This year’s Jackson County 4-H Fair will have its normal attractions of animals, rides, food, exhibits and grandstand activities.
But as thousands of people flock to the fairgrounds in Brownstown the last week of this month, they will see something new in Building 4 — Industry Showcase.
Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. recently contracted with the fair board for use of the building. The organization then sent out emails to industries around the county, offering them a chance to set up a booth.
“I’m excited,” said Jackie Hill, workforce director with JCIDC. “We were very pleased with the response we got, and I really think companies are going the extra mile to make great displays.”
Hill said a couple of fair board members approached her and Jim Plump, executive director of JCIDC, about industries setting up booths in the building.
“When they built that building at the fair, they had basically labeled that building an industrial building,” Hill said. “They’ve had various businesses in there, but it never really was industry. It has kind of been hit-and-miss.”
The 16 spaces available in the building are filled. A couple of industries will take two spaces.
The industries include Aisin companies, Valeo Lighting Systems, Cummins Inc. Seymour Engine Plant, Excel Manufacturing, Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marion-Kay Spices, O&k American Corp., Pet Supplies Plus, Pro-Form Plastics Inc., Rose Acre Farms, Touchpoint Packaging and Trellis Earth Products Inc.
The companies will man their booths from 4 to 10 p.m. July 27 through 31. JCIDC staff and board members also will be present.
Hill said the industries represented have from 100 employees to more than 1,700.
“It’s to let people know what companies do,” Hill said. “Then also, because of the number that comes through the fair each year, it can serve as a job fair, so they can talk to people about interest in employment opportunities. I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Mark Handloser, general manager of Aisin Holdings of America Inc., said Aisin facilities in Seymour and Crothersville will be represented in the building.
“We think it’s a good opportunity to participate in a local event and show our dedication and appreciation to Jackson County,” Handloser said. “Being one of the larger employers in town, it’s an opportunity to get our name out there.”
Aisin, an automotive parts maker, will have several of its products on display, along with information about the company and how people can apply for jobs.
“It’s an opportunity for us to reach a lot of people from Jackson County and surrounding counties to really learn about Aisin and who we are,” Handloser said.
Hill said she hopes the new offering at the fair goes over well.
“If it works, we’ll continue to do it,” she said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
During this year’s Jackson County Fair, you will have an opportunity to learn more about these local industries:
Aisin companies, Valeo Lighting Systems, Cummins Inc. Seymour Engine Plant, Excel Manufacturing, Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marion-Kay Spices, O&k American Corp., Pet Supplies Plus, Pro-Form Plastics Inc., Rose Acre Farms, Touchpoint Packaging and Trellis Earth Products Inc.
Industry Showcase will be set up in Building 4 from 4 to 10 p.m. July 27 through 31.
[sc:pullout-text-end]