an open letter to H.I.G./Pixelle
At Scioto Valley Forward, we believe in the power of collective action.
We’ve worked with our partners to craft a letter seeking better communication and partnership as we navigate the days ahead for the impacted workers and the community. You’ll find the letter - which will be signed by the City of Chillicothe, the Ross County Board of Commissioners, Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development, and the Chamber - below. The letter to H.I.G. Capital represents more than just a formal communication—it's our community's unified voice during a critical economic transition.
But, the letter is incomplete because we need your signature too. Simply, it’s not enough for us to put the names of local leaders on the letter.
The legacy of papermaking in our community belongs to Chillicothe and Ross County. That’s why we’re inviting YOU to co-sign this letter to H.I.G. Capital. Read through the letter below and use the form below to add your name to our collective signature. Regardless of whether you worked at the mill or not. If you are interested in the community’s future, we would like you to add your name to our letter.
Why We Need Your Signature
When businesses see hundreds or thousands of signatures from community members, it demonstrates that Ross County speaks with one voice on matters affecting our shared future. The paper mill has been part of our community's fabric for over 200 years, and its transition impacts every corner of our county—from Main Street businesses to family dinner tables.
By signing this letter, you help show H.I.G. Capital that their decisions affect real people, not just statistics on a spreadsheet. Our community has always thrived through collaboration, and this moment calls for us to stand together as neighbors, business owners, employees, and community leaders.
How to Help
Sign the letter online below
Share this effort with your social media networks, employees, and family members
Encourage others to add their names to our collective voice
Scioto Valley Foward believes when we work together, we create the conditions for both business success and community prosperity. This letter embodies our core values of leadership, integrity, collaboration, and advocacy—applied to a real challenge affecting all of us.
Our goal is to gather signatures through July 11th, demonstrating the breadth and depth of community interest in a responsible transition process.
Together, we can ensure our community's voice is heard clearly and respectfully as we work toward solutions that honor both our past and our future.
Thank you!
the letter
To the Leadership of H.I.G. Capital:
We are writing as the collective voice of Chillicothe & Ross County's business community and local government concerning the Pixelle paper mill closure. Our community speaks with one voice on this matter.
For over 200 years, papermaking has defined our identity. When H.I.G./Pixelle and elected officials agreed to delay the closure until the end of 2025, our families and businesses started planning for their futures accordingly. The sudden shift to August 10, 2025, along with the ongoing removal of equipment without informing local leaders, has not only disrupted these plans but also damaged the trust between your organization and our community.
According to a recent study, the mill's closure impacts:
More than 1,400 jobs and more than $687,000 in economic impact in the region
$1 billion and more than 2,700 jobs across the state of Ohio
Dozens of local businesses in the supply chain
Our community's historical identity and economic foundation
These are not just statistics. This impact represents real people – our friends, neighbors, and family members – whose livelihoods are directly tied to your decisions and actions. We recognize that market realities drive business decisions. However, the way a company manages site transitions leaves a lasting impression on the community. Collaborating now benefits both H.I.G. and our community.
We propose a straightforward partnership approach:
Open Communication: Regular updates about your timeline and plans for the property.
Collaborative Planning: Working together on possibilities for the site that serve both business interests and community needs.
Resource Coordination: Connecting your team with our economic development resources to explore transition options.
Worker Support: Joining efforts with our workforce development partners to help employees find new opportunities.
Our community has successfully navigated industrial transitions before when businesses and local leaders work together as partners. This collaborative approach can help H.I.G. Capital manage this transition smoothly while supporting the community that has been home to this operation for generations.
Please respond by July 17, 2025, so we can start this important conversation. Our team is ready to meet with you.
Sincerely,
Luke Feeney, Mayor of Chillicothe
Kevin Shoemaker, President of City Council
Jack Everson, President, Ross County Board of Commissioners
James Lowe, Vice President, Ross County Board of Commissioners
David Glass, Ross County Commissioner
Tammy Eallonardo, Economic Development Director, Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development
Mike Throne, President and CEO, Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce
Thank you!
We are no longer accepting signatures at this time. We sincerely appreciate the incredible community support.