Before he owned Emporia’s Fanestil Meats, Dan Smoots worked for IBP for 17 years. When he heard the news of layoffs at the Tyson Fresh Meat plant, which used to be IBP, Smoots wanted to help.
He decided the best way to make a difference was by hiring 14 additional workers at his own plant.
Smoots said hiring and keeping good workers in the community will benefit Emporia. He hopes other employers will follow his example.
“Let’s get every business owner committed to hiring some of these people so we can keep 200, 300 or 500 people here,” Smoots said. “I wish other employers would get on the front page of your paper and list how many people they are going to hire. We need to hear that employers are going to step up and help.”
As workers move from Tyson, Fanestil Meats is making it a smooth transition so people won’t lose their benefits. Smoots said they are coordinating start dates for new hires so they won’t affect their Tyson severance or cause a lapse in health insurance.
To keep the new workers busy, Smoots said, he is meeting with clients to bring in new business.
“We are going to meet with Smart Chicken out of Nebraska and talk with them about a de-boning and ground-chicken project.” Smoots said “We are excited that all that work could be done here and not in Nebraska.”
Dan and Jan Smoots purchased Fanestil Meats in 1997 and have been steadily growing the business.
“There is a lot of opportunity in the small niche-size meat companies right now,” Smoots said. “The great big companies are too cumbersome and the little bitty ones can’t keep up with regulations.
“The ones in the middle like us are in the right place with the niche markets with the natural organic, post-pasteurized products.”
F Fanestil Meats is still accepting applications. Applications are available at the plant, 1542 S. Hwy 99, or by calling 342-6354 for more information.
landinkansas (anonymous) says...
Way to step up Smoots. I hope the city/county will start working with Fanestils agressively in helping them expand / relocate. Great business people. This is the type of people and business we need in Emporia. Again, great job!
February 8, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhcc66 (anonymous) says...
Smoots,
now we know that not only are your products top of the line, but you are as well. Thank you so much for showing others how to step up
February 8, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
09071976 (anonymous) says...
Mr. Smoot,
You are a true American! Thank you for thinking of and investing in the future of our great city.
City Leaders,
Please follow suit and find out what Mr. Smoot needs to expand his business.
February 8, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackslap (anonymous) says...
It is amazing this is happening.... He forgot to mention that he got rid of thirty some temp employees the week before Tyson made their announcement. What about those people?
February 8, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great news! I hope something comes of the Smart Chicken deal because that's a brand that has also made a good name for itself.
February 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ (anonymous) says...
hope he spreads his sales force thru the 4 state region.( KS,MO,AR,OK ) that way I don't have to stock up when in emporia once a month
February 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cheryl (anonymous) says...
suzyQ - no, please spend your money HERE. Emporia needs every sale.
February 8, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momtoall (anonymous) says...
This is what makes America truly great. We need more people who look past the bottom line. God bless you, Mr. Smoots.
February 8, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GARRISONJHALL (anonymous) says...
DAN SMOOTS! BLESS YOU! IT IS GREAT TO HEAR A BUSINESS PERSON RESPOND WITH SO MUCH CARE!
February 8, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kansasforlegalimmigration (anonymous) says...
This is the type of leadership and action needed to keep Emporia strong.
Now, as consumers we need to ask our local retailers to carry the full line of Fanestils products.
Pick up your phone and call all your area retailer and tell them you want the Kansas produced products.
Dillons stores, as the Statewide dominate grocery chain should be suppoting this 100%
Call the Dillons customer comment line TOLL FREE @ 1-800-362-2183 and let them know you feel it is important that they support Kansas Produced products by stockin ALL The Fanestils brand products.
February 9, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )