DES MOINES, IOWA – An official with Iowa Workforce Development say the agency has launched the Rapid Response program to serve the 215 individuals who will be losing their jobs with the closing of the Ferrara Candy Company in mid-December. The Rapid Response team will provide dedicated services to ensure affected employees receive all of the available benefits and have access to important resources for securing future employment.

Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development say “Our number one priority is making sure the workers affected by this transition have the access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about the way forward.” Townsend says “Our team of dedicated professionals will work to develop a customized service plan specific to the needs of the individuals impacted by this unfortunate event.”

Wayne J. Pantini, Executive Director of the Union County Development Association, said “We are working with local and state service providers to engage with management at Ferrara Candy Company. Our goal will be to assist the employees in finding new employment or pursue additional skill training to meet the needs of the current job market.” Pantini said also, “We are optimistic that the majority of those affected can find suitable employment by other regional employers and will remain in the community.”

Following notification and confirmation of a layoff, the IWD Rapid Response Team arranges an on-site meeting with the company, union officials (if applicable) and service providers in the area. Employee information meetings are conducted to provide information about services available at IowaWORKS offices which include:

• assistance finding new employment
• resume workshops
• career counseling
• training in a new career
• assistance filing unemployment insurance (UI) benefits

Other state agencies or community-based organizations are invited to participate in the meetings. These services are fully funded by the Department of Labor through the State of Iowa under the Dislocated Worker Program.

The IowaWORKS office in Creston is collecting a list of businesses who would like to be in contact with the Ferrara Candy Company employees. Once the plan of services is developed, these businesses will be notified with dates, times and opportunities to meet with the impacted employees. If you are interested in being placed on this list, please contact Pam Varner at pamela.varner@iwd.iowa.gov or 641-782-2119 ext. 24.