Hope Bakery closure prompts rapid response, job fair for displaced workers

HOPE, Ark. - A southwest Arkansas wholesale bakery closed permanently late last week, cutting about 250 jobs.

An opportunity fair and worker assistance workshop was held today for employees affected by the closure. Organizers say about 100 displaced workers attended during the first few hours.

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.

“You have local elected officials, representatives, and senators. We also have representatives from our federal legislation in the state of Arkansas, all putting together our heads to work on what the next steps are to get an employer back into this facility,” said Powell.

Hope Baking Company is owned by East Baking Company. The closure comes about two and a half years after the company announced a $37 million expansion project.

A putative class action lawsuit was recently filed against Hope Bakery’s owners. The lawsuit claims the company violated federal law by failing to provide employees with at least 60 days’ notice before their jobs ended.