Cullman Times | Industry, Ag Tour stops in Cullman

CULLMAN — The importance of existing industry was on display Thursday, as an entourage of federal, state and local officials toured a handful of industries and farms across Cullman County. Part of the annual Fourth Congressional District Ag and Industry Tour, the event was organized by U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R -AL) and continues today.

While touring Cullman Cabinet and Supply Company, Aderholt noted the importance of supporting established industry in a sluggish economy.

“Cullman Cabinet is a perfect example of that, a place that has been here and been working for a long time,” he said. “We have a lot of existing industries and businesses we need to protect and help them do what they’ve been doing. Bringing in new industry is always important, but existing businesses do play a big role, and I’m excited we could highlight a place like Cullman Cabinet on this tour.”

Cullman Cabinet has been a part of the community for decades, now employing about 100 people. Danny McAfee, with the cabinet company, said the local manufacturing operation has weathered the economic ups-and-downs by focusing and expanding on profitable divisions.

“In 1985, we made one of the most important decisions we ever had,” he said. “That was, do we quit building cabinets, which is what we were founded on, or put our stock into where we were expanding with doors and [countertops]? We made the decision to quit doing cabinets, and 1986 was actually a record year for us, so it worked well.”

Aderholt stressed that fact that smaller companies scattered around Alabama communities, such as Cullman Cabinet, create more jobs than the larger industries that often receive the most publicity.

“It’s important to emphasize what we do locally, because a lot of people may not know about the companies we have here,” he said. “Small manufacturers do a lot for our state, and small businesses employ a lot more people overall.”

With statewide unemployment still hovering just below 10 percent, Aderholt noted job creation and retention is an issue he hopes to highlight on the tour.

“Of course, everyone is frustrated with the economy and unemployment rate, but there are a lot of good things also going on in our state,” he said. “But, there are a lot of people out there unemployed, and that is something that needs to be discussed.”

When asked his thoughts on the ongoing issue over immigration in Alabama, which has had a domino effect causing some farms and industries locally to lose Hispanic workers, Aderholt noted there are numerous sides to the debate. A strict immigration bill based by the state legislature is currently being challenged by a federal judge, with a final decision pending.

“There is a lot of frustration among some, because they believe the federal government has not acted to handle immigration,” Aderholt said. “As chair of the homeland security subcommittee, we’re trying to do what we can. I believe that’s something the state will get worked out.”

The industry tour will continue Friday with stops at Smith Hydro Plant, HH Technologies and the Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Wallace State Community College.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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