Local Leaders Trying to Persuade Kroger to Keep Kenton Store Open

Local leaders united to support the Kenton Kroger store.

In a letter addressed to Amy McCormick, Corporate Communications Contact for Kroger’s Central Division, the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance, City of Kenton and the Hardin County Commissioners expressed their surprise and disappointment to hear that The Kroger Company has made the decision to close the Kenton location. 

A big area of concern is the loss of over 100 jobs and how Hardin County and the City of Kenton will be impacted by this significant loss of jobs and income tax. 

They also offered their support for Kenton Kroger, and stated they welcome any discussion they may have to further explore the reasons for the decision to close and to see if there’s anything they can do to encourage Kroger to stay open. 

The letter was signed by Holli Underwood, President & CEO of the Alliance, Commissioners Tim Striker, Roger Crowe and Randy Rogers, Mayor Lynn Webb, Alliance Chair Stephanie Temple, Director of Community Development Jacqualine Fitzgerald and Director of Chamber and Tourism Jesse Purcell.

Here is the letter in its entirety:

We write today representing the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance, City of Kenton and the Hardin County Commissioners, regarding the recent announcement of the planned closing of the Kenton Kroger.

We are surprised and disappointed to hear that The Kroger Co. has made the decision to close the Kenton, Ohio Kroger location. Kroger has been an anchor in our community for more years than many of us can remember.

We have appreciation for the quality food and merchandise that Kroger offers, and we know that many of our residents will be heavily impacted by this closure. Not only does Kenton Kroger serve our residents, it has also been one of our leading employers, employing over 100 people from our area. Hardin County and the City of Kenton will also be impacted by this significant loss of jobs and income tax. Our thoughts are with the Kroger employees who have dedicated many years to serving the people of our county with outstanding customer service.

While this is a single location closing for The Kroger Co., it marks a very big change for our small community. The economic impacts of which will likely be felt for years to come.

We would all like to offer our support for Kenton Kroger, and we would invite any discussion that we can have to further explore the reasons for the decision to close and to see if there’s anything that we can do to encourage Kroger to stay open.

Thank you for your consideration,

.Holli Underwood, President & CEO, HCCBA

.Tim Striker, Hardin County Commissioner

.Roger Crowe, Hardin County Commissioner

.Randy Rogers, Hardin County Commissioner

.Lynn Jones Webb, Mayor, City of Kenton

.Stephanie Temple, Chair, Hardin Co. Chamber & Business Alliance

.Jacqualine Fitzgerald, Director of Community Dev., Hardin Co.

.Jesse Purcell, Director of Chamber & Tourism, Hardin Co.