BUSINESS

Next steps: City aiding workers, seeking business to replace Bob Evans

Doug Boock

Galva city officials are trying to find a company to move into the Bob Evans Farms building. That site is becoming vacant after Bob Evans closed the business Aug. 9.

As the dust settles on the Bob Evans Farms plant closing, Galva city officials are taking response steps. They’re helping displaced workers and trying to find a business to move into the plant.

The city has assembled a task force to help the workers, continue discussions with Bob Evans about the future of the building and its 72-acre tract, and to open dialogue with surrounding communities.

The city has also contacted Partners in Job Training and Placement (PJTP) in Rock Island to help the workers with unemployment insurance, job training assistance and placement. Displaced Bob Evans workers are asked to contact City Hall (932-2555) .

Meanwhile, the city is looking for a business to move into the building. Ideally, Mayor Tom Hartman said, it would be another processing company due to the building’s layout and available workforce.

“We’ve already got our feelers out,” City Administrator David Dyer said of seeking a new business.

Hartman said he feels for the displaced workers, and praised them for their efforts.

“It’s heart-grabbing to see people like this,” he said. “If there’s companies out there looking for loyal, dedicated people, these are the people they need to be looking at.”