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SubscribeResponding to new contracts for its vehicle hose assemblies, Yokohama Industries Americas Inc. plans to hire 134 full-time employees and invest $5.2 million in new equipment at its plant in Versailles, Gov. Matt Bevin announced today.
“This expansion by Yokohama and the new employment it will create further strengthens the Commonwealth’s 
automotive industry. This is a great day for Kentucky,” Gov. Bevin said. “We are grateful for Yokohama’s increased investment in Kentucky and look forward to their continued success.”
The project will add two new production lines at Yokohama’s Hose Division plant at 105 Industry Drive. The facility currently employs about 300 people producing and distributing hose assemblies for vehicle air conditioning, power steering and transmission oil cooler systems.
“Yokohama Industries Americas Inc. appreciates the great support provided by Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development, the City of Versailles and Woodford County. Yokohama is very pleased to work with strong government team focused on expanding the automotive business in Kentucky and creating new jobs in the region,” said company President Yasu Tajima.
Yokohama Industries America is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., which was founded in 1917 as a joint venture between Yokohama Cable Manufacturing and B.F. Goodrich Co. The Versailles facility, one of two Yokohama plants in the city, opened in 1989.
Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, said the region’s many assets will continue to make the Yokohama plant a success.
“Congratulations to Yokohama on its upcoming expansion. Versailles, Woodford County, and the surrounding region welcome the growth that will be generated and stand ready with a skilled workforce to meet any future needs,” Sen. Carroll said.
Rep. James Kay, of Versailles, said community members are proud to have Yokohama as part of the business community and Woodford County family.
“Yokohama’s decision to expand in our community is further proof that Woodford County is open for business,” Rep. Kay said. “Our people are our biggest asset and I am pleased that Yokohama recognizes our valuable workforce and is willing to invest and create more jobs in Versailles. Woodford County is an ideal place to do business. I’m proud to help grow new jobs and build our economy as we attract new business and industry to our community while helping those already here grow and thrive.”
Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle praised Yokohama for its expansion and ongoing commitment.
“Yokohama has long been an important part of our corporate family and we are delighted to assist them with this latest expansion,” Judge Coyle said. “Their expansion represents approximately $5 million and 134 new jobs for Woodford County. We want to thank the State of Kentucky’s Economic Development Cabinet and Woodford EDA for their hard work but most of all, Yokohama for their continued confidence in our community and its workforce.”
Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott expressed gratitude for Yokohama’s decision to expand its operations in Versailles.
“This company has been a great corporate citizen over the years,” Mayor Traugott said. “Their decision to invest more speaks volumes about all that our community has to offer and the workforce we have. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in making this possible.”
Yokohama can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.
In an announcement at J.J. Family Auto Sales, Mayor Fischer announced that the city will be giving $128,000, in loans, to 13 local businesses. The announcement was made at J.J. Family Auto Sales as they finished an expansion project that was made possible through a similar loan last year. The loans are part of a development plan that is meant to help small, low to moderate income, businesses start-up and grow here in the county.
The businesses are considered micro-businesses, meaning that they employee less than five employees. The loans are to help these small business grow. Fischer stated that for every $1 that the city uses in this way, it helps businesses generate $5, which in turn helps the local economy.
The loans are funded from a federal grant, the Community Development Block Grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Businesses that received the loans this year are:
- $15,000 loan to Manhattan on Broadway, 716 East Broadway. The loan will allow the owner, Nachand Trabue, to purchase more inventory, sound and video equipment. This project will add two full-time positions.
- $15,000 loan to George Addison dba BeeNetworks Media Group, who specializes in marketing and media video productions. This will allow the owner to purchase supplies and inventory.
- $15,000 loan to Romanique Beauty Salon, 5201 Dixie Highway. The loan will allow the owner, Janisha Ditto, to purchase production equipment, signage and marketing materials.
- $15,000 loan to Future Pioneer Learning Center, 7731 St. Andrews Church Road. This will allow the owner, Roshunder Gordon, to purchase childcare equipment, insurance and signage for an expanded facility.
- $15,000 loan to Doaty Distribution, LLC to purchase box trucks. The loan will help the owner, James Doaty, expand routes to five other locations for deliveries of snacks.
- $15,000 loan to Wright Amount located in Chef Space, 1800 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. This will allow the owner, Tracy Wright, to purchase inventory, rental space and food trailer.
- $8,000 loan to All is Fair in Love and Fashion to purchase inventory and equipment. The loan will help the owner, RaeShanda Johnson, expand production services.
- $5,000 loan to Extreme Appetite, LLC. This will allow the owner, Damira Trabue, to provide mobile food catering services.
- $5,000 loan to The Black Italian, a food catering service. This loan will allow the owners, Paula and Anthony Hunter, to purchase inventory, space and a vehicle and support transportation for customers.
- $5,000 loan to Jace’s Childcare, 4107 Cane Run Road. This loan will assist owner, Keishonda Clark, in purchasing some new equipment, and rental assistance.
- $5,000 loan to Queens Crown Lunchbox and Catering. The loan will allow the owner, Katrina Dawson, to purchase a stove and inventory to operate business.
- $5,000 loan to Garry Sloan dba G.T. Transportation, LLC. The loan will help purchase office furniture, printing equipment and supplies.
- $5,000 loan to Rebecca Jones dba Genesis Tax Service, a start-up tax service. The loan will allow the owner to purchase tax software and equipment.
