Just a couple of weeks ago, Iowa Workforce Development announced they will be closing the temporary Tyson Transition Center in Denison at the end of business on Sept. 30. The center, was established to support the more than 400 displaced workers with training and other services after the Tyson Fresh Meats plant closed abruptly in August of 2015. According to a recent report by Region XII Council of Governments, the center continues to be heavily utilized. In March of this year they recorded 355 users along with another 200 in April. Approximately 25 percent of those are accessing IowaWORKS for the first time, with the most popular services being assistance with online applications and job searching activities. Crawford County is still reporting unemployment rates higher than regional averages, sitting at 4.1 percent compared to Carroll County at just two percent. In continuing efforts to lower those numbers, the center hosts employer meet-and-greets, and also offers English language learning, computer literacy classes, adult literacy programs, Serv-Safe certification and CDL licensing. With the recent closure announcement, Region XII has offered to continue to assist with placement and skill services, saying that while they are disappointed with the proposed closure, they will work with the community to secure part-time services in Denison and to ensure the clients continue to have access to services through the Denison or Carroll offices.
