Site Selection Status for 10,000 New Jobs
It was a pleasant surprise to have the governors of 4 of the 5 US States we are considering (Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, South Carolina) affirm in writing that they would be responding to our Request-for-Proposal (RFP). Unfortunately, although it has been over 2 weeks since the deadline for that response, we have not heard back from the State of North Carolina (I suspect the folks in Charlotte may not be too happy to hear that).
We are all looking forward to the formal proposals next month and we know a number of communities are working very hard on their respective submissions. We are adding some recent highlights of what your elected and appointed officials, as well as the communities, have been up to the original blogs regarding each state. Have a read when you get a chance. Has also been fun to read all the comments on our blogs from the communities and it is obvious the folks in Indiana have been honing their skills in this arena (!).
Tagged: police, police car, georgia, indiana, michigan, north carolina, south carolina, american jobs, carbon motors, e7, carbon e7, law enforcement, homeland security
Comments
The fact that Connersville has been working hard, and appreciating the opportunity for this new era of police security, is nothing short of priceless. This shows that no matter what We The People have what it takes to take on this task of changing the security of the people.We all don't want just a place to go to work, we want a place to work that makes us want to get up in day and express our hard work, and integrity. Many I have spoken to in the last few months, have done nothing but change thier attitude and express we will be number one in the country for this priceless endeavor. Trust me the communication is here, the spot for a new era is here.
Mr. Li: I must say it emphatically: choose Michigan. As you describe in your blog post, Michigan can provide what few states can match in terms of talent, history, and support for the automotive industry. You company's growth depends on access to resources unique to building cars, and Michigan can provide the foundation necessary for profitability. Additionally, Plymouth is the perfect community to establish your roots. It's centrally located with easy access to Ann Arbor and Detroit. You would be minutes away from the engineering talent at the University of Michigan - which produced Google's Larry Page - the automotive infrastructure in Wayne and Oakland counties, and a major airport to carry you around the country. The people of Plymouth are friendly, welcoming, and first-class in supporting new businesses. I could not recommend a better home for Carbon Motors Corporation. As a long-time Plymouth resident, where my family has lived for over four generations, I would be happy to talk with you further about the community. Please contact me at the above-provided email address. Sincerely, Robert Dean
I must say I am gald to hear that you are considering Indiana as a site. I do wish it was here in Madison, Indiana but if not Connersville would be a great location. Indiana has a lot to offer your company with a great work force and many attractions to offer. Just ask Honda in Greensburg that is why they chose Indiana a few years ago. This is going to be a great product to offer to the Law Enforcement community and it needs to be built in a great community in Indiana.
It's obvious that you all have a difficult decision ahead in choosing your new location. As a native Hoosier who has traveled and lived in many other places, I want you to know that the Hoosier hospitality, work ethic, country and hometown pride that you have seen are not just a show that will fade with time. Connersville was built on the shoulders of forward thinking inventors and manufacturers. Not only do we have a great facility for you and more than enough skilled labor that is ready and willing to do the job, we also are located centrally in the "Crossroads of America" state with great access to the interstate system, railways, waterways and thanks to our years of cooperation with Ford and Visteon, we have a great airport, too. Your company's progressive thinking, with a heart for the homeland that we love would seem to be a perfect fit for Connersville. A "win-win" situation for everyone. Sincerely, Cindy Perez, American Heritage Realty, Inc
Glad to hear Governor Perdue actually did something other than visit a foreign country.
Carbon - glad to hear that Indiana is on your short list. You will not find a better state with dedicated, loyal, and hard working staff (Union or non-Union). Chosing Connersville would be a gold feather in your cap! Being so close to many car manufacturers - Toyota, Honda (a short drive from connersville and all of its plants in Ohio) as well as the various parts for Big Three cars made in Indiana will help you. Not with the actual manufactures but for the mini-manufacturing facilities all around the state that produce parts for cars. More than likely you could utilize one of these suppliers in your nearby area. Shelbyville has many that are focused on American parts and overseas. You will draw employess from far away as well. Honda drew 10's of thousands of applicants. The city is good to work with in Connersville - and you will like the low cost of living, quality of life, and entertainment (outdoors and indoors) that Indiana has to offer. We welcome you with open arms here in Indiana. I'm from Indianapolis - and we would love to say that Indiana is home to Carbon Motor Corp and the Police Car Capitol of the World!
Would you consider Oklahoma? Our state has a lot to offer. Being a central state with all forms of transit available, yes even a waterway at the Port of Catoosa. Oklahoma is also very stable in these tough economic times.
Has anyone looked at Alabama as a possible site? There are many auto makers now locating in our small but progressive state. We have the workforce and nice incentives to get this type industry in Alabama.
Connersville is a great community for Carbon Motors. There are a lot of hard working people that would be a great asset to your company. We look foward for new opportunitues to come into our community so we can grow. I am positive that Carbon Motors will be very pleased with the hard work and loyalty that the Connersville Community shows.
While there are a lot of great states that should be carefully consididered, Georgia can offer a well rounded package. Plenty of amenities to welcome and entertain guests, investors or other business relations. Here in Braselton, Ga. The birth place of Champ Car as well as other fine one off custom automobiles, we understand the need of a great facility such as Road Atlanta, which is well suited for Vehicle Testing, Demonstration, Press Opportunities or Emergency Personnel training. Road Atlanta has become known over the years for receiving great community support from local residences as well as local shop owners in the surrounding cities who love to be involved and show great enthusiasm in supporting their neighbors. Full of well trained and skilled craftsmen and women, Carbon Motors management will impressed by the overwhelming amount of suitable candidates to fully staff it’s manufacturing and assembly facilities, once established here in Braselton, Ga. Thank you for your time and allowing me the opportunity to help the city in which I reside. - Danny
Connersville, Indiana would be an excellent site for Carbon Motors. Connersville has a longstanding history of skilled labor and hard working individuals. Connersville is centrally located. We have an up-to-date airport and railroad system. Connersville has been an important manufacturer of automotive parts for many years. We also have a great state of the art facility that is in excellent condition. Connersville would be perfect for Carbon Motors progressive technology.
Fayette County has a rich tradition of innovation and manufacturing excellence. We have great resources and water supply. Our central location within the midwest are great for prompt logistic response and dispersion. Our small town work ethic and community cohesiveness are unmatched by larger cities. The ability to know you fellow worker and their families enable our citizens to restablish pride in an American product. Connersville is the city to take the lead in "Made in America".
Being a life long resident of Connersville I have seen the economic highs and lows of this region. Currently, we are on the rebound and ready to return to our rich heritage of manufacturing excellence. I believe that Connersville offers so much that the big cities cannot for a corporation like Carbon Motors. We have the ability to have a local workforce that will be able to come to work under adverse weather conditions; unlike the big city commute. We are located within one hour of cultural entertainment. We understand what it takes to earn a living and enjoy life as it is presented. Carbon Motors would be a great asset to our community. We welcome you to our town and hope to be able to show you what the midwest life is all about.
STATUS AS OF 06 APRIL 2009: It is after 5:00pm EST on the due date for the responses to our Request-for-Proposal (RFP). We have received proposals from Indiana, South Carolina, Michigan and Georgia and we have commenced our review process which will take some time. Unfortunately, we have not received a proposal from the State of North Carolina which puts them at risk of disqualification from any further consideration. On a more positive note, we certainly wish to thank all of the communities and states that have put a real effort to respond to the RFP - this is a big decision for Carbon Motors and we genuinely appreciate the added data and assistance that will provide some strong guidance throughout the process! Stay tuned!
I can only hope that my state of North Carolina will step up with a response to this very worthwhile project. In the Charlotte/ Mooresville area we have the labor force that can offer a great deal of technical expertise for this automobile. I can only hope that our lack of response is due to the fact that we are preparing a very competitive response which will allow North Carolina to be seriouly considered. After all, we know fast cars better than anyone.
Thank You for considering Connersville as a potential site for your new facility. I work for a company that has been in business in Connersville for 150 years. If Conersville is chosen I know our local goverment, our utilities and our people will work hard to make your company one that will be around for a long time. God Bless
I hate to hear about the lousy lack of response from North Carolina. It would be a very ideal location, with a very willing and knowledgeable workforce waiting for jobs. Got to love the way our wonderful state management is dealing with the issue!
Michigan IS where any new automotive venture, especially one with this scope and potential, needs to be located. Plymouth is a premium suburban city. Excellent demographics, rich history, top notch school system, less than 30 minutes from Detroit & Ann Arbor (Univ of Mich) and 15 mins from a world-class airport (Detroit Metro/Delta World Gateway). The Detroit metro area has three border crossings into Canada (the USA's largest trading partner)This region has an enormous stock of individuals with EVERY automotive background imaginable (design, engineering, production, marketing). The inventory of this region's auto-oriented vendors and related support is second to NONE on the planet.
The possibility of Carbon Motors establishing residency in Michigan is an exciting notion. The people of the Michigan are the hardest working, most dedicated employees ever. Michigan is CARS! The production of this fabulous new police vehicle should be in Michigan, it would lend Carbon Motors the credibility of being a real automobile manufacturer. Consider Michigan, help us help you.
South Carolina is the obvious choice here, With BMW Manufacturing already in place with hundreds of suppliers and easy access to ports and not to mention a pleothra of skilled people with car manufacturing experience, Futuristic car development is already in mind with the development of ICAR and acres upon acres of land for development and research.
"Danny"has said everything that I was going to say. Welcome to Braselton.
Was there ever any word on whether or not NC responded to the RFP?
Ga has a long history in building cars. SC is does very well. The only thing CLT/Meck can promise you is high TAXES.
Be careful about Greenville/Spartanburg. Excellent area, but to fly anywhere you need to go to CLT for affordable and direct flights. My company moved to SC from NY a few years ago and we spend many hours driving to CLT because the flight availablity/cost from GST is prohibitive on a regular basis. Too bad NC Gov failed to respond. MI is too old school. Imagine the union problems in MI. Even if you start out non-union, it probably wont be long before the union starts infiltrating. good luck!
