Monday, August 3, 2009
Call to Action
Thanks to each and every one of you who have supported our efforts to retain and grow the Mercury Marine/Mercruiser manufacturing plant in Stillwater. We are now entering a new phase in our efforts to solidify the long term Mercruiser presence in Stillwater. The incentive packages have been sent and legislation has been passed. Now comes the PR battle. We need to make sure Mercury Marine and Brunswick leadership know how important the Mercruiser plant and Mercury Marine in general, are to Stillwater and Oklahoma. We are sending this email to you because you are part of this community’s leadership and your organizations and companies will be impacted significantly if the Stillwater Mercruiser plant were to close. We need to generate buzz/ excitement about Mercury Marine as a company and as a part of our city. The Mercruiser plant has traditionally had over $100 million dollars of contracts with Oklahoma Suppliers and Logistics companies. Mercury Marine has traditionally invested nearly $10 million a year in capital improvements, as well as over $20 million dollars annually in research and development at the Stillwater plant. Employment levels have been as high as 1200 people. Mercruiser has been an stellar community partner, contributing to local charities and paying significant taxes, all while providing quality jobs. We realize the magnitude of the decision facing the Mercury Marine mamagement team. Mercury Marine must take the steps necessary to face the future as a strong, competitive and economically sound business. It makes business sense for the company to consolidate their production. We need to let Brunswick/Mercury Marine know that Stillwater is the right decision for the future. The company already knows that Corporate Income tax is lower in Oklahoma, utility costs are lower and product distribution networks are better. Mercury Marine and Brunswick need to know that the community wants and needs them- this consolidation will firmly place them in either Stillwater or Fond Du Lac at the expense of the other community. We need to make sure that it is Stillwater . We are calling on you to support our efforts with letters to the editor, letters to corporate leadership and blogging- when you see an article in the newspress get online and write a positive comment about Mercury Marine and Brunswick and about how important they are to Stillwater. Please take just a little time to do these things.
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I wholeheartly agree. Stillwater needs Mercury Marine. I personally am proud to say I worked out there at one time as I know many in this community are as well.
ReplyDeleteMercury Marine has been a fantastic corporate citizen providing leadership in many community organizations and activities in Stillwater. They have a history of quality employees and sound business practices. We need them to remain as part of our community as we move forward in our economic & community development endeavors. To me, Mercury Marine is Stillwater. - Regina
ReplyDeleteMercury Marine has been a major player in our community here in Stillwater. Stillwater needs the continued support of such a reputable company like Mercury. They employ some of the best citizens in Stillwater, and I would hate to see them loose their jobs and move elsewhere. I hope the corporate officials see the many benefits of keeping Mercury part of the Stillwater community. - Brady
ReplyDeleteThe benefits of the Stillwater plant are numerous and those benefits can be even better leveraged by Mercury increasing their presence in Stillwater.
ReplyDeleteMercruiser has played a vital role in the development of not only the Stillwater community but also the surrounding towns. Their employees have long been active citizens and community leaders who have helped shape our city. I agree with a previous comment, Mercruiser is Stillwater!
ReplyDeleteMercury Marine is tremendous asset to Stillwater and surrounding communities. The management of Mercury Marine needs to know we support them and desire for their presence to stay in Stillwater. Our citizens are great and the quality of life is second to none. It would be a true win/win for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteStillwater and Mercury Marine are a great fit for each other. My dealings with many personnel from the plant through community leadership and work activities have been very positive and beneficial. It's a win-win to keep them here and I know Stillwater will do everything to make it happen for them. I'm not sure a company could have a better reputation and receive more support from a community than right here in Stillwater.
ReplyDeleteMerCruiser has not only made enormous contributions to Stillwater and the surrounding areas but even more so to their employees. They provided an amazing manufacturing facility that made you proud to be associated with it. They were strong advocates for continuing education for their employees by providing substantial training opportunites that promoted their employees to reach their highest potential. MerCruiser strongly supported Apprenticeship Progams for National Level Certifications in specialty fields that required a major financial commitment on their part. MerCruiser is a very family orientated company and provided sponsorship support throughout all our districts. I don't know if we could truly begin to scratch the surface of everything we have gained by having them in Oklahoma. Their impact is too broad. It would be a major loss to all of us if aren't able to keep MerCruiser HERE...WHERE THEY BELONG.
ReplyDeleteKeeping Mercury Marine in Stillwater is vital to our Community. Mercury Marine provides hundreds of job opportunities and helps the Stillwater Community thrive. Providing that Corporate Income Tax is lower, utility costs are lower and Mercury Marine has a strong Community that stands behind them; it's a given that Stillwater is the home for Mercury Marine!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking as a young person who would never have been to Stillwater if not for Mercruiser, I can attest to the importance of this company to myself and my community. We owe Mercury Marine a lot, and I say we show them what Stillwater is made of and step up when they need us. We've got your back Mercruiser!
ReplyDeleteAs a former employee of Mercury Marine, I believe Mercury Marine and Brunswick are both world class organizations. The Stillwater Mercruiser employees can and will take Mercury Marine and Brunswick to the next level of success when given the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to have Mercury Marine remain in each of their current locations, as there are undoubtedly good and passionate persons in each community. However, if a decision between Stillwater and another location needs to be made to assure the survival of the company, it seems that Stillwater would be the logical choice. Stillwater is a progressive community that has worked hard to maintain its economy and our positive attitude, which is reflected in our current relatively low unemployment rate, our increasing population and our level of business activity. Oklahomans, with oil business volatility, have learned well how to adapt to swings in economic activity, which serves us well during recessionary periods... some areas do not have this experience and advantage. We hope that the management of Mercury will look at the success of each Mercury community and the attitude of its citizens in determining where the company will likely be most successful in coming years. Stillwater's future continues to be bright, and the attitude of its residents is optimistic. We will be happy to have Mercury Marine continue to be an important positive presence as we jointly assure the future success of the company and our community.
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