obviously, we've been in that bed a long time. We've produced materials here that are used in making beer cans, soft drink cans and numerous other aluminum containers. But details are usually not important when you're making a point like these folks were doing.

A few others were concerned that Wise officials haven't said how much the deal is worth or how many jobs are being created. Truth is, it's unlikely they know yet about the number of jobs. Those details will be ironed out as the company gets closer to beginning the contract.

Most people, however, see the big picture. Even if no new jobs are involved in this multi-year contract - and there will be some - this is still a huge announcement for Wise Alloys and our area. If you don't believe it, consider the alternative.

Had this contract not materialized as it did, the 800 or so workers at Wise Alloys' operation in Colbert County would likely be heading to the unemployment line - and soon.

Desperate might not be the best word, but Wise was in need of a major deal to keep operations afloat.

Make no mistake, this contract was not given to Wise; it was earned.

In reality, the Anheuser-Busch deal amounts to an 800-employee operation coming to town, with good wages and good benefits.

No matter how hard anyone tries, it's hard to downplay that news.

Mike Goens can be reached at mike.goens@TimesDaily.com.