Opportunity and Resource Fair for Displaced Stellantis, Supplier and Small Business Workers

Opportunity and Resource Fair for Displaced Stellantis, Supplier and Small Business Workers Main Photo

10 Feb 2023


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In order to provide needed resources and information to workers impacted by the idling of the Stellantis Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, Veterans Drop-In Center is working in conjunction with regional partners to bring an Opportunity and Resource Fair to the region. The fair is free to attend and will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 2:00pm – 5:00m, at the UAW Local 1268, located at 1100 W. Chrysler Drive, in Belvidere.

The Stellantis Belvidere Assembly Plant is set to go idle on February 28, 2023.  This will not only impact workers at the plant, but, also, supporting businesses such as suppliers and local businesses that depend on the plant for their livelihood.

“The idling of the plant reaches beyond the walls of Stellantis.” noted Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions Economic Development for Belvidere and Boone County. “That is why it is so important to have this resource fair that connects impacted plant, supply chain and retail workers with organizations that can address their immediate challenges.”

With more than 40 local service organizations and community-minded businesses in attendance, displaced workers and their families will receive helpful information in the areas of Veteran Assistance, Jobs, Housing, Communications, Health & Insurance, Food, Financial & Legal, Recreation, and Education & Training.

“Our goal is to offer uplifting and positive support and services in the community for those who will struggle with personal and professional decisions in the wake of the plant idling,” said Eric Willard, Executive Director of Veteran’s Drop-In Center.

Willard continued, “Any job change or challenge puts a burden on employees and their loved ones. This shutdown comes with all the emotional stresses you might imagine. Therefore, at this Resource and Opportunity Fair, we have people who can offer hope and help.”

For more information, please contact Eric Willard at the Veterans Drop-In Center at 815-713-8843.


About Veterans Drop-In Center
Since 2009, the Veterans Drop-In Center’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and positive social environment where all veterans and their families, with local veterans service organizations, can give and receive help transitioning into and continuing to adapt to post-service life. Learn more at https://www.veteransdropincenter.com/.

About Growth Dimensions
Established in 1979, Growth Dimensions, Inc. provides a progressive and cooperative environment which improves the quality of life by fostering economic opportunity and personal growth. With economic development partners throughout Belvidere-Boone County, Growth Dimensions is advancing a coordinated economic development strategy to create jobs, promote community assets and stimulate capital investment through business retention and attraction efforts. For more information visit www.growthdimensions.org.