I think Gov. Perdue screwed up when she IGNORED the chance of bringing 10,000 jobs into N.C. I live in Catawba County (which has lower taxes than Burke or Caldwell counties) and the unemployment rate is almost 16%. This triad area has the highest unemployment rate in N.C. The loss of manufacturing jobs are the major cause of this high unemployment rate. I think we should have been considered since there are plenty of vacant manufacturing facilities and the commute to Charlotte for air travel is not too long of a distance. I think these three counties should be contacted to see if there are any "cuts" they are willing to take in order to get these jobs here. Caldwell County was able to get "Google" into the area so that tells me these counties are desperate for jobs and the added incomes. Unfortunately, I voted for Bev Perdue and I WILL NOT vote for her again. I am an Obama fan and he has my vote again if he runs for re-election. I don't think the Governor should be the one to decide our fate. I never heard anything about these jobs or Carbon Motor Corporation. Rumor has it that Bev was afraid the Company would "pick up and leave" after two years. Well, we all fight hard to try and keep our jobs and we DO NOT need a Union to achieve this. If Management treats their people with respect, then they do not have to worry about Union activity, lawsuits, etc. I think Carbon Motor Corporation should reconsider N.C. for these jobs in Catawba County (Burke and Caldwell residents can drive a short distance to the Hickory area). I have 26 years manufacturing experience and the last 14 years in "front line" Supervision so I know what it takes to get the people in this area to work hard and take pride in the quality of their work. What is Gov. Perdue going to do when unemployment monies run out? I see that she doesn't care because she isn't the one that's unemployed, no medical insurance and her money has ran out! Sorry, but as far as being a woman I thought she would be more thoughtful. But she just proves why it takes some of us females so long to earn any respect from our male peers. I guess she is going to take more of our "Education Lottery" to pay off more debt that could be paid for with new jobs! I wonder if Obama knows she took that money that was supposed to go for education---just like S.C. Gov. wants to take the stimulus money for education to pay off his state's debt and Congress will not allow it to be spent to pay off debt. I think all these Governor's are only worried about what "looks good on paper" (I lowered the state's debt)and not what is best for each state's citizens and tax payers! It reminds me of "taxation without representation".
Please consider this as only one person's personal perspective. However, I believe that you will find my experience to be a common one of "transplants" from the northeast and midwest to the Charlotte are. As a resident of Fort Mill, SC, and an employee of a company that moved from Charlotte to Fort Mill within the past year (just across the state border). After accepting an offer to relocate from Chicago, my wife & I then faced choosing where to live. We considered all the possibilities that the two areas present. The Fort Mill/Rock Hill corridor has all of the benefits of being 15-20 minutes from Charlotte-Douglas airport, 20 minutes to downtown Charlotte, access to Major League Football, minor league baseball, NBA basketball and all that a large city like Charlotte has to offer, including a diverse talent base, both blue & white collar. Fort Mill represented the positives, without the onerous taxes, crime & city school problems that Charlotte/Mecklenburg presents. Fort Mill scools are consistently ranked among the best in the area, and as a transplant from the Chicago suburbs, I cannot begin to enumerate the benefits that the climate, cost of living, reduced commute time and relative relaxed living style have made the transition from Chicago a tremendously positive one. From a business perspective, the Fort Mill area lies between 2 Free Trade Zones, one in lower Charlotte, and another near Columbia, SC (approximately 1 hour away), and the area has strong and established world-class IT infrastructure systems and supply chains that suppost design, service and manufacturing bases. All in all, the area has many benefits, and I hope that the SC RFP has clearly outlined these and that you will strongly consider the area for such an interesting and necessary business like Carbon Motors. Best Regards, Ryan Campbell
You could not pick a better location than South Carolina. Period.
North Carolina has a very strong lobby from the fishing ,hog ,and turkey farm industries that controls a large part of the state (over 6,000 hog farms).North Carolina always talks a big to do about jobs,but never delivers..
you all must remember the rich history of auto making in connersville. this town is built on our ablity to produce fine cars. everyone loved the "cord" and the "alburn"
Dear Mr. Li, My hope and desire is that the city of Braselton, GA is where Carbon Motors will make its home. The proximity of Road Atlanta for testing, I-85 for easy interstate access to distribution routes, and the beautiful countryside in North Georgia make the Hall and Jackson County areas a great location for a new manufacturing facility. Then again, I have selfish interests as well. If your company selects Georgia, I will be one of the first people in Braselton to come knocking on your door! I would love nothing more than to be a part of an exciting new company that is FINALLY putting future technology into a viable automotive package with a purpose! And with all that Ford family experience ingrained in your management team, I would fit right in! The most fun I've had in my career was during my time with Ford was gutting and re-building the old Cleveland Engine Plant #1 to build the 3.0 and 3.5 Duratec engines! Please, please, please select Georgia!!! http://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsoltis
Connersville (Indiana) would be the best fit for Carbon Motors hands down! With the airport across the road, 10 mins. to I-70, and the low cost of living is perfect for the company. All within an hour are the Reds, Bengals, Colts, Pacers, and a number to big to list for major college's. Plenty of family activities to do around here. YOU would feel more than welcomed in this community. This community stands up for you with open arms and welcomes you here and be part of the family tradition here.
Please ignore our lamebrain governor. The workforce in N.C. is second to none. Lots of bang for the buck here. Don't punish us for our having an irresponsible, twit running the state. We have the transportation, roads, workforce, weather, cost of living, educational facilities, everything. Come to "Variety Vacationland".
