The end is also the beginning

So, Nike has announced to employees today, Tuesday, 9/19 and to the public via a story in the Oregonian on Wednesday, that after just over 20 years of service, their west coast footwear distribution facility in Wilsonville will be closed. The strategy is to consolidate the two current facilities in Memphis and Wilsonville into a brand-new facility in Memphis. Both current facilities are aging and would require too much capital to justify. And, frankly, a distribution center in the northwest corner of the country is just not efficient. The decision was made by the board of directors on Sunday, 9/17. To announce such a change after two days of the vote by the board, and to give employees 2+ years to consider options and make decisions for their family's is almost unheard of these days in the cutthroat corporate world. But there's a lot of heart at Nike. I don't know if this factors into it, but a full ¼ of Nike employees with over 25 years of service work in the Wilsonville facility. It is Nike's most cost efficient operation.

For me, I don't know what this means. All current employees have a 100% guaranteed job in the new facility, but Memphis doesn't seem like the place to be for us. We're so very happy here. Michelle has hinted about living in the south before, but really, it's more of a longing to visit, but not to live.

If I stay with Nike and in the same position, I will have worked just about 14½ years in different jobs at the same place for the same company. That's quite a long time. I think my best option right now is to get a new job at Nike at the Beaverton WHQ location. I abhor the commute, but there's more options for mass transit at least...

I'm not sure what else to write about this. I am actually quite calm, knowing that God's looking after the whole thing and he has a plan for me and family. It will be a transition. I am actually thinking much more about the people who work directly for me in IT. There is going to be a host of emotions coming out over the next few weeks and I pray the Lord to give me the capacity to listen, understand, and empathize with my team as they need. This is a very difficult time to be a manager, and I need Strength, Guidance, and Wisdom to help me help them.