By Angela Billings
FALMOUTH — Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, and a key group of local leaders continue to coordinate efforts around finding employment for those workers displaced as a result of Hammer Strength/Life Fitness, a Falmouth-based manufacturer of sports equipment, announcing last month that it will close its Kentucky facility early next year.
“Community leaders at many levels have rallied around the fine employees at Hammer Strength in Falmouth,” Frommeyer said.
“We continue to push for employee development opportunities to take care of our local workforce who have found themselves looking for a job through no fault of their own.”
On Thursday, the Pendleton County Economic Development Office and Northern Kentucky Career Center held a resource expo to ensure employees find suitable employment when Hammer Strength departs early next year.
In addition to bringing unemployment services on-site, employees also met with six potential employers and learned more about available skills training and certifications they might want to explore.
The closure of Hammer Strength, a 35-year fixture in Falmouth, will affect nearly 100 employees, with the first round of layoffs planned in late November.
Full closure of the facility is expected by end of first quarter of 2025.
Pendleton County’s strong workforce, available facilities, and overall community assets make it a desirable location for a potential new employer, Frommeyer said.
The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet’s Rapid Response team is providing additional support, including information on retraining programs, small business resources, and counseling services. Employees are also eligible to receive one-on-one coaching and up to $7,000 in grant funds for career development use.
“Our goal is to attract a new employer to the area, leveraging the strengths of the building, its employees and community, while ensuring those affected will receive timely services and support during these challenging times,” Frommeyer said.
Affected employees can reach out to the Northern Kentucky Career Center for support to include understanding unemployment, insurance, resume assistance and applying for new jobs. They can call 859-292-6666, email careercoach@brightoncenter.com or visit their web site at nkcareercenter.org.