Alabama Facility Receives Workforce Initiative Award from Local Chamber of Commerce
ENTERPRISE, Al. (September 27th, 2023) – Wayne-Sanderson Farms Enterprise Fresh Processing Facility was recently honored by the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Workforce Initiative Award for its innovative approach to employee recruitment, retention and career development. The award was presented at the chamber’s annual Membership Awards Banquet and Meeting.
A major component of the Enterprise facility’s success revolved around its partnership with the Alabama Community College system and Alabama Technology Network, developing accredited apprenticeships with regional campuses and combining classroom education with hands-on experience on-site. The workforce develop initiative was awarded a $27,340 grant from the state of Alabama to fast-track training and career development for nearly 100 Wayne-Sanderson Farms team members and provide opportunities for aspiring local students seeking a career in the industry.
The company also bolstered its recruiting and retention programs, holding job fairs, paying referral bonuses, offering competitive wage, benefit and retirement packages and even providing transportation for employees—all geared to attract and keep team members on board.
“It’s an honor to accept this award, but everyone in the Wiregrass is a winner when we work together to create opportunities, said Eddie Fortner, South Alabama area operations manager. “Partnering with workforce development champions like the chamber and Alabama’s education system impacts young people seeking employment right here, and let’s us develop and retain the talent we need to grow our business.”
Patricia Powell, human resources manager for Wayne-Sanderson Farms Enterprise, echoed Fornter’s description of the initiative. “We’re only as successful as the workforce we develop,” noted Powell. “Training and development programs that are focused on specific skills needed in today’s workforce—that’s how we stay competitive as a company and create opportunities for our people that give them reasons to stay, grow and build their careers with us.”
About Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation’s third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture and an industry-leading workforce of more than 26,000 people, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of SANDERSON FARMS® fresh chicken; COVINGTON FARMS® fresh and frozen chicken; WAYNE FARMS® fresh and prepared chicken; PLATINUM HARVEST® premium fresh chicken; CHEF’S CRAFT® gourmet chicken; and NAKED TRUTH® premium chicken. For more information, visit our website at http://www.waynesandersonfarms.com