Top representatives from several federal agencies will meet in the central Iowa town of Newton next month to exchange information with local leaders about the pending loss of hundreds of jobs. Appliance giant Whirlpool bought out rival Maytag earlier this year and plans to close the headquarters and factory in Newton.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the September 14th round-table discussion will keep the lines of communication open. Grassley says “I hope this meeting will give federal officials a first-hand look at the situation in Newton and to hear directly from local leaders on the challenges that are facing that community.”
Grassley says the loss of Maytag is very unfortunate for Newton but doesn’t have to spell the town’s downfall. He says the meeting will be a show of good faith that the U.S. government is very willing to listen. Grassley says “It will also give Newton officials a greater opportunity to collaborate with and receive information on resources and assistance available to the community from the federal government.”
Federal agencies involved will include the departments of: Labor, Agriculture, Economic Development, Health & Human Services and the Small Business Administration.