Job fair held for workers displaced by Hope Baking Company shutdown

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - A job-benefits fair was held Tuesday for workers who lost their jobs after Hope Baking Company shut down operations, leaving about 250 employees without work.

The Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation organized the event, which was held at Hempstead Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas-Hope.

Employers, benefit agencies on hand

Anna Powell, director of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, said the fair drew a range of participants.

“We have about 15 to 20 industrial employers that are regional as well as about 10 benefit agencies that are associated with rapid response in the state of Arkansas,” Powell said.

Powell said the event was expected to produce immediate results for some attendees.

“We expect there to be several hires on the spot. We also expect there to be several interviews conducted in the coming weeks for these employees with surrounding regional employers,” Powell said.

Displaced workers seek new opportunities

Displaced workers were also given assistance applying for unemployment benefits and received food boxes from Harvest Regional Food Bank.

Job seeker Kalid Benson said the event provided meaningful support.

“I’ve been given really good support,” Benson said. “There is always light at the end of the tunnel; you just have to keep your eyes open.”

Fellow job seeker Tim Brown said the closure came as a shock despite some advance awareness.

“We knew something was going to happen soon, but even then the shock was tremendous,” Brown said. “This is the first time I’ve not had a job; I’ve had to try something new if this doesn’t work out.”