While industry has given much to Cherokee County over the last century, in the latest three decades it has also taken away, with one plant after another closing to merge with company operations in another state or even move to another country. It was disheartening to see so many good local people, who were good workers, lose their jobs when they did nothing to deserve it.
That’s just one reason why Industrial Opportunities Inc. deserves public recognition for reaching its 50th anniversary. While other factories were coming and going, President Tom O’Brien and other IOI leaders slowly and steadily built the business into one of the most solid and stable in far-western North Carolina, working out of the former Lee jeans building in Andrews since Feb. 28, 2003.
Another reason to honor IOI is what the business means to the local economy. In 1974, IOI had a workforce of eight in a 1,200-square-foot building in Marble with an annual operating budget of $27,000; in 2024, IOI has a workforce of 177 in a 108,344-square-foot building with an annual operating budget of $9,141,914. IOI employees contribute more than $1,129,429 a year in income and sales taxes, revenue Cherokee County’s governments would have a difficult time replacing.
Here’s a third reason to celebrate IOI: Of its workforce today, 53 are clients with disabilities, who have more independence and are leading a productive life thanks to the skills they have learned with the company. From the Marble Activity Center to the Lee building, IOI has never lost sight of its mission to help the handicapped.
And one more: In 1974, IOI was 98 percent supported by the government; in 2024, IOI is 85 percent self supported. That kind of turnaround is remarkable, and O’Brien, his staff and those who have served on the board of directors over the years deserve a round of thanks. We join the community in celebrating the good work and legacy of Industrial Opportunities Inc.
– Publisher David Brown