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Phantoms hockey team to support auto industry at rally, game Friday
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Charlie Wilson
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Congressman Tim Ryan
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State Sen. John Boccieri of Alliance, D-33rd
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Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan at Phantoms vs Bandits Chevrolet Centre Nov. 14, 2008.
STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are having a community rally to show support for the American automobile industry at Friday’s hockey game against the Traverse City North Stars.
The rally will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Chevrolet Centre, and also aims to show support for the Mahoning Valley auto dealers and the Lordstown General Motors workers. The game starts at 7:15 p.m.
The game will be the kickoff for the “Rev Up America” campaign. This initiative represents the spirit of small-town America fighting back in support of the auto industry, and the Valley autoworkers who embody the American worker, organizers said.
The local auto industry, including the manufacturing and supply segments, as well as the sales and repair segments, employ some 5,000 workers.
“The auto industry has been the backbone of our local economy since the mid-’70s when the steel industry left our Valley,” said Bruce J. Zoldan, president of B.J. Alan Co. and owner of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. “We must do all we can to preserve and support this vital element of our community.”
The Phantoms have teamed up for the event with B.J. Alan Co., the Regional Chamber, the United Auto Workers and the Auto Dealers of the Mahoning Valley.
Participants include UAW Local 1112 President Jim Graham, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, U.S. Rep.-elect John Boccieri of Alliance, D-16th, as well as representatives of local GM, Ford and Chrysler dealers, autoworkers and local banks and credit unions.
For ticket information contact the Chevrolet Centre box office at www.chevroletcentre.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or call (330) 747-1212.