Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 30, 1993 TAG: 9309300060
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID A. HALL LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: MEBANE, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
A few doors down Clay Street, business was steady at Ken Capes' drug store.
Not much has changed since Mercedes-Benz said it would hold a press conference today in Alabama instead of North Carolina, though Mebane residents had thought the German auto giant would choose the Alamance County town.
"I don't think you'll see any black wreaths around here," said Capes, who co-owns Warren's Drug Store. "I like the fact that we're now on the map, but I'm not downtrodden because they're gone."
Most residents in the town of 4,800 refused to dwell on what might have been. Instead, they talked about how the publicity of being on Mercedes' short list will pay dividends down the road.
"There have been a lot of rumors that other businesses are looking at the area," said Eddie Martinho, whose family owns Martinho's Bakery and Deli.
Doug Abbott, who owns a construction company, had mixed feelings. "We were counting on it, as far as our business goes. But as far as living here, it doesn't bother me in the least. It will be Mercedes' loss."
A few residents were pleased that Mercedes plans to build its facility elsewhere.
"I think it's wonderful," said Willie Wade, who lives near the 1,000-acre site Mercedes was considering. "People who live by the site thought it would bother them."
Mebane Mayor Glendale Stephenson said the city lost nothing in the Mercedes sweepstakes and already has gained a great deal.
"It's not something you had and was taken away," he said. "The land is still available, and it's one of the highest-profile pieces of property in the state."
by CNB