Mr. Li I have lived in Connersville, Indiana all of my life. I comme from a family where the majority of us have been employed in the manufacturing arena. We here in Connersville have always taken pride in our work, and given 100% effort into all we do. We understand what a company needs to be successful in an ever expanding world market. I believe the skill level of the people here in Indiana is second to none and would love to have Carbon Motors locate here. We all look forward in welcoming you to Connersville, we want to help you prosper!
There can be no comparison to locating in Indiana. The community of Connersville has always been in manufacturing of automotive parts and automobiles. Stant Manufacturing, McQuay Norris,Roots Blower, several tool & die shops, access to railroad up to an existing plant that is large enough to handle a fine production facility for the making of any automobile, an airport across the road for potential customers to fly in,shop and see how the E7 is manufactured. Rail cars just waiting to be loaded and deliver the finished product as produced. Central location to major cities;Cincinnati and Dayton,Ohio, Indianapolis, In. within 60 miles of this fine community. Talent, real estate, shopping,entertainment,small community with a big desire to succeed. I left this small town after graduation and moved to a larger city, but there is no place like home and, after many years of building aircraft and homes , I returned to Connersville, and realized what a fine city this really is. We welcome you, and you can rest assured we can make your dream of having one of the finest production police cars of all time assembled and produced right here in Connersville, Indiana! A facility, an airport, a railway right up to the plant, major highway access within 10 miles, and a community of experienced, hard working, automotive background, ready to go to work tomorrow men and women,knowing how and able to produce a fine product. If you have the dream, we have the experience to provide! Come on down!
MR Li and The Carbon Motors Corporation, thank you for your interest in Connersville. Just knowing that there is a company considering our town gives people hope. I invite you on your trip in May to travel down the streets of Connersville and really pay attention. You will see empty buildings, run down lots, house for sale and some abandoned. You will see a town that has went through many struggles, especially in recent years. You will see a town that has had to face the harsh reality of the economic downslide and forced people to make decisions that have affected their families and their way of life. You will also see kids riding bikes down the streets, parents playing catch with their kids, people planting gardens, and families taking a walk. You see people that have made sacrifices and people who have made the decision to stay where they feel comfortable. You will see people who have hope that our town will prosper once again. I invite you to really look around and see these things. We all hope that you can help be a big part of restoring a town to its original form of industry and a great place to live. Thank you so much for your consideration.
I have just finished my first full year as General Manager of the Connersville News Examiner. I can not express how much the Connersville area has to offer. Just 10 miles south is one of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana. I have grown to love Connersville, IN. Rest assured The Connersville News Examiner will do whatever we can to make Connersville your choice. We have the facilites, the people and the drive to do things right here.
CONNERSVILLE - This location gives you an amazing pool of talent to choose from - Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Richmond, Dayton. Connersville is full of hardworking people who would be honored to work for Carbon Motors. Your home is waiting for you - we have everything you need to grow and be successful.
MICHIGAN - If you need a small amount of office space in transitioning to Michigan, The North Wood Technology Incubator along with its partners could likely provide you with some office space. Email me for more information.
We are honored that Connersville, IN is being considered for your company site. We look forward to your visit in the near future. You will be warmly & sincerely welcomed!!
My name is Jonathan, I’m 26 years old and have lived in Connersville my whole life. My family has moved away but I wanted to stay in Connersville because this will always be home to me. The last Mayor election I ran on the Independent ticket because I wanted to make a difference not only in my life but to the community that has aspired me to be the person I am today. Connersville has so much to offer in so many different ways, and is ready to take on any challenges that lay in the way for the path to success. In order to tackle this enormous workload that Carbon Motors has in store for the potential destine city, the citizens of that city must be energetic, resourceful, and innovative. I truly believe that Connersville is the city who fits that bill. I believe that Transportation plays an important role in considering a potential location for a growing enterprise. Connersville Municipal Airport is the Heart of Connersville’s transportation needs. The Airport has everything equipped to handle any type of aircraft necessary for any shipping requirements. Connersville is also in a prime location being only an hour away from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Dayton International Airports. Connersville is also connect to major highways that can be reached within minutes to also provide any transportation needs. Viewing Connersville from the outside only shows us as a small county within the Great State of Indiana, but realistically the Citizens of Connersville makes the Heart of this Community larger than the State itself. The Workforce here has experienced what sweat and dedication really means in hard work and loyalty. The Citizens of Connersville have no other intentions but to make Connersville a better place for us to live now and for our children in the future. With Carbon Motors announcing their desires of a “Police Officers Ideal Car” the Citizens of Connersville has a strong desire as well as determination in placing a hand in making Police Work Safer for the Policing Community. Connersville is the perfect vision of what a family type community would be. I believe the citizens need to be very much involved in what the City needs or gets because the citizens are the Heart and Soul of Connersville. Who know what the City needs better than the Citizens who live in it, and everyone in Connersville has spoken and would very much like the opportunity to show Carbon Motors in everyway possible that Connersville will welcome your Future Plans with Open Arms and Great Big Smiles. Carbon Motors…….We Welcome You…..I Welcome You……Thank You for picking my hometown of Connersville to make the final list of your desired cities. I Promise You Connersville will not be in any way a disappointment!!! Again Thank You for the Consideration…..
Connersville Welcomes You!
