The announcement that Tyson Foods would be closing its poultry plant in Dexter, Missouri, has sent shockwaves through the small town of 7,900 people. The plant employs nearly 700 people, and its closure will have a devastating impact on the local economy.
"You couldn't get more terrible news, as a city leader," said Dexter Mayor Jason Banken. "This is going to be a huge hit to our community."
The Tyson plant has been a major employer in Dexter for decades. It's the largest employer in the city, and its closure will mean a loss of about 10% of all jobs in Dexter.
The plant's closure will also have a significant impact on the city's tax revenue. Tyson is the largest taxpayer in Dexter, and its closure will mean a loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue each year.
The city is already looking for ways to mitigate the impact of the plant's closure. The city council has approved a $1 million economic development package that will be used to attract new businesses to Dexter. The city is also working with the state to secure funding for job training programs.
But even with these efforts, it's clear that the Tyson plant's closure will have a long-term impact on Dexter. The city will lose a major employer, a significant source of tax revenue, and a sense of community.
"Tyson may be a bad word here soon," said one Dexter resident. "It's hard to believe that a company that's been here for so long would just up and leave like this."
The Tyson plant's closure is a reminder of the fragility of the rural economy. Small towns like Dexter are often dependent on a few major employers, and when those employers leave, it can have a devastating impact on the community.
The Dexter community is resilient, and it will eventually recover from the Tyson plant's closure. But it will take time, and it will be a difficult process.
Photo Credit: Tyson Foods
Categories: Missouri, Business