SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Some who attended public forums about a planned beef processing plant in Scottsbluff reacted with skepticism about the proposal.
The Scottsbluff Star Herald reports nearly 400 people attended the forums Wednesday and Thursday, led by planned plant general manager Keith DeHaan.
Many questioned plans to hire 100 to 150 Korean-American workers for the plant owned by Future Food Energy LLC. South Korean investors hope to employ Korean-Americans and DeHaan says he's recruited such people from the Denver area.
Residents questioned whether such workers would speak English and contribute to the community. DeHaan says workers and current residents would need to work together to foster a sense of community.
One businessman says he fears the planned $13 hourly wage would force businesses to raise their pay to compete for workers.