With the recent announcement that the Mars Petcare plant will close its doors in the next few months, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said she and her staff will be doing all in their power to support the 150 employees who will be without jobs when the facility ceases production.
“Let me just say right up front that we’re just deeply saddened by the announcement of the closing of Mars,” Wilkerson told WIZS News Tuesday. She said the plant, which makes Iams and Eukanuba pet foods, has been a long-standing member of the local business community. The closing not only has an impact on the employees and their families, she said, but it also affects the broader economic health of Vance County and the larger region.
Wilkerson said Mars has been an important contributor and partner of the local Chamber, providing income that helped fuel the local economy, as well as jobs and support in the community.
“Of course, this was devastating for us to hear but we have jumped into action,” Wilkerson said, after Mars reached out to the Chamber. “We’re going to work alongside the local, state and the workforce partners that we have and try to connect these displaced workers with the resources that they need for job opportunities and support during this transition,” Wilkerson said. This is a difficult period, she said. “They’re devastated, the 150 employees, and so are we.”
And while the Chamber staff can’t go out and create jobs, they can work to connect with other partners who may be able to help. Through networking and identifying resources, Wilkerson said the Chamber can provide opportunities for those displaced workers.
“We’re going to try to move forward with this and encourage the business community to come together and support those that are affected,” Wilkerson said, while sending the message to the employers to continue investing in the strength and the future of our community.
If you would like to reach the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, then call 252 438-8414 or email sandra@hendersonvance.org.
