It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Downtown Canton Cannon Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Canton, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sorrells Street Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local J Michael's Prime or visit Cherokee County History Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Canton, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Canton, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Canton, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Demolition of the Canton paper mill site has started in the months immediately after the sale of the iconic mill.Mayor Zeb Smathers told the Citizen Times that, based on conversations with the new owner, in about two years a majority of the buildings will be gone. He is hopeful that some of the structures will remain, "carrying on the legacy" of generations of mill workers.“That’s pretty breathtaking,...
Demolition of the Canton paper mill site has started in the months immediately after the sale of the iconic mill.
Mayor Zeb Smathers told the Citizen Times that, based on conversations with the new owner, in about two years a majority of the buildings will be gone. He is hopeful that some of the structures will remain, "carrying on the legacy" of generations of mill workers.
“That’s pretty breathtaking," he said March 14. "When I drive by that mill site taking my son to school, I make notice of that. I want to put somewhere in his memory what was. Obviously, we’re talking a lot about what is next, but no matter what is next, it’s so important we don’t forget what made, not just Canton and Haywood County, but the entire region special.”
The mill and surrounding properties were acquired by Spirtas Worldwide, a St. Louis-based demolition and environmental remediation company, in January for a $3.36 million sale price, according to property records.
President Eric Spirtas said his company, along with Greensboro-based D.H. Griffin Co., began demolition work in the last several weeks, with a focus on industry- and age-obsolete buildings. Much of the core campus suffered flood damage from Tropical Storm Helene.
For more than a century, the mill served as the economic and civic center of Canton. The property sprawls over a 185-acre campus, straddling the Pigeon River.
Primarily all the paper-making buildings on the east side of the river will be removed, he said, though he shares a hope with Smathers that some structures will be able to remain. He confirmed the demolition process would take about two years.
“We have to work with proper authorities, proper agencies to see to it that the ground, the area, the development is flood free so that people can insure and build, and we can bring commerce to Canton," Spirtas said.
The mill was established in 1908 by the Champion Fibre Co. and served as a crucial regional employer until it closed in May 2023. In the time it operated, the mill changed hands several times, eventually being purchased by Evergreen Packaging, which merged into Pactiv Evergreen in 2020. It was announced in December that Pactiv Evergreen would be sold to the Charlotte-based Novolex in a transaction worth $6.7 billion.
When the mill rang its last bell,1,200 regional workers were laid off, marking the start of what some WNC leaders called an economic "regional crisis."
Spirtas Worldwide performs industrial demolition, environmental remediation, redevelopment and other services around the world, according to its website. Projects include the Choren Biomass Gasification Refinery in Freiberg, Germany, and the Wausau paper mill in Brokaw, Wisconsin.
In the announcement of the sale, Spirtas said the property would be turned into a mixed industrial, commercial and residential site. The company said it was committed to collaborating with local, regional and national experts to develop a master plan for the mill's future.
Smathers said there is much planning and design left to be done. He hopes the revitalization of the property will result in a new "economic furnace" for the region at a time, post-Tropical Storm Helene, when it most needs it.
"It has to be something that is highest and best use, it has to create jobs, it has to tell our stories, it has to be done the right way," Smathers said.
Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email [email protected] or message on Twitter at @slhonosky.
CANTON, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Pactiv Evergreen, the packaging company that drew ire after suddenly shutting down a vital paper mill in Canton, has reached a settlement with North Carolina officials.In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Commerce filed a lawsuit against Pactiv after the plant’s abrupt closure left more than 1,000 workers struggling to find jobs.Governor Josh ...
CANTON, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Pactiv Evergreen, the packaging company that drew ire after suddenly shutting down a vital paper mill in Canton, has reached a settlement with North Carolina officials.
In 2024, the North Carolina Department of Commerce filed a lawsuit against Pactiv after the plant’s abrupt closure left more than 1,000 workers struggling to find jobs.
Governor Josh Stein, then the Attorney General, said Pactiv owed the state money because the company received incentives for staying in Canton and maintaining a staff of at least 800.
Pactiv has agreed to pay $6.25 million in financial restitution to settle the lawsuit. Canton and Haywood County will receive $5.75 million of the settlement and the remaining $500,00 will go to the state.
