A southwest Arkansas wholesale bakery, Hope Baking Company, closed permanently, cutting about 250 jobs. An opportunity fair and worker assistance workshop was held for employees affected by the closure. Organizers say about 100 displaced workers attended during the first few hours.

Community Response

The hiring event was held exclusively for former Hope Baking Company employees. “This is a rapid community and regional employer response to help displaced workers find new opportunities and get reemployed with as little disruption to their lives as possible,” said Anna Lee Powell, Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation president.

Powell says 15 regional employers, 10 support services, and a mobile workforce unit were on site to help. “We’re grateful for the employers partnering with us today at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. We’re also offering opportunities for people who want to return to school and build new skills,” Powell said.

Harvest Regional Food Bank and Hope in Action also gave each displaced worker a food box. Powell says the city is working closely with stakeholders to transition the property of the Hope Bakery into a catalyst for future economic growth.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.