Word on resource events to assist the soon-to-be laid-off Michelin Workers in Emporia is reportedly developing at this time; however, specifics are still up in the air.
That was the report from Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Interim President Lyle Butler in an interview with KVOE News on Monday, less than a week after Michelin announced the end of its agricultural track business by the end of the year, leading to around 100 workers being laid off. Butler tells KVOE News the RDA and other local entities are currently working with Michelin to try and develop a path forward; however, there are still several unknowns at this time, making charting the path forward somewhat difficult.
That said, Butler stated the city’s Rapid Response Team, developed after the closure of Tyson was announced back in December of 2024, could be “called into action” sometime soon, among other possible avenues. Michelin’s reduction in staff is just the latest hit to the community from an economic standpoint as several businesses have announced closures in recent months, both in and around Emporia.
With this in mind, KVOE News asked Butler what is being done to bring new employment opportunities to Emporia. Butler responded, saying there are several conversations happening at this time to that end; however, he could not offer any specifics, stating “it is way too premature to say…”
With Butler noting that job development can take several months, or even years to complete, KVOE News asked if there were concerns as to whether or not the local workforce may be largely diminished due to available workers seeking employment elsewhere. Butler says that is a possibility, but given the city’s geographical location and the surrounding populations, “No one, including me, is concerned about the potential of attracting new jobs or workers.”
Butler also stated he does not believe the recent business closures and layoffs are in any way a sign of a “domino effect,” locally saying the recent developments are simply businesses making business decisions.
Butler will be joining KVOE’s Newsmaker segment at 7:20 am Thursday to discuss the current state of economic development in greater detail.
