Other industries that have developed in the area include Safeway Pet Food, Hopkins Manufacturing, Lense Power Transmission and a new Caterpillar plant, Toso said. The effect of the industrial development in Emporia has gone far beyond just bringing in new jobs, Jordan said. These companies pay a decent wage, which gives their workers the opportunity to buy cars, clothes and houses. The result is that we have a lot more things than a lot of town our size. In addition, workers who have relocated to Emporia to work in the various industries, such as IBP, have helped make the community a diverse mix of races and culture.
People here have a good work ethic, are honest and hard working and spend their money wisely.
It's a very progressive city. The future of Emporia, community leaders say, should continue getting brighter well into the next century. We're going to attract more industries, and a more diverse group of industries. We're a very progressive community that is always trying to stay a step ahead of development. We're getting ourselves in a position to be a leader in the next century.