SMALL TOWN FIGHTS BACK: SINCE BROWN SHOE'S CLOSING IN '94, TOWN HAS REBOUNDED

In April 1994, the Brown Shoe Co. closed its Piedmont factory and 400 people lost their jobs.

At one time in 1994, almost a fourth of the community's work force was without jobs.

The economic outlook for Piedmont, population 2,400, is brighter these days. Some new industries have moved into the community, and the town has received four major grants for industry infrastructure, housing and other improvements.

Some major events led to better economic times during the past 3 1/2 years:

-- November 1993: Piedmont voters approved two sales tax proposals, a half-cent for capital improvements, a half-cent for transportation, resulting in discontinuing city sticker fee and personal property tax.

-- November 1993: Piedmont bought 100 acres for a new industrial park.

-- April 1994: Brown Shoe closed; 400 jobs lost.

-- April 7, 1994: City passed $350,000 bond issue to build a new industrial park.

-- June 16, 1994: Piedmont received a $177,000 industrial infrastructure grant for an industrial park.

-- Sept. 22, 1994: McDonald's announced new restaurant in Piedmont.

-- Oct. 6, 1994: $400,000 renovation project completed at Piedmont Airport.

-- Nov. 4, 1994: Piedmont got a stoplight.

-- Dec. 15, 1994: Piedmont received a $100,000 rental rehabilitation grant for rental units.

-- Jan. 19, 1995: Plans announced to construct new restrooms at Piedmont Area Park.

-- March 23, 1995: Corlair Corp. ribbon-cutting.

-- Nov. 16, 1995: Piedmont paid off new Industrial Park.

-- March 6, 1995: City purchased new City Hall building.

-- May 16, 1996: City received an $81,000 highway department grant to build McKenzie Creek Walking Bridge.

-- June 6, 1996: Piedmont voters approved a $500,000 industrial bond issue.

-- June 27, 1996: Piedmont received a $413,500 block grant to improve water service.

-- January: Piedmont received a $323,000 housing infrastructure grant.