Wednesday afternoon’s job fair at the Hotel Pattee was the first act by a new partnership of private and public interests that has launched PerryNext, a response-and-recovery consortium that aims to support the community and its residents in the light of the recent announcement of the Tyson closure.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by PerryNext, the consortium is composed of “a dedicated group of businesses and organizations, including the city of Perry, Greater Dallas County Alliance, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Workforce Development, DMACC, Perry Chamber of Commerce, Perry Economic Development and more.”
The group’s meetings focus their collaborative efforts on fostering sustainable workforce revitalization in the aftermath of economic adversity and “on laying the groundwork for long-term economic recovery and revitalization,” said PerryNext.
Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson said PerryNext aims “to galvanize individuals, enterprises and institutions into a unified force” to uplift Perry.
“By launching cutting-edge programs, forging robust alliances and providing steadfast support, we are determined to foster a setting where every citizen not only envisions a prosperous future but also plays a pivotal role in its attainment,” Peterson said. “We will achieve this through strategic economic development, targeted job creation initiatives and comprehensive support systems that ensure every member of our community has the tools and resources necessary to thrive.”
Several key efforts are comprised by the PerryNext initiative:
- Workforce support: The series of job fairs that began Wednesday will continue to connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities.
- Economic development: Strategies will attract new businesses to Perry, leveraging the city’s strong infrastructure and dedicated workforce.
- Community engagement: Town hall meetings will keep residents informed and involved in the recovery process.
- Education and retraining: Partnerships with educational institutions will provide retraining programs for high-demand skills.
- Mental health and wellness: Resources and support services will assist individuals and families during this challenging time.
For more information about PerryNext and upcoming events, visit the city of Perry website.
