Bristol Rhode Island, Rico, Sunrise, and 4th of July

Well, it appears the day has arrived. They have announced that the plant in Bristol, RI will be closing in February. It is a sad day for many in Bristol. While I cannot say that my time in Bristol, RI were the best years of my life I created some friendships that will last a lifetime. Sharing blood, sweat, and at times, tears of fear and tears of joy will do that to a person. I will never forget what the people of Bristol sacrificed for PCC and my short two years finally became unbearable. Many have endured 10-20-30 and more years at Rico. WOW. Plenty of bad changes and not many good ones. The history of Rico is a case study of how not to run a business. I remember my first month all too well. Arrived to zero formal manufacturing leadership at the plant. Several folks stepped up to help and make sure the plant continued to run. Let go the scheduler almost immediately and promoted several good people that were passionate about keeping the plant open. Did I mention a surprise OSHA inspection with 100's of infractions? Alot of great people that I miss and feel for. Terrible but it is the future of American Manufacturing.

Our first three months we spent in a Winter Rental in Newport, RI which had fabulous views of the ocean. The below video shows the view from our second floor rental. If you listen carefully you can hear Grayson crying in the background.

Did I mention that Bristol, RI has the oldest 4th of July parade on record. So believe me Bristol knows how to throw a parade. The streets are even lined with red, white, and blue stripes on the parade route. The city has received special approval for the colors. The small town feel was wonderful with plenty of little restaurants to eat and a fabulous playground that Grayson loved to play in. The clam chowder was to die for and Blount knows how to make great soup! One day we will visit Bristol again on vacation and see all the changes and maybe even shed a tear or two after seeing the Rico plant closed up. I shared alot of laughs with the great people of Rico Bristol. I wish the best for everyone and I hope that the door closed creates bigger and better opportunities for everyone. I know the last 10 years at Rico have not been easy. God Bless...

More Marching Bands than you could shake a stick at!

Ever seen a Blue Fire Truck? Now you have!