In 1967, Lyndon Baines Johnson was president of the United States and finishing out his term, declining to run again for the Oval Office. On September 18 of that year, eighteen-year-old Sally “Monia” Edwards began her employment at the large automotive hose and belt plant here, now owned and operated by Continental and organizationally assigned to its division ContiTech.
Edwards celebrates a milestone 50th anniversary at the facility. Why does she continue to work there? “Why not?” she says. “All the people I have worked with are like family. All the good and the bad we share it together.”
For the first 21 years, she worked in Hose Final, inspecting and packaging hoses, Lot Release and in Laminated Cut Edge. During that time she became a union steward, secretary and a policy committee member and on May 1, 1988, she became the plant’s union pension and insurance representative and is still working in the same role. She helped negotiate contracts from 1993 to 2003.
“Over the years, Sally has worked with and mentored many associates, not only in Lincoln, but in other Continental locations as well. We are very grateful for all the years of dedication Sally has given us.” comments Travis McFarland, human relations manager at the plant.
Sally has two sons, four granddaughters, three great-grandchildren, two dogs and a cat. She said she loves spending time with her family and her pets. When asked about retirement plans, Sally would only comment, “To be determined!”