“This settlement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Canton—a chapter that will build the “hometown of tomorrow” that reflects our grit, resilience, and commitment to our community,” Canton mayor Zeb Smathers said. “I am grateful to the state for their hard work in securing these resources, which will allow us to create new opportunities, jobs, and lasting stability without Pactiv.”
The company also agreed to stop legal efforts to recoup property taxes from 2023 and 2024, and won’t bill Canton for wastewater treatment services provided over the last 60 years. Officials said the legal challenges would have required Canton and Haywood County to refund about $4.5 million to Pactiv.
“Pactiv broke its promise to the state and the people of Canton, and today’s settlement holds it accountable for violating its agreement,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “This settlement will allow the people of Canton and Haywood County to immediately put millions back into rebuilding their economy after the mill’s closure, and it will shield them from future litigation from Pactiv. After a devastating few years, this deal gives the people of Canton funds they desperately need right now.”
Last month Pactiv sold the mill to Spirtas Worldwide, ending all business in Canton.
“I am pleased the state of North Carolina, town of Canton, and Haywood County have reached a settlement with Pactiv worth millions of dollars to Canton and Haywood,” Governor Josh Stein said. “We are now turning the page and writing a new chapter to help Canton build back even stronger. The people of Canton are so resilient; they lost the paper mill and have overcome two major floods in the past three years. They will build a brighter future, and the state is committed to working right alongside them to help.”
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JULY 11, 2023 - File image of the paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, formerly owned by Pactiv Evergreen. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that Pactiv Evergreen has agreed to a settlement with state and local governments following the closure of its Canton paper mill in 2023. The settlement ends the Department of Justice's lawsuit against the company to repay millions in grant funds to the state....
JULY 11, 2023 - File image of the paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, formerly owned by Pactiv Evergreen. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that Pactiv Evergreen has agreed to a settlement with state and local governments following the closure of its Canton paper mill in 2023. The settlement ends the Department of Justice's lawsuit against the company to repay millions in grant funds to the state.
AFTER MORE THAN 100 YEARS, CANTON PAPER MILL BLOWS FINAL WHISTLE
According to a Feb. 13 news release from the attorney general's office, Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in financial restitution and has agreed to drop its legal effort to secure a refund on its 2023 and 2024 property tax payments. Pactiv also agreed not to bill Canton for the operating costs of the town's wastewater treatment plant.
"Pactiv broke its promise to the state and the people of Canton, and today's settlement holds it accountable for violating its agreement," Jackson said in a written statement. "This settlement will allow the people of Canton and Haywood County to immediately put millions back into rebuilding their economy after the mill's closure, and it will shield them from future litigation from Pactiv. After a devastating few years, this deal gives the people of Canton funds they desperately need right now."
CANTON MAYOR: PAPER MILL CLOSING IS LIKE TAKING A PIECE OF TOWN'S SOUL
The attorney general's office broke down aspects of the agreement as follows:
Pactiv announced the closure of the century-old plant in 2023, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs. It was one of the largest employers in Haywood County, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers previously told News 13.
NC ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES PACTIV EVERGREEN WITH CLAIMS OF BREACHED GRANT AGREEMENT
In May 2024, then-Attorney General Josh Stein filed a lawsuit against Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the state's Department of Commerce, claiming the company breached a 2014 grant agreement and owed $12 million to the state.
"This settlement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Canton—a chapter that will build the 'hometown of tomorrow' that reflects our grit, resilience, and commitment to our community," Smathers said in Thursday's news release. "I am grateful to the state for their hard work in securing these resources, which will allow us to create new opportunities, jobs, and lasting stability without Pactiv."
Smathers said that he's thankful for Governor Stein and AG Jackson for standing up for places like Canton.
He said that when Pactiv abruptly closed the mill, they broke their promise to the state.
“Pactiv broke their word, they broke our hearts, they broke our economy,” he expressed.
He said that this settlement is also about respect.
"This is a company that said no we did what we’re supposed to, we’re not paying anything and that turned out not to be true, they do owe us money,” he added.
Smathers said that this a great announcement for the Town of Canton, and that they're going to take this money and rebuild their economy.
Looking ahead for the future of the mill site, Smathers said that he wants to see more jobs.
