Community remains positive amid RV layoffs

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Monaco Coach plant closings in Wakarusa and in Nappanee.

Customers gather at Cook's Pizza in Wakarusa. Area business owners are trying to stay positive amid the Monaco Coach plant closings in Wakarusa and in Nappanee. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Sep 17, 2008 at 4:27 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2008 at 9:12 PM EST

WAKARUSA — The RV layoffs will leave a lasting mark on the community and businesses that depended on those workers. But many of them are trying to stay positive.

Every day, Cook's Pizza has a morning crowd for their first cup of coffee. Wednesday's breakfast came with a side of reality. Monaco Coach closed their plants in Wakarusa and in Nappanee.

"All of us know a few people anyway that are going to be affected by Monaco's closing," said Wakarusa resident Dean Ferguson.

Despite the bad news, many say they have hope for the workers and the town's future.

"I think they will be back," said Stan Cook of Cook's Pizza. "I think when the dust settles the technology is there for lighter units, which will conserve gas."

Others in the business community are also trying to remain optimistic that the RV industry locally will rebound, and that includes Kenny Twa at Wakarusa Pro Hardware. A lot of Monaco workers shopped at his store.

"I don't look for the RVs to go away. They may be set back, but I think they'll be back," Twa said. "Maybe not as well as we know them now; but hopefully — you've got your fingers crossed."

“We’re a real strong community. Lots of wonderful workers here," added Deb McNally of the Wakarusa Dime Store.

"I just think within a year, there will be somebody in those buildings," Cook said. "We’ve got the skilled labor here."

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