After twenty-five years, DHL curtailed its domestic overnight package delivery operations and some 8,000 employees were without work - Wilmington had suffered a cataclysmic event.
What happened in Wilmington was to presage an America that was on the verge of losing more than 8 million jobs. Thus, Wilmington had become not only a bellwether, but the actual epicentre of what is now 'The Great Recession'.
This is the story that the nation expects to hear when one mentions Wilmington, Ohio.
In an earthquake, the epicentre, in most cases, is the area that suffers the greatest damage. However, in larger events, the damage can spread and the greatest damage can occur some distance from the epicentre.
Therefore, we can draw an analogy between the circumstances of Wilmington and the larger American economy, but they are not necessarily homologous. That is to say they are similar in some respects, but not in their origin.
Wilmington is a small mid-western college town with Victorian era houses along its tree-lined streets, but this is only part of the story.
Wilmington is its people. And, getting to know the people of Wilmington, frankly speaking, is inspiring.
If you come to Wilmington looking for the ruins of a once thriving town, you will not find it.
If, however, one is looking for the flame of eternal optimism and the ability to find opportunity in the midst of adversity - Wilmington is the right place to be.
Wilmington is in fact the epicentre of - 'the spirit that is changing America'.
There has been so much written and said about Wilmington that one might think that there is noone left in Wilmington to speak for themselves.
Well, there are!
Butch Peelle has known his share of misfortune, and counts his blessings. He reveals how he approaches both good and bad times in a book appropriately titled 'Everyday Expect a Miracle'.
Butch Peelle lives and works in Wilmington, and has been the number one residential real estate salesperson in the Wilmington/Clinton County area for the past twenty-six years.
'Everyday Expect a Miracle' is the story of Mr Peelle. And, Butch Peelle's life is one that centres upon the twin pillars of the American way of life - family and community. And , Butch Peelle let's the community of Wilmington speak for themselves, and we hear from scores of Wilmington residents whose lives are laid before us with the humility that so often accompanies those who have come through life's long twilight struggles.
In these difficult times when so many Americans are without so many of the things that not so long ago seemed so assured, the people of Wilmington tell a story of faith, courage and enthusiasm, as a way to a brighter day.
Wilmington is a community that sounds out a unison chorus - 'don't cry for Wilmington, America'
'Everyday Expect a Miracle' by Butch Peelle, $19.99 (including postage and handling) Make cheques payable to the E Fund.
E Fund PO Box 340585 Beavercreek, Ohio 45434
The Gregory for US Senate campaign is proud to be a part of the continuing success story that is Wilmington, Ohio.
Join in the 'Miracle' that is the sustaining spirit of Wilmington, order your copy today!