By Staff
LANDMARK EVENT State Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton, speaks at a ceremony marking the 10 millionth chair to roll off the assembly line at La-Z-Boy South in Newton. Burton, mayor of Newton from 1989-1991, spoke about what the plant means to Newton and East Mississippi. Photo by Kyle Carter/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Oct. 29, 2003
NEWTON Hundreds of people filled the parking lot of La-Z-Boy South on Tuesday to eat cake and ice cream in celebration of the 10 millionth chair to roll off of the plant's assembly line.
Many of the current and retired employees who attended had a hand in making the first million chairs produced at the plant, which began operation in 1961.
Jones said he is proud of the 10 millionth chair, which was on display outside of the building in a glass case in front of a platform built for dignitaries and special guests that included Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.
Corporate citizenship
Musgrove praised the plant's workers.
Other speakers included state Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton; state Rep. Billy Nicholson, D-Little Rock; Jay Moon, Mississippi Manufacturers Association president; and Dan Breeding, La-Z-Boy South vice president.
The speakers talked about the company's corporate citizenship as well as the dedication of its workers. La-Z-Boy offers scholarships to children of employees and also has helped employees further their education.
Part of the family
La-Z-Boy employs more than 1,300 people. Janet Wheaton and Iris Bogan are two employees who have worked at La-Z-Boy for 27 years.
Wheaton said the whole community had a part in making the 10 millionth chair.
Bogan said she is thankful for many opportunities the company has provided, including scholarships.
Another employee at the event was Billye Bowden, who has worked at La-Z-Boy for 13 years.