Mr. Chairman, Please accept my regrets concerning a non response from North Carolina. This does not accurately depict the attitude of the people of NC and the Charlotte area. Please be assured that our Mayor Pat McCrory of Charlotte, (PMcCrory@ci.charlotte.nc.us) would love to talk with you at length about your production facility. Mr. McCrory was my personal pick for Governor in the recent election and I know you will find him to be a very strong supporter in any effort to bring jobs to the Charlotte, NC area. Respectfully, Michael Richards
Dear Carbon Motors, please do not give up on North Carolina as a possible site. I know first hand how badly North Carolina needs new job opportunities. My husband was laid off from a well paying job this past March and has not had any prospects for future employment because of lack of opportunities here in North Carolina. I also work at a free clinic and we have seen our number of new patients double since last year and it is all due to people losing their jobs and insurance here in our area. Please do not hold it against North Carolina just because we have an incompetent governor who does not need to be in office. I was born and raised in North Carolina and have always been proud of my state. I hope that you will still consider North Carolina because I know that we have a great work force here willing to work hard if given the chance.. You would be welcome here.
Mr Li: I just watched your interview on CNBC. Excellent presentation! Your business model is terrific and long overdue. A truly awesome vehicle. As a consultant to the automotive industry and a long-time resident of Indianapolis, my advocacy is certainly for Connersville, Indiana as your base of manufacturing operations. As I'm certain you're aware, Connersville has a rich history in automobile and parts manufacturing and in the early 20th century, the town became known as "Little Detroit" because of its importance to the automobile industry. Automobiles manufactured here included Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, Ansted, Empire, Lexington and McFarlan. Aditionally, parts manufacturers Stant, Ford and Visteon, to name just a few, had deep roots here as well. Connersville is located close to I-70 which puts it near the 'Crossroads of America', Indianapolis. An active AMTRAK line runs through here as well. Our Governor, Mitch Daniels, did a tremendous job in assisting Honda in locating and building their new plant in Greensburg and I hope you're getting a positive response from Indiana. Wherever you choose, best wishes and much success. Our country needs more innovators such as yourself. Steve King
Mr. Chairman, The people of NC would love to build the E7. We have a soon to be empty Freightliner Truck Manufacturing facility just outside Charlotte (20min) drive, with several thousand auto workers laid-off. Also, make no mistake about it we will hold our elected official accountable for there lack of competence/urgency.
As an Indiana State Trooper and a nearby resident of Connersville, I look forward to the possibility of Carbon Motors locating in eastern Indiana. It is obvious the workforce is willing, able, and ready. It will be great driving and working in the E7 if and when the company locates here. Governor Daniels is top notch in providing a good business environment for companies to relocate. And just from the response from Connersville folks on this website, its obvious that Carbon Motors will be a great fit in the community and their business will thrive here. We look forward to being "The Police Car Capital of the World."
We are angry and pissed at our gov.purdue.Heck i did'nt vote for her!I've been outa work since oct 31"08 and you have alot of experienced people in this area that worked at freightliner and built the best trucks for a long time.I was at freightliner for 22yrs.before being laidoff.Please accept our regrets for our gov.lack of professionalism when it comes to running a state.''DOUG HOLT'''
The Connersville area has so many positive reasons for it's selection that it seems to me the easy best choice. If you look at the blog comments from the residents you can you see the list of pluses and I, for one, know that there are no exaggerations in their claims. It's a great place that really needs the opportunity to show, any and all, the potential that's been there, waiting, to be discovered and developed.
As a Deputy Sheriff, a Volunteer fireman, father and resident of Connersville, I am pleased that Carbon Motors is looking to locate in Connersville. In the fire field, we have specialty trucks for different needs. Now, we will have a specialty car that will fit the needs of police work. If located in Connersville, the citizens will not look at it as just a job, they will look at it as their own. Taking pride in what the are building and knowing that they are helping their country on the front lines. Keeping police officers safer as well as the citizens they serve. Carbon motors, please come to Connersville so that you can experience the "Hoosier Hospitality" that we are famous for. 1 other thing that I haven't seen mentioned here is the Fayette County Free Fair. This is the oldest free fair in the United States. We take pride in our County Fair and the fact that everyone can enjoy the fair without spending all their money getting their family in. Thank you and GOD bless.
I would like to point out the availability of almost two million square feet of existing manufacturing space or nearly 200 acres of vant space that is available in Shelby Township Michigan. The site has previously been utilized for automotive part production. The capital investment has been significantly reduced due to the economic downturn. I have previously seen your product and I believe you will have a great future in the production of security vehicles and accessories.
Just heard about your company a few weeks ago from a local police officer. He was pretty pumped about what your company has to offer our men in blue. mmmm wonder where Gov. Strickland was when it came to potential sites. Not like Ohio doesn't need 10,000 jobs. Good Luck tp Carbon Automobiles and those cities in the running for the facility.
I would consider it an honor and a privilege to have Carbon Motors as a part of the Connersville,IN community. The people in our area are hard workers going through hard times,but you can't keep us down. Carbon Motors and the integrity of your company is just what our community needs. Given the opportunity, I believe our community will prove how hard we can work for you and the nation. Our since of pride and patriotism is strong and shows in the work we do. Come to Connersville in the heart of America. We will help you build a fleet of vehicles any law enforcement agency across our nation would be proud to drive.