For more information about Community Services’ microbusiness trainings and loan opportunities, visit their website.
The Kentucky State Fair board has announced that the hiring of more than 750 temporary employees for the event will begin August 10.
Positions include ticket sellers, gate attendants, maintenance workers, and tram drivers. Wages start at $10.10 an hour. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old and have proper identification verifying eligibility to work.
Interested applicants must apply in person at either the KY Expo Center (South Wing C) or the employment trailer at Gate 4 of the KY Expo Center according the schedule below.
KY Exposition Center, South Wing C
August 10: 7 A.M. until 4 P.M.
August 11: 10 A.M. until 6 P.M.
August 12, 13, and 14: 8 A.M. until 4 P.M.
Employment Trailer, Gate 4 at the KY Exposition Center
August 15: 8 A.M. until 12 P.M.
August 17: 8 A.M. until 4 P.M.
August 18: 6 A.M. until 6 P.M.
August 19 and 20: 7:30 A.M. until Midnight
August 21: 7:30 A.M. until 8 P.M.
August 22: 7:30 AM until 10 P.M.
August 23 – 28: 7:30 A.M. until 8 P.M.
August 29: 7:30 A.M. until 10 P.M.
August 30: 7:30 A.M. until 2 P.M.
For additional information, call the Employment Office at (502) 367- 5235
(FRIENDS OF FORT KNOX) In a document from the US Army Environment Command published on June 26, 2014, the U.S. Army has advised that it may be forced to take up to 4,100 additional military and civilian personnel out of Fort Knox by the end of JY19. If these cuts take place, the region surrounding Fort Knox stands to lose some $431M in income and experience and a loss of some 9,650 jobs.
We cannot sit back and allow this to happen to our communities and Fort Knox.
The One Knox Policy Council of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the CORE Committee, Inc. is asking the public to electronically sign a letter discouraging the Army from making further cuts in personnel at Fort Knox.
The Army has established a 60 day window (June 26 to August 25) in which interested parties can send comments to the US Environmental Command. We need concerned citizens from around the Commonwealth to respond to this Army proposal by August 25, 2014. The One Knox website is www.oneknox.com/letter and offers a form letter that can be digitally signed and automatically forwarded to the U.S. Army Environmental Command directly from the website. We are hoping to have a total of 20,000 plus responses by the COB 25 August deadline. Anyone who has an interest in the well-being of Fort Knox can and should send a letter or email to the Army. If you are a business owner or officer, please pass this information on to your employees as soon as possible.
Written letters should be mailed to the following address:
U.S. Army Environmental Command
ATTN: SPEA Public Comments
2450 Connell Road (Building 2264)
Joint base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664
Email letters from the public can be sent to the following address: usarmy.jbsa.aec.nepa@mail.mil.
Thanks to all for helping move this along quickly. Our goal is 20,000 plus responses by close of business on the 25th of August 2014.
SEND A LETTER TODAY!!
Brad Richardson, CEO
Hardin County Chamber of Commerce
MG (Ret) Bill Barron, Executive Director
CORE Committee, Inc.
Annual Event to be Held June 3 at Slugger Field
US Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY3) is hosting his annual Jobs and Resources Fair tomorrow, Tuesday June 3, at Slugger Field. The free event, which lasts from 4-7 PM, offers all job seekers the opportunity to meet with more than 50 local businesses who are currently hiring to fill thousands of positions. A computer lab is available on site provided by KentuckianaWorks and the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training to allow attendees to fill out online applications. Additional employment resources will be available for veterans and active military personnel.
“As our economy continues to bounce back from the worst recession since the Great Depression, it is important that we do all we can to help jobseekers find the right opportunities.” said Yarmuth in his event announcement.
In addition to the opportunity to meet with hiring businesses, the Small Business Administration will be offering workshops for those interested in starting a business of their own.
RSVP online here, by email at YarmuthRSVP@mail.house.gov or by phone at (502) 582-5129.
Free parking is available in the lot directly across from Slugger Field (401 E. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202). Job seekers who need a ride can take advantage of the free Job Hunter Bus from TARC.
Cedar Lake will host a job fair on Wednesday, June 18 from 11am-7pm at 3301 Jericho Road in LaGrange and on Thursday, June 19 from 11am-7pm at 7984 New LaGrange Road in Louisville. The region’s largest private non-profit care provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is looking to fill position openings in the following departments: Nursing (FT/PT/PRN), and Direct Support Professionals (FT/PT) for both Cedar Lake Residences, and Cedar Lake Lodge. Walk-ins are welcome, or interested applicants can apply online to ensure an interview with limited waiting at www.louisvilleworks.com. Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Call (502) 222-7157 ext. 1151 or visit www.cedarlake.org for more information.
30+ Employers Offer 1,000+ Jobs
Horizon Group Properties, the development group behind The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, will be holding a job fair tomorrow for the more than 30 stores that will be opening this summer. The new shopping center, expected to be open by July 31, will provide opportunities for more than 1,000 jobs, including management, sales associate, security, marketing and housekeeping.
The job fair takes will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, at Martha Layne Collins High School Gymnasium, 801 Discovery Blvd. in Shelbyville. Applicants must be 18 or older. Applicants shoul bring plenty of copies of their resumes for potential employers.
Employers who will be at the job fair include:
- Adidas
- Asics
- Carter’s
- Chico’s
- Coach Continue reading
