Sioux Tools changes name to "Snap-on"
By Gabby Hudson

Sioux Tools has began to process of officially changing its name from Sioux Tools to Snap-on.

According to plant manager Robert Hartman the Sioux Tools name will be changed to Snapon and the transition should be completed soon.

Hartman told the Cherokee County Economic Development Commission's (CCEDC) that the name change was a corporate decision because Snap-on tools was a name more recognized by the public. The announcement was made during the meeting held at Sioux Tools on Friday.

During the meeting, Tom O'Brien call for a vote for the three positions that would be vacated by himself, Bill Forsyth and Bill Wells.

The board voted to retain O'Brien, Forsyth and Wells in the positions held. O'Brien then called for nominations for officer positions. The board voted to retain O'Brien as chairman, Dick Steinbrown as vice chair and elected Sanda Zimmerman, Cherokee County Representative for Heath Shuler, as secretary.

Cherokee County Manager, David Badger gave a executive summary where he highlighted the need for lifelong learning and the upgrade of workers skills to meet the demands of global competition.

Badger also stated the need to find solutions for the retention of workers, addressing the aging work force, and attracting and maintaining the regional work force.

The Career and Technical Education committee of Cherokee County Schools, serves as a liaison between business and the school system. The relationship helps to foster vocational and technical education. TCCC has been instrumental in partnering with industry to meet the increasing demand, Badger said.

One example of a partnership, deals with Murphy Medical Center who recruits, screens and trains nursing aides.

The partnership enables students to be paid while getting their education, in exchange for a one-year commitment of employment with the hospital.

Also during the meeting the number of job opportunities has risen from 1,415 in October 2005, 3,326 in November 2006 4,105 in April 2007 to 4,297 reported in June, 2007.

Some of the most significant hirings were at Stanley Furniture who increased their workforce from 200 employees to 299 employees, Cherokee County had 356 employees in April of 2007 and now has 29 more employees bring the total to 385.

The biggest layoff of 30 employees came from Coats America who in April of 2007 had 151 employees and now has 121 current employees.

The biggest local employer is Murphy Medical Center with 722 employees. The second biggest employer is Cherokee County Schools with 544 employees.