There’s Something Happening Here

Not Exactly “Zooming” … and a good news manufacturing story

Just about every year I am asked to participate in the Overnight Sensations 24 hour page-to-stage experience at Mill Mountain Theatre, where in the space of one day a handful of ten minute long plays are conceived, written, rehearsed and staged before a live audience. As you might have guessed there was no live audience last month and Overnight Sensations was virtual on the Zoom platform. At curtain time all went pretty much like clockwork. Not as much fun and no free pizza in the green room, but an interesting experience.

What was also interesting: how much people of all ages (not just us older folks) are still learning how to use virtual platforms like Zoom for online meetings. Which button to push, where to find this feature, that feature etc. That went on all day as we rehearsed and went through the “tech” process. I’m sure Zoom veterans are saying “what’s the problem?” but if they really want the average Joe/Josephine of any age to become fluent in virtual technology in the era of COVID-19, then dumb it down. Put all the buttons needed to make changes or adjustments in one place and make it easier for dummies like me. In other words, further commercialize Zoom (or other virtual platforms I haven’t used, I suppose) to make it more welcoming and intuitive for the virtual rookie.

Local manufacturer grows: a good story as McAirlaid’s in Rocky Mount was recently looking for several dozen people to help produce non-woven airlaid (look it up) used in food packaging, retail, medical, filtration and other products. Pay started at $12 per hour. McAirlaid’s president Mike Disotelle says the company was hiring before COVID-19 but with a growing demand for food packaging as more people eat at home, business is even better. “As the food channel changes away from eating in restaurants to cooking more at home our current demand is spiking. But we also have a long-term growth plan.” McAirlaid’s is a British Retail Consortium business with plants in the U.S. and in Europe.

Rena DeBerry, the communications specialist for McAirlaid’s says the company was already expanding before being deemed an essential business during the pandemic. “Safety is part of our culture. It was before COVID-19; its stressed even more now. People can come to work feeling safe.”

What’s interesting is that while the pandemic has caused misery and job loss for many, in some cases local manufacturers have stepped up to fill a void; like food packaging, facemasks, face shields, ventilators etc. Its been happening almost from the start of the pandemic and is indicative of the resiliency in the manufacturing sector.

There ’s somet hing happen ing here

By Gene Marrano

Executive Summary:

A way to go before everyone is comfortable meeting online.