The closure of a major Tyson Foods Inc. facility has left a once-thriving Ozarks town in serious economic challenges. 

Nearly one-third of Noel’s citizens lost their jobs overnight. Despite these difficulties, Noel’s Mayor, Terry Lance, has not lost faith in the community’s resilience.

Noel’s Mayor, Terry Lance, still anticipates a bright future for the town despite the massive job losses.

He expressed a positive position on the community’s spirit and direction. “I feel like I see more energy as far as people wanting the town to go in — at least what I believe is — the right direction, than I have seen for some time,” he added in his discussion with Fox News Digital.

Noel saw a significant drop in population and also in economic stability. This was the direct consequence of the factory closure.

Mayor Lance further expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of the shutdown. “I was concerned, very concerned that we might lose up to 25% of our population,” he stated.

Local leader McDonald County Chamber of Commerce President John Newby organized job fairs to alleviate the present unemployment situation. 

Newby compared the closure’s impact to a major industry loss. “It’s like removing the auto industry from Detroit,” he said.

Jimi Lasiter worked at the company for almost a decade. She expressed her initial reaction to the announcement of its closing: “I panicked and started looking for jobs.”

It took her over six months to find another job. This further shows how employment opportunities are scarce in the area.

Tyson Foods’ representative also discussed the closure. They emphasized that they understood the impact on the town’s economy.

“Closing a plant is always a difficult decision, and we understand the impact it has on the team members and community,” the spokesperson told Fox News.

The closure impacted not only jobs but also the town’s fiscal health. Reduced sales tax revenues have caused the town to remove key services.

Mayor Lance mentioned the economic burden. He cited a considerable fall in revenue.

Despite this economic crisis, some locals see the closure as an opportunity to focus on tourism.

“It was a very pivotal moment with Tyson leaving,” Dustin Shurback, a local business owner, said. He believes that focusing on tourism could revive and help the town.

Dustin Shurback owns many businesses in Noel. He discussed the initial impact and his future plans.

“A large hit at first. I even felt it at my ice cream shop — our sales plummeted. But I think as the community comes together and focuses its direction on tourism, we can make a huge rebound,” he said.

Tyson Foods remains the factory owner and is still ready to discuss its future.

The company’s spokesperson mentioned their willingness to explore opportunities. They said, “We are always open to exploring opportunities and are willing to discuss a potential sale with any interested party.”

Noel has a natural beauty, with its river and attractive surroundings. This has the potential to promote tourism.

This change could open up new financial opportunities for Noel. Noel could also leverage these environmental qualities to attract visitors.

Mayor Lance nevertheless remains optimistic about using Noel’s natural assets as a new economic strategy.

He said, “As long as we have the bluffs and the healthy river system, Noel can have a good future,” expressing confidence in the town’s ability to adapt and thrive post-closure.