Hempstead Officials responds to Georgia-Pacific Closures

This is an official statement from the City of Hope Mayor Steve Mongomery:

“Saddened to hear about the closing and the affects it will have on the employees.

The city has been in contact with Georgia Pacific today and will be reaching out to Representative Danny Watson to see how we can assist.

We are and will continue to work with Steve Harris and the Hempstead County Economic Development Commission to see what possibilities there may be for future use of the plant by other companies as well as continued recruitment of other industries while supporting our other current industries.”

Asposted on their Facebook page, Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation looks to continue moving forward to create manufacturing opportunities for Hope and the Hempstead County.

Below is their response:

“Georgia-Pacific corporate has made a decision to close the Hope Particle Board plant in Hope. Obviously this is not good news for our community and the 110 local employees.

We will work cooperatively with GP, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and our local Workforce Center headed by Gary Do, to minimize the impact on the employees and their families.

Moving forward we will continue to market Hope and Hempstead County for future manufacturing opportunities.”