YOUNGSTOWN - Small town America is fighting to support the auto industry with its some 5,000 local auto workers, and B.J. Alan Co. said it plans to lead the way with "Buy American" incentives.
The fireworks company is one of the organizers of the Rev Up America initiative that held its kickoff rally Friday night at the Chevrolet Centre, which was attended by thousands. It was followed by a North American Hockey League North Division matchup between the Mahoning Valley Phantoms and the Traverse City North Stars.
However, the company was not ready to to release specifics of its program.
William Weimer, B.J. Alan vice president, said the company did not want to release details of its incentives program until next week.
"We want the focus tonight to be on the rally and the message we are trying to promote. We don't want the focus to be on us," Weimer said prior to the rally.
Bruce Zoldan, president of B.J. Alan Co. and owner of the Phantoms, said the company has a Buy American incentives program in place that he anticipates will serve as a template for other companies to follow. He said other businesses will use his company's qualifications criteria, but actual dollar amounts will be left up to each individual company.
Jim Graham, president of United Auto Workers Local 1112 at the General Motors Lordstown assembly plant and one of the event organizers, said interest in the rally was so great that the Chevrolet Centre could have sold out twice.
More than 4,000 free tickets were distributed, including some that were given out at the UAW union halls in Lordstown, Graham said. Some area auto dealers had some tickets mainly for their own employees.
U.S. Rep. Timothy J. Ryan, D-Niles, said prior to Friday's rally that the collapse of the auto industry would have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the economy.
"If the auto industry collapses and the people who work at General Motors can't afford their houses, neighborhoods will be devastated by vacant homes and blight. If people lose their jobs, they won't be able to shop at their local retailers and businesses will start to close, " Ryan said.
Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams kicked off the rally by saying the auto industry is the heart and soul of the Mahoning Valley and that is the message this area needs to send to Washington, D.C.
U.S. Rep. John Boccieri, D-Alliance, said the rally was about putting America first.
"In this great stadium, we're going to talk about our future, not the past. Twenty-five percent of our economy is based on the auto industry and we need to give 100 percent of our support to make sure it stays that way," Boccieri said.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-St. Clairsville, said the time has come to stand up for America.
"America cannot afford to lose the auto industry. Ohio cannot afford to lose 100,000 auto-related jobs. And the Mahoning Valley cannot afford to lose GM," Wilson said.
The Rev Up America initiative also was organized by the Regional Chamber and area auto dealers.
