Local Economy Takes a Hit

Just as the Little Rock Airport announces an increase of 200 new jobs with the Dassault-Falcon expansion, one of the oldest and largest employers in Hope, Champion Parts, noticed 137 workers last week that they are being laid off for an indeterminate period. There was no hint to any of the locals that a layoff of this size, (roughly half the work force), was imminent, and the company would only comment to say that a dramatic decrease in orders has necessitated the move. This is a big hit economically and the uneasiness that these layoffs will be permanent, has to be a big concern to our community. It will be difficult to assimilate that many workers back into jobs in a town the size of Hope. The Workforce Development folks should be here shortly to provide assistance to the displaced workers. Best case scenario is that this is just a temporary downturn for Champion, but there is a lot of uncertainty about this reduction.