I feel compelled to add my support of Connersville, Indiana from "across the pond." I currently reside in the Isle of Man with my British husband, but I previously lived in Connersville, where I worked at the Fayette Couny Public Library, for 21 years. As a native of the more "cosmopolitan" Bloomington, Indiana I wasn't sure that I would stay in Connersville when I first went there, but I soon grew to love the place and the people. The community pride and the experienced workforce there are second to none and I agree 100% with all of the other positive comments that have been made. Carbon Motors could not make a better choice than Connersville, Indiana.
Connersville,IN. We Have it! You Want it! Come and Get it!
Dear Mr. Li, My name is Scott J. Keaffaber and I am a veterinarian in Connersville, Indiana. I would like to extend an invitation to you and your staff to visit our facilities at the Connersville Veterinary Clinic while you are in town next week. I realize you are very busy and I am sure scheduling is very tight, but I would like you to see what we can provide for you and your staff that have pets as part of their family. We strive to provide excellent customer service for our clients and quality primary care for their small pets. I am very excited about the possibility of Carbon Motors selecting our small town for the production of this new and innovative vehicle for law enforcement members. I feel Carbon Motors will find Connersville to have everything it needs to be a growing and successful company. This town also has a lot of room to grow in different areas, which opens the doors to the spouses of the executive who would be relocating here. The opportunities to become involved in our tight knit community are endless. My wife, Amy, is involved with the elementary school my children attend, as well as the Cub Scouts. She stays very busy with our community. I feel that the presence of Carbon Motors in Connersville would escalate the involvement of everyone. I know that the community of Connersville is looking forward to your visit next week. If you have a chance to stop by our clinic during your visit, we would love to have you. Scott J. Keafaber, DVM
I can't encourage you enough to choose Connersville for your new home. My husband and I moved to the area from central Florida eight years ago. The area is filled with friendly people and dedicated workers. My husband commuted to Dayton for eight years until he retired as a senior Technical Writer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, so it obvious that you will draw workers from as far away as both Dayton Ohio as and Indianapolis Indiana. The quality of live in the area is very high and homes are plentiful while the prices are reasonable.
Connersville has a beautiful facility with lots of room to expand. right one hwy 1, reasonably close to interstate 70, and us 40 with railroad access too. a great community to locate carbon motors.
Roots are what makes community strong and a strong community makes great location for any type of business. And Connersville has that type of community. I was born and raised in Connersville, and to this very day, I think of my home there. I feel that the people and supporting structures would be a benefit to Carbon Motors and Carbon Motors a great contribution for the community as well. It would a great match.
We in Connersville are so excited and feel so blessed that you and your associates have expressed an interest in locating in our community. Speaking from a business point of view, Connersville has a wealth of hard working people who would be proud to have a job with Carbon Motors. Connersville has a rich history with the automotive industry and it would be great to continue that tradition. Together, Connersville and Carbon Motors can have a great future.Georgia Green,owner American Heritage Realty,Inc
I was born in connersville in 1938 and now live in Charlotte NC. If history could decide then Conersville Indiana would be the place to locate. Jim Williams
Mr. Chairman, We would welcome you into North Carolina with open arms. We have millions of square feet of manufacturing plants empty. The first to come to mind is the phillip morris facility located a few miles from Lowe's Motor Speedway. (Test Track). We the people are furious with our elected officials and are letting them know. We have lost so many jobs to over seas please consider our state and don't hold it against the good people of North Carolina for the blunder of our Governor.
If I were Carbon Motors, I would definitely pick the former Hoechst Celanese fiber plant in Greenville, SC. It's a huge site that is located along I-85 right next to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research that consists of companies like Timken and BMW. Greenville/Spartanburg is home to the workforce and quality of life that Carbon Motors is looking for. There is a reason BMW chose this area for their only North American manufacturing plant and Michelin for their North American headquarters with numerous tire plants.
fDi Magazine has selected Greenville, SC as the top North American city of less than 100,000 population in terms of prospects for economic development and business expansion. Greenville News article: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090421/BUSINESS/904210308 Magazine article: http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/forms/media/NorthAmericanCitiesFuture2009.pdf
i think they have covered it all for connersville, i just wanted to say that we are hard working people who really will work hard and contribute so much in making the business a succssess. i really hope you choose connersville the location is great and the people are hard working.
Words can not describe the level of excitement Connersville has for this opportunity. Mr. Li you will see in a few short days how hospitable and welcoming our community is. Connersville can offer a great workforce, wonderful schools, and a centralized location. Carbon Motors we welcome you to the town that we call home and hope you will make it yours.
I currently work in Quality assurance , inspection and testing , in an automotive manufacturing plant , for 18 years . I really love the job I do . I drive 48 miles each way , to and from work . We make SMC panels and reinforcements for several sports cars , utility and big trucks . The town I live in does not offer much employment offers . CARBON MOTORS would be greatly welcomed in the connersville and surrounding areas , myself , I live in NEW CASTLE Indiana which is about 40 miles north west of connersville , would welcome the chance of employment and a new busness opertunity in Indiana .
I really hope carbon motors will come to Connersville. We have a great town and we are work ready. Come to our town you wont regret it.
STATUS IN NORTH CAROLINA AS OF 03 May 2009: I have since spoken to both Secretary Crisco and Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll and we have agreed to spend some time this month further exploring the possibilities in Charlotte - which will take an extra-ordinary effort on both of our parts - all the other other US States are months ahead in the process. Looks like the Carbon E7 (aka "The Machine") may be making a stop in Charlotte on 20 May 2009. Stay tuned!
