Even though it will soon cease operations here, Disney can still play a positive role in the future of Union County.

When Disney announced in the early 1990s it would locate a regional distribution center here it put Union County on the map as a community that could successfully attract an internationally-known corporation. The announcement was a crucial step in Union County’s transition from an almost exclusively textile-based economy to an increasingly diverse one built around distribution (Disney, Dollar General), automotive manufacturing (Gestamp), technical training (the Advanced Technology Center) and nationally-recognized healthcare services (Wallace Thomson Hospital).

This diversification continues but, sadly, it will do so without Disney which is in the process of closing its local facility and consolidating its operations with one in Memphis. The impending loss is unfortunate for our community which is losing a globally prestigious business and unfortunate for Disney which is losing what is no doubt the best work force it has ever had.

While unfortunate, the dissolution of the partnership between Disney and Union County need not be a calamity. Instead, it can be an opportunity, first, for Disney to play a parting but positive role in this county’s future and, second, for Union County to continue to chart its course toward an ever more diverse economy.

Since the closing was announced, the Union County Development Board has pulled together all the necessary information to market the 512,000 square foot building. The board will market the facility in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Upstate Alliance with the goal of ensuring that neither the building nor its work force remain idle for long, if at all.

Before they can do that, however, Disney has to give its permission and it hasn’t done so yet, leaving the future of the building and those who work there in limbo. The sooner it gives that permission the sooner the marketing can begin and the sooner a successor to Disney can be found who could operate the facility and employ its workers. It will also allow Disney to continue to play a positive role in Union County’s economic future even after it ceases operations here.

By giving its permission as soon as possible, Disney can help ensure a smooth transition at its facility, minimizing and possibly and even preventing any disruptions for its employees and the local economy. Helping the county find a successor before it closes up shop will ensure the facility will continue to function, providing jobs, generating tax revenues and being a showcase for this county and its pro-business, pro-development policies.

When it announced its plans to locate here nearly 20 years ago, Disney gave this county the great gift of its presence and name. Now, as it prepares to leave, it can give us another gift, the permission we need to market the magnificent facility it leaves behind and ensure its future and that of its employees, their families and this community.

By doing so, Disney will once again demonstrate it cares about the community that has been its partner nearly 20 years and cap its legacy as a good friend of the people of Union County.