Springdale, Ark. – July 20, 2016 – Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) announced today a $266,000 grant to the Logan County Career Center in Paris, Arkansas, to help fund construction of the center’s new facility on the Paris High School campus and add new courses of study.
The gift marks more than $2.9 million in education and workforce development grants made in Arkansas since 2015, a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to invest in education in its home state.
Workforce development programs and education initiatives have been a priority for Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s administration and the governor praised today’s announcement.
“The state of Arkansas has no better partner than Tyson Foods,” Hutchinson said. “We are truly grateful for their continued investment in workforce development and education in Arkansas. I look forward to seeing the positive result the Tyson Foods – Logan County Career Center will have on the community as they work to provide quality job training and education to develop a highly skilled workforce.”
The Career Center began offering courses in industrial automation technology and allied health care in August 2015. Construction of the new facility is expected to be complete in January 2017 and upon completion, commercial welding, aerospace technology welding, and emergency medical technician courses will be added to the curriculum.
“We recognized the tremendous need for skilled employees in our area and in turn, the opportunity to equip high school students and others with the skills that will allow them to reach their potential,” said Dr. Lee Lane, chairwoman, Paris Area Economic Development Council. “This grant from Tyson Foods will help our local employers and provide a better life for thousands of Arkansans.”
The Career Center Partnership, composed of local employers, health care providers, educators, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark and elected officials, was established in 2013 to address the workforce development needs in Paris and the River Valley.
“It’s a priority at Tyson Foods to make sure we’re doing our part to help produce a globally competitive workforce,” said Jeff Wood, director, community relations at Tyson Foods. “We’re proud to support the Logan County Career Center’s efforts to provide more educational and skills-based training options for our neighbors.”
Tyson Foods’ recent contributions to workforce development and education in Arkansas include scholarships for single parents, agriculture education initiatives and grants in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.
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About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Contact:
Derek Burleson – 479-290-6466 or Derek.Burleson@Tyson.com