On July 30, 2003, Pillowtex, the textile manufacturer, permanently closed its doors, leaving nearly 4,000 residents in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties without jobs. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College pauses to remember this significant event in our region’s history.
President Carol S. Spalding spoke with Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant and former Vice President of Corporate and Continuing Education Jeanie Moore to look back on the role the College played in assisting displaced workers, the events that have transpired since the closure, and how the City of Kannapolis has transformed.
Mayor of Kannapolis Darrell Hinnant shares his experiences and remembrance of the Pillowtex closure and how the community of Kannapolis rebounded and adapted to what it’s become today.
Former Rowan-Cabarrus Community College VP of Corporate and Continuing Education Jeanie Moore shares her experiences of the Pillowtex closing on July 30, 2003 and how the College responded.
Mayor of Kannapolis Darrell Hinnant shares his experiences and remembrance of the Pillowtex closure and how the community of Kannapolis rebounded and adapted to what it’s become today.
Former Rowan-Cabarrus Community College VP of Corporate and Continuing Education Jeanie Moore shares her experiences of the Pillowtex closing on July 30, 2003 and how the College responded.
News story from WBTV – One of North Carolina’s Darkest Days
Newspaper article from Independent Tribune – Pillowtex closing changes community college
Newspaper article from Independent Tribune – Pillowtex closing changes community college
Newspaper article from Independent Tribune – Pillowtex closing changes community college
Ariel view of Fieldcrest Cannon plan demolition
Portrait of James Cannon, founder of Cannon Mills, which would later become Pillowtex
U.S. Department of Labor Recognition of Excellence Award 2005 presented to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for the Pillowtex Project
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao visits Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao visits Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Main offices at Pillowtex plant
Newspaper articles from Independent Tribune and The Charlotte Observer
News story from NPR – Pillowtex Layoffs Hurt North Carolina Town
Rowan-Cabarrus employees working to provide resources and support to displaced workers
Rowan-Cabarrus employees working to provide resources and support to displaced workers
Pillowtex Corporation 2003 Layoff Stats (source: Centralina Workforce Development Board)
Newspaper article from The Washington Post – A North Carolina Town, Unraveled
News story from WIS-TV – Implosion levels two former Pillowtex plants