Excelsior Springs, Mo. — In response to the impending closure of the Lawn & Garden LLC manufacturing plant, city and business leaders partnered to bring job opportunities directly to affected workers through an on-site job fair held Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.
Knowing the plant’s closure was approaching, Melinda Mehaffy, Economic Development Director for the City of Excelsior Springs, and Brian Rice, president of the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, met with plant management to discuss ways to support employees who will be losing their jobs later this month. Together, they decided to host a job fair on site at the Corum Road facility, exclusively for current employees.
The job fair was held during regular work hours and split into two shifts to allow employees to attend without missing pay or disrupting operations.
“This on-site Job Fair is intended to support employees by providing direct access to local employers who can answer questions and help with next-step career opportunities,” Rice said.
Several local and regional employers participated, offering information on open positions, hiring timelines, and application processes. Participating organizations included AIPC, Blue Sparrow Lawn and Garden, the City of Excelsior Springs, Edward Jones Investments – Clint Cain, Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs Job Corps, Excelsior Springs School District, the Full Employment Council, and Magna Seating Co.
City officials said the goal was to reduce the disruption caused by the plant’s closure by connecting workers with employment options close to home and helping them transition quickly into new roles.
The job fair is part of a broader response effort that also includes coordination with state workforce agencies and continued outreach to area employers as the closure date approaches.
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