The start of chemical weapons destruction at the Blue Grass Army Depot in 2019 meant a major increase in employment. Some 15 hundred workers were somehow involved in the disposal. Now that the last nerve rocket’s been destroyed, those jobs will decline significantly over the next couple of years. At the Berea Chamber of Commerce, Manager Debbie Warford sees job opportunities in her southern Madison County town.
“We do have some of the factories that’s expanding and opening up jobs. We have tons of jobs that’s available here in Berea, so we just have to get the word out to them and let them know what’s available. So, that way it is close to home, they can stay where they are at,” said Warford.
Earlier this month, it was announced Hitachi in Berea is adding 167 jobs at its plant. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to attract new employers to Madison County with positions that are a good fit for current Depot workers.
There are nearly 230 businesses that comprise the Berea Chamber of Commerce. The umbrella organization has been a part of the southern Madison County community since 1950. While many of the organization’s members are locally owned, Warford said that’s not entirely the case.
“We have quite a few that’s outside of Berea, even outside of Madison County. Like Acciona. They come in with their solar panels and so we have them as a member and they’re listed in Chicago.”
Berea Chamber of Commerce President Shelley Wolfe said there’s been a coming together economically following the high COVID period. She said the community attracts new residents and jobs are available as well.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation
