Seasons have their changes and for every door closed, another is opened.
No doubt, those are a few samples of some of the motivational things our mothers used to say to us growing up, things some of you may be able to relate to.
But the words don’t really matter.
The sense of positive thinking imbedded in them does.
Take Spruceland Millworks decision to close its Fort Assiniboine value-added sawmill that we covered in our story on page A3.
The company acquired Timeu Forest products in 1991 and operated the mill in Fort Assiniboine for 26 years.
Spruceland Millworks itself was purchased by Millar Western Forestry Jan. 2, in a deal born of an idea, not out of a desire to sell the company.
Vice president Josh Sawatzky says the decision to close the mill in Fort Assiniboine was made based on the age of the facility and the lack of funds available to invest in upgrading equipment.
According to the company, every one was offered a position at their Acheson facility. For those that opted not to take it they were paid severance based on their length of tenure.
For the 30 or so employees affected, the move means moving or commuting to Acheson. Those who decided against accepting the transfer, while we understand it is a difficult time for them, looking at how other companies have treated their employees under similar circumstances have been treated much worse.
Whichever route was chosen, the former employees of the mill should all be proud of the fact they worked so hard to build a brand.
That brand may no longer be centralized in our backyard but it is still visible.
Life goes on.
Remember how it felt when Champion Feeds decided to cease operations in Barrhead? Do you recall those stories detailing the County of Barrhead’s interest in pursuing industrial hemp? What about the medical marijuana facility that is in the process of applying for a license to operate in Fort Assiniboine?
It’s important to stay positive, considering there is always something in the news that is guaranteed to claw your spirits into the gutter.
Albertans don’t like change very much but we’ve made liking a challenge our unofficial motto.
So buck up.
The closure of one more business is not the end of the world. New opportunities will arise. We just have to be prepared to take advantage of them when they do.
