There are several programs in place to help employees displaced due to the closure of Evergreen. Find some of them listed below.

Rapid Response Process: NC Department of Commerce Rapid Response program is expected to be available. This program helps employers and workers face closures and plan the most appropriate response. This is a resource for employees to ask those first questions about what is next and navigate the available resources. This can include information for job seekers, unemployment benefits, insurance needs, housing assistance, and more.

NCWorks Career Center- Haywood County

1170 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786

Phone: 828-456-6061

For anyone that feels ready to work now, NC Works is your connection. NCWorks.gov encourages employees to register on the website and access benefits immediately. It is important to note that as of March 9, 2023, there were over 1,000 jobs in the manufacturing industry available.

Upcoming WNC Career Expo 3/23 Ag Center Asheville 

Plan to join on Thursday, March 23, from 11 AM – 4 PM at the Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center, located at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher (across from the airport).

With 100+ employers, this is the largest hiring event in WNC. Most jobs employers offer at this event are paying higher than $18/hour, and there will also be Evergreen hiring-specific events in the future.

Doug Burchfield- Haywood Community College

Dean of Workforce and Industry

Workforce Continuing Education

[email protected] 

Phone: 828-564-5128

Dr. White states it is essential to recognize that many employees will go directly back to work, but the college is here for anybody who wants to change and take time to add to their skill set. The main goal is to get these dislocated employees the necessary training. HCC will open an employability lab and get a staff member to assist in obtaining new employment. This would include assistance in job search, resume building, and technology navigation.

• Additional manufacturing courses for machinery will be available. There will be a higher focus on skills and training offered. HCC is teaching its first plumbing class next semester, as well as law enforcement.
• HCC's primary goal is advocating and providing these displaced workers with the necessary training to make a career change.
• CDL Licensing training, electrical licensing, small business center for complementary resources to entrepreneurs, Perkins program will allow PLCs the potential for a gunsmith in classes, heavy equipment operator. 
• The college also has many vast degree opportunities and encourages anyone to reach out to the college and discuss options. 

157 Paragon Pkwy #300, Clyde, NC 28721

Phone: 828-452-6620 

Support will be available for families affected by the paper mill's closure and ensures that families' basic needs are met.

• Insurance 
• Snap Program (Food Insecurity)
• Work First Program- allows qualifying families to overcome barriers such as access to childcare, transportation, or other financial needs that may prevent them from getting the jump start they need in a new position.

Job Fair for Evergreen employees on March 16, 2023

PINNACLE CHURCH

Thursday, March 16 | 12–7 pm

415 Fiberville St. Canton NC 28716

The Health & Human Services agency has a vast array of services, and we are committed to helping all individuals affected by this economic crisis.

Source: Haywood Chamber of Commerce