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Jackson Paper Co. shows its corporate generosity by giving land to firefighters
We get to write our favorite kind of editorial this week – one that spotlights a notable accomplishment.
Jackson Paper has proved once again that it looks for ways to help this community. When its leaders realized the town of Sylva needed something the company had, they came forward and offered to donate property for a new fire department.
Our newspaper played a small role in this happy news, and we’re proud of that, too. It was while reading a Herald report on a meeting of the town’s Public Safety Committee that Jackson Paper Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Murphy realized local firefighters were looking for a site on which to build an expanded fire station to serve the needs of a growing community. Murphy realized land the company owned might make an ideal location for a new fire department.
The site consists of about 5 acres across from Bryson Park, which is another example of Jackson Paper’s generosity. The company provided equipment and funds to help with renovations at the park several years ago.
Murphy discussed his idea with Jackson Paper President and CEO Tim Campbell, who readily agreed.
Campbell said he liked the plan because Sylva Fire Chief Mike Beck and many of the town’s volunteer firefighters work at the plant. The company has always allowed firefighters to leave work whenever necessary to handle emergencies.
“It obviously helps if they’re close to their equipment while they’re at work,” he said of the company’s firefighter employees.
According to Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver, Jackson Paper’s donation is a “gift from heaven.” A new fire station seemed cost-prohibitive when town leaders thought they would have to find money both to purchase property and build a facility, she said.
We think Mayor Oliver is on the right track, but she needs to take it one step farther. Jackson Paper itself just might be a gift from heaven. Its early-1980s arrival revitalized the town’s economy and allowed the town to get the UDAG grant that has provided an economic stimulus for other businesses and town improvements. The company reopened a plant that had been forced to close due to the pollution it caused and turned it into a clean, safe place to work, and its leaders continue to show their commitment to their community.
Sylva is fortunate to have a generous corporate citizen like Jackson Paper who looks for ways to help the community that surrounds its plant.
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