President Obama is not the only one interested in supporting the economy of Elkhart County, Indiana.  For the last five years, Plain and Simple, a furniture retailer in Evanston, IL has been directly supporting that economy through its sale of hardwood furniture built exclusively by Amish producers from the region.  “We are in direct contact with over 30 families in Elkhart and LaGrange Counties” says Managing Owner Adam Vaughan.  “We are proud to carry a locally made product and support real families that need the work” he adds. 

They certainly do need the work.  Over 50% of Amish families in the Elkhart-LaGrange community work in manufacturing, and like everyone else in the area, unemployment has become a major concern.  Large numbers of Amish workers have been laid off from RV manufacturing jobs and are now seeking to supplement their incomes by returning to furniture making—a trade they know well.  “We are definitely seeing more producers and new products coming onto the market.” says Vaughan, “The shops we work with are also getting lots of inquiries from local men about employment opportunities”.

The furniture business in Northern Indiana doesn’t only employ the Amish, however.  Lumber companies, transport companies, and suppliers of finishing products and accessories are all connected to the trade.  While it may be a while before the general public are ready to buy RV’s again, many in the region are hoping that at least they will consider purchasing some handmade hardwood furniture.