We want and need you to come to Connersville. Our town is made up of hard working people who want to work and need to work. We are centrally located. We pray that you will come to our community and make this your home. We want you to be a part of our family. Give us a chance. You will not be dissappointed. Our town is slowly dying, but you can help bring it back to life. Please come to our town.
I know you have heard about the talented workforce, logistics & things but I would like to tell you about things for families & their friends can do in Connersville. Living in Fayette County all my life and attending college in Indianapolis I became more aware of the attributes that Connersville offers. No worry about walking down the street anywhere, friendly caring people that know you, no traffic jams & most of all more choices, due to the location between 3 major cities, for concerts, sports events, shopping & many other venues only an hour away. Sometimes it took me that long to get from one side of Indianapolis to the other due to traffic. We have things that urban areas do not, such as outdoor activities like boating, hunting, & fishing.I know your choice of location is a difficult decision but Connersville & the state of Indiana is ready, willing and able to provide you with the things necessary to achieve your goals. I look forward to your visit to Connersille. Sincerely Suzy Snyder, The Cabinet Gallery.
We are excited about the possibility of Carbon Motors in Connersville, IN! There is so much about your business model that is inspiring. We want to let you know that Indiana is ready for innovative, profitable technology. Our dental office is the first dental office and one of the first privately owned buildings in Indiana to use solar power. Working with the Indiana Energy grant program, we've reduced our greenhouse emissions by 16 metric tons per year! We are excited for your visit this week! Sincerely, Dr. Laura Marszalek-Christie Family Dentistry
Thank you greatly for giving Connersville Indiana the chance to be your new home you wont regert it .
Michigan has many more opportunities than in just the SE section of the state. Did you consider the site that Volkswagon looked at?
Dear Mr Li, I am so pleased that you are visiting Connersville. I believe that you will impressed. We have a wonderful city with great hard working people. We also have the perfect facility for your police car. I know our community will work hard for you. Thank you again and God bless.
The owners, staff and sales assocaites of Family Realty wish to thank Carbon Motors for considering our city. It has been difficult for our community emotionally and economically since the Visteon plant closed. We, however, are a strong, hardworking people with a backround in automobile production. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to make both our futures positive.
The fact that Connersville Visteon building is empty, doesn't mean there is not a opportunity over the horizon. The fact there is many who are negative, there are more positive things, people, buisness ventures in Connersville. To show the good assets of Connersville for Carbon Motors was priceless. Most people of Connersville don't react to negative comments, yet they show there hard work. Connersville has everything this vehicle needs. We also have enough people that are positive to make this vehicle number one. Appreciation to Carbon Motors for giving this time to Connersville, and allowing We The People to show our priceless side. Although Detroit is fallen, it is time to move on to better ground, they had a chance, give it to those who wont let loose of the opportunity. So lets be realistic on the opportunity this vehicle will bring,. Wouldn't it be good to have a poster that says buy Hoosier-Connersville Indiana Carbon Motors.
In reviewing the information about Carbon Motors and seeing the product, all of us in Indiana are excited that we are on the short list for this opportunity. I have lived in Indiana most of my life and know first hand that your company's values, quality standards and corporate goals would be achieved partnering with Indiana, the City of Connersville and the hard working people who live here. Good luck with the next phases of your business plan!
Dear Mr. Li, I would like to take just a moment to say "Thank you" for the courage and determination that you have used to get your new company this far. This country and the world need more people such as you and your board that are willing to take the chance needed to make real changes in police protection and national security. I commend you all at Carbon for making this a police product that looks to take human life, safety, and the environment into consideration for the purpose of producing a product that will enable the police men and women to do a better job. My brother and I both served in the United States Marine Corps. I served during Desert Storm and my brother has become a South Carolina Highway Patrolman about a year ago after serving as a Detention Officer in Greenville County, SC. While I can say that I believe the Greenville, SC area would be a great asset to Carbon, I can also say that Carbon would be a great partner to the Greenville area. I have read many of the other posts here and the overwhelming idea is that people in these comments want your company to come to their respective cities so that you can give them jobs. They talk about how many airports and highways are close by. They talk about how their big city has so many amenities for you to entertain your clients. They talk about how much automobile production history their cities have. To be honest, I find this rather disturbing. The concept behind your company is to supply a police protection and force vehicle that is safe for the police, the environment, and state budgets. I do not see your company as one that would tend to waste money on buying tickets for sporting events or golf packages for your clientele. I can only say that I completely support the idea that your company tends to bring to our brave men and women that serve as our protectors day and night right here at home. I pray that your decision for a Carbon manufacturing plant will be based more on how you can better serve the police departments rather than how well you can serve entertainment to your clients. I would not be telling the truth if I did not say that I would prefer to see Greenville, SC as the place of the first of many Carbon manufacturing sites. There is a great movement into the automotive testing and design engineering aspects of automobiles right there in Greenville. Clemson University's ICAR is a great example of the support that could be next door to your manufacturing site. I wish you and your company the best and may you have the fortitude and ability to provide all that the E7 could be to our daily protectors of our laws and beliefs. Best of luck to you.
