The economy of Gainesville is like that of so
many north central Texas towns, it is an
economy long dependent on oil.
The unemployment here is just under six
percent. But the city says that's an artificial
figure, that since the oil slump, residents
here may drive Miles to find a job
for Gainesville. Then today's dedication of the
14 million dollar Borden plant seemed like
a turning point, a sign that the town of 15000
is bouncing back.
Already, Bordin has hired some 50 local
workers to produce this petroleum based rap.
The rap is used to package and stabilize large
shipments. Within the year, 70 more
will come on board.
We've got a lot of people from the oil field
and I think they're really happy to get this
job.
For every employee hired, 36
have applied to get away from the oil field.
It's diversified. You don't have to
rely on the oil field.
It's it's a good opportunity.
One hundred and twenty jobs is a big difference
because it is 120 new
jobs is only a beginning, though,
because we expect Bordin to expand.
Gamesville predicts the presence of a big name
like Bordin will lure other businesses to its
industrial park and add one hundred fifty
three thousand tax dollars to the city and
county coffers.
In a year when the county expects to lose 80
million in oil profits, city fathers
admit Baudin is only part
of the answer.
Shelley Kofler, Channel 5 News, Gainesville.