News Release: 3/14/2024

       
    Perry Action Team Responds to News of Tyson Closure 

Series of Job Fairs Planned

Perry, IA, March 14, 2024 - In response to the announcement of the Tyson Foods pork plant in Perry, IA set to close in June, a local action team has been formed with representatives from the City of Perry, Perry Economic Development, Perry Chamber of Commerce, and DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy. The local team recognizes the impact not only to individuals, but to the community as a whole and is working closely with local partners, state agencies, and area resources to provide support and assistance to current employees, including, but not limited to, the planning of a series of job fairs. 

In an earlier statement, Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh and City Administrator Sven Peterson jointly stated, "The closure of the Tyson Foods Pork plant is a significant blow to our community. Our thoughts are with the employees and their families who are facing uncertainty during this challenging time. We are committed to supporting them in every way possible."

The local action team is partnering with Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Workforce Development, ISU Extension and Outreach, and other organizations to deploy services and initiatives to support the community, such as the IowaWorks Mobile Workforce Center.   More information will be made available as soon as possible, with updates added to www.PerryIAChamber.org/PERRYSTRONG as a resource hub. 

“While the closure of the plant is a setback, the people of Perry are resilient,” states Matt McDevitt, Perry Economic Development Board Member. “We have faced challenges before and have always come together to overcome them. We are confident that, with time and effort, we will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever.”

Realizing the need and opportunity to connect workers with other area jobs, the action team is planning a series of job fairs in April and May to help facilitate that transition.  The first will be held at Hotel Pattee on Wednesday, April 3rd, 3-6pm. A form has been established to collect information from area employers wishing to participate in the job fairs (Bit.ly/PerryJobFair) which will act as a pre-registration intake form and referral list.  Local businesses will be prioritized, with the intention of retaining a strong local workforce in the Perry Community, but any and all area businesses with openings are encouraged to submit information.

“A strong workforce is critical for the economic development of a community,” explains Eddie Diaz, Director of DMACC VanKirk Career Academy. “We  will continue to partner with local businesses and area resource providers to help fill local jobs by upskilling and connecting workers to educational opportunities and training.”   

Additionally, Members of the Perry Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to submit openings to the Perry Job Board via the Member Information Center on www.PerryIAChamber.org or contacting Lynsi at Lynsi@PerryIAChamber.org or (515)465-4601.

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