You see movies where the small town kid just wants to get out,find something better in life. I just wanted to get out of school and go to work at "the plant".This is all I knew growing up.I worked there two times for two GREAT Companiesand would LOVE to work for YOUR COMPANY in the same plant in Connersville, IN. We take pride in our quality of work and being a strong workforce. THANK YOU for comming to Connersville, it was a GREAT day for all of us!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Li, Connersville is full of rumors about Carbon Motors, one of those is that a engineer said "the Connersville Plant is too big. We here in Connersville believe this plant may be to small. Give us a chance to show you how we can help you grow! Thank you for your time in Connersville. We look forward to working not for you, but with you
I heard you're thinking of the North Georgia area specifically Dawsonvile. Execellent choice.
You simply cannot find a better place to design & build an automotive product than Michigan. The talent pool is unsurpassed. Automation Alley & TechTown are on the cutting edge. The research corridor composed of University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State University are doing world class analysis in engineering & green technologies. AND, at the end of the day, you just can't beat passion. This community is passionate about cars, technology, renewable energy, and reinventing itself!
Come to Michigan. There is no place else where you not only enjoy the riches and opportunities made available by the four seasons here - you will also benefit from top notch education system, varied demographics, rich history revolving around the manufacturing sector, PLUS we're growing as a vital creative and greening state, poised for the next new generation of R & D, bio technology, nanotechnology, biofuel, and I can go on. We take pride of who we are, what we make for the world, and for our future generation.
Carbon Motors your only choice is Michigan. You will not find harder working people anywhere. The number of talented people far exceeds the number of jobs currently available. You will secure amazing talent. Not to mention we in Michigan; especially "The Motor City" love our cars!! If you have never participated in the Woodward Dream Cruise I suggest you see the passion that weekend. Local enthusiast start lining the streets weeks in a advance to see the mint condition vehicles cruise. These cars are from every era & manufacturer. It is a real celebration of the automotive industry. The Michiganders need growing automotive businesses like yours. Growing businesses like yours need the expertise, passion and desire to work that you will find in Michigan.
As a life long resident of Connersville IN, I want to thank you for considering Connersville as a location for your company. We are a hard working, industrious people who welcome the chance to show the world what we can do. Connersville has been through hard times, times that would make some towns turn to dust and blow away, but NOT Connersville. We are eager to work hard to produce a product that will amaze the world. As a community, we are strong and we want to use our strength to help your company grow and succeed. We look forward to welcoming your families into our community.
One of the comments above supporting an area outside of Michigan made the argument that they are known as "little Detroit". Why go to "little Detroit" when you have access to "Big Detroit"? Michigan offers the full package; easy airport access and hub-based flights, highly skilled workforce, specialized automotive history and THE culture of "car people", major league sports teams of every kind, phenomenal educational institutions, access to Canada, lakefront getaways, 4 beautiful seasons, the list goes on and on. Come to Michigan! Our workers here have a passion for everything in the auto industry and with the highest unemployment rate in the country, we're a state that will rally around companies that bring good jobs here like heroes. Come to the mitten, we'll fit you like a glove!
Thank you for considering Connersville. I'm sure our showing Tuesday says it all, we are excited and anxiously awaiting your choice. We welcome you to our "small town", remember big things come in small packages. We have much to offer in many ways.
Hi Bill, It was great to see you in Savannah with the car at the Foreign Trade Center. You began with the company being in Georgia. Why change? We helped you get started financially. We have the land, the airport and the port to distribute all the E7s to their final destinations. All the best!!!
Few regions are better positioned to welcome and strengthen a new automotive development business than the Upstate of South Carolina. The city of Greenville in particular is leading the way for enhanced research and development in the automotive industry. Many of the materials and parts used in tomorrow's automobiles and airplanes are manufactured here, the growing workforce is highly competitive and knowledgable, the education opportunities are literally endless, and the region's proximity to nearby large cities and ports is enviable. The breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, with there countless quaint villages and natural attractions, are less than an hour away, while the legendary Atlantic Coast, with its ageless beaches and historic towns, is less than four hours away. The climate remains relatively mild year-round in comparison to the other options you have selected. I say all of this to encourage your consideration of this region as your new home. This community supports its businesses enthusiastically, as proven again and again by the steady growth of numerous international companies with operations here. We take pride in the value of your product, not simply as an opportunity for quality employment, but specifically for the enhancements it will bring to law enforcement everywhere. Thank you for visiting the Upstate, speaking with our leaders, and considering this place a potential home for your business. We would love to have you become part of our community and grow with us.
Greenville/Spartanburg SC would be a great choice. With the modern automotive infrastructure already laid in place by the current automotive manufacturing in the area to the location on the I-85 corridor to the reltivaly low cost of the land and labor Greenville/Spartanburg SC is the obvious choice.
I have lived in this town many years and saw some incredible moments of history in this town, yet nothing to me compares to the opportunity to revitalize this community. Everyone is talking Carbon Motors to be the savior to this once proud town and i believe it as well. We have the resources to make it happen, the desire to do the job, and the motivation to get the job done. From what i've read about the other sights Connersville is a perfect sight for your company. We have everthing you need to be successful and grow with us. Allow us to make history repeat itself, allow the hard working and proud residents of our community to show you what the true American spirit is. Thank you and god bless.
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