2012.05.21
Macy sells book proposal to expand reporting on Vaughan-Bassett chairman
Beth Macy
Congratulations to Roanoke Times’ reporter Beth Macy. She sold a book proposal to Little, Brown & Co. about John Bassett III, the iconoclastic Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. CEO who decided to fight the Chinese import invasion.
Macy’s book will expand on the story she wrote about Bassett earlier this year as part of our, “Picking Up the Pieces” series examining the impact of global trade on the manufacturing industries in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Bassett III, chairman of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. in Galax, has fought back against imports from China and continues to manufacture furniture in Galax. In January, the company announced an $8 million expansion that is expected to add 115 jobs over the next three years.
The working title of Macy’s book is ”Factory Man.” Starting in mid-June, Macy take a yearlong leave from The Roanoke Times to complete the book.
Macy has written for The Roanoke Times since 1989. She’s won numerous national and state awards and served as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University during the 2009-2010 academic year. You can read more about her on her blog, Intrepid Paper Girl.
Congratulations, Beth! We’ll miss your in-depth reporting during your leave from the Times.
Comment by Victor Bongard III — May 21, 2012 @ 9:53 am
Thanks, Victor! A p.s. on my news to anyone reading this: My book will expand out a great deal out from John Bassett, and I’d love to talk to others who were/are involved with the furniture industry in VA/NC. If that’s you, or you know of someone who’d be willing to share their story, please e-mail me at bmacy@cox.net. Thanks!
Comment by Beth Macy — May 21, 2012 @ 9:22 pm
Beth Macy is the best reporter at the RT. I always enjoy her articles. We’ll miss you Beth, good luck on your book.
Comment by RM — May 22, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
congratulations!
Comment by michelle — May 23, 2012 @ 5:48 am
I look forward to reading it and will miss seeing your writing in the paper. You are such a joy to read!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — May 24, 2012 @ 10:33 pm