“We want to see manufacturing, we want to see housing, commercial, residential, we think we can do something not just to rebuild our economy but jumpstart the economy of Western North Carolina,” he said.
LOCAL LEADERS AND BUSINESSES EAGER FOR REVITALIZATION AS SPIRTAS TAKES CHARGE OF MILL SITE
Pactiv sold the Canton mill site last month to Spirtas Worldwide and has ended all business in Canton.
See a copy of the settlement below:
Pactiv Evergreen Settlement Agreement
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.LOCALAsheville Citizen TimesA multimillion-dollar settlement agreement has been reached between the state of North Carolina and Pactiv Evergreen, the former owner of a 185-acre shuttered paper mill...
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.
LOCAL
Asheville Citizen Times
A multimillion-dollar settlement agreement has been reached between the state of North Carolina and Pactiv Evergreen, the former owner of a 185-acre shuttered paper mill site in Canton.
The $6.25 million settlement, announced Feb. 13 by Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Gov. Josh Stein, ends a dispute over the repayment of millions of dollars in grant funds Pactiv Evergreen received from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
When the mill closed in 2023, 1,200 regional workers were laid off, marking the start of what some Western North Carolina leaders called an economic "regional crisis."
In 2014, the company had agreed to a Job Maintenance and Capital Development grant for which the mill would receive $12 million in economic development incentives in exchange for promising to maintain operations, and at least 800 jobs, at the paper mill through Dec. 31, 2024.
“Pactiv broke its promise to the state and the people of Canton, and today’s settlement holds it accountable for violating its agreement,” Attorney General Jeff Jackson said in a Feb. 13 statement. “This settlement will allow the people of Canton and Haywood County to immediately put millions back into rebuilding their economy after the mill’s closure, and it will shield them from future litigation from Pactiv. After a devastating few years, this deal gives the people of Canton funds they desperately need right now.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in restitution, with $5.75 million going to Canton and Haywood County, and the state receiving $500,000. Pactiv also agreed to end its legal efforts at clawing back property tax payments for 2023 and 2024 and will not bill Canton for costs related to the operation of the town’s wastewater treatment plant.
“I am pleased the state of North Carolina, town of Canton, and Haywood County have reached a settlement with Pactiv worth millions of dollars to Canton and Haywood,” Gov. Stein said in a Feb. 13 statement. “We are now turning the page and writing a new chapter to help Canton build back even stronger.”
Stein filed the suit in May 2024, when he served as the state’s attorney general.
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers described the settlement deal as “a new chapter for Canton,” one that will “build the ‘hometown of tomorrow’ that reflects our grit, resilience, and commitment to our community.”
“I am grateful to the state for their hard work in securing these resources, which will allow us to create new opportunities, jobs, and lasting stability without Pactiv,” Smathers said in a statement.
In a Feb. 13 statement, Pactiv said it was "pleased to have resolved with the State of North Carolina all outstanding matters relating to the closure and sale of our former Canton mill site."
"We thank our employees for their contributions to our company and wish the Canton community well in this next chapter for the Town," the company said.
Champion Fibre Company opened the mill in 1908, and it served as a crucial regional employer until its closing in 2023. In the time it operated, the mill changed owners several times, eventually being purchased by Evergreen Packaging, which merged into Pactiv Evergreen in 2020. It was announced in December that Pactiv Evergreen would be sold to the Charlotte-based Novolex in a transaction worth $6.7 billion.
Along with the mill being the subject of numerous legal proceedings and a recent sale, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has continued probing current and former mill owners about environmental remediation at the site, the Citizen Times previously reported.
In January, Spirtas Worldwide purchased the site of the old mill, marking the end of a short legal back-and-forth between Pactiv and the site's new owner. Since the sale was completed, Spirtas Worldwide CEO Eric Spirtas said that all legal proceedings regarding the sale were complete.
"It's time to rebuild Canton," Spirtas told the Citizen Times in January.
As for the future of the mill, Spirtas said that he just needs time to work toward the future of the site.
"Things will happen within this year and then bigger things will happen after that," he said.
Will Hofmann contributed reporting.
Jacob Biba is the Helene recovery reporter at the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected].
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