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Video: After paper mill closes, Canton mayor says western NC town ready for ‘next chapter’


Three years ago, the town of Canton saw the closure of its paper mill, which had provided good-paying jobs for 115 years.

This was devastating to so many families in the community, and had a strong impact on the town’s economy.

In March, Canton purchased 35 acres of land on the former mill site. Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers told Cardinal & Pine recently at the NewDEAL leaders summit in Raleigh that he hopes this land on the former mill site will forge the next chapter in Canton’s story.

“We want jobs. We want manufacturing,” Smathers said. Take a look.