Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:
Cumberland River Coal is halting coal mining in Virginia and Kentucky, 213 jobs! Several coal mines have already killed more than 500 jobs across several eastern states this year! It’s blamed on crashing demand.
Alaska: The University of Alaska killed 40 jobs, maybe it was the only way they could pay out the $320-thousand USD bonus to the university president!
Alabama: Birmingham based Cadence Bank is shutting down 17 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. Bank officials say it’s because the banking industry is “evolving”. What housing market recovery? In Birmingham, L&N Parkside canceled their plans to build 129 apartments and 12-thousand square feet of retail space. The project was dependent on a loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD refused to issue the loan!
Arizona: In Glendale, the Thunderbird School of Global Management warned of layoffs as they are forced to merge with Arizona State University, due to the bad economy. At one time the school had 300 employees, but is down to 184.
Colorado: Niwot based Crocs shoe stores killing 183 jobs and shutting down 100 stores! Company officials blame the crashing U.S. economy, and will now focus on sales outside the country! In Broomfield, Safeway grocery store announced it will shutdown in August, 54 jobs lost. Company officials said the economy sucks: “At a certain point, it doesn’t make sense to keep it open.”-Kris Staaf
Florida: Unilever killing 210 jobs by shutting down their Pinellas Park ice cream factory! The company is consolidating operations to Tennessee and Missouri.
Georgia: The Eastside Commercial Bank has failed. The assets are being split between the FDIC and the State Bank & Trust.
Illinois: In Deerfield, God refuses to stop the shutdown of the Stained Glass Coffeehouse, located in the Congregational Church. Should churches be running retail operations? “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”-1 Timothy 6:10 King James Bible
Maine: In Kennebunkport, after 30 years The Emporium gift store shutdown. It’s blamed on health problems in the owner’s family.
Michigan: The Grand Rapids Public Schools announced they must kill 90 jobs to the fact that 400 students disappeared!
Missouri: In Kirkwood, after 77 years Phillips Furniture shutdown. The family that founded the store sold out to Ashley Furniture in December 2013.
New Mexico: In Albuquerque, after 11 years the Thai Crystal-Thai Saweiy restaurant shutdown.
New York: The Kaye Scholer law firm calls it quits in the Big Apple and is moving to Florida, at least 29 of the 48 employees affected. In Buffalo, after only two months the owners of Chef’s Garage Pizza announced they’re shutting down. The owner basically said there are too many pizza restaurants.
North Carolina: In Raleigh, after 102 years ( and surviving the Great Depression & numerous recessions) the Cameron Park Inn shutdown.
Ohio: What housing market recovery? In the Toledo area, RealtyTrac reports that foreclosure rates jumped 100% from June 2013 to June 2014! But wait there’s more. From May 2013 to May 2014 the foreclosure rate in the Toledo area jumped 149%!
Oklahoma: In Tulsa, World Quality Holdings-World Foods announced they will shutdown their frozen foods op in September, 70 jobs lost. Company officials blame global competition, however, it could be more about their upcoming sale to a Japanese company.
Pennsylvania: Four Arby’s restaurants were shutdown, without warning! The owner was under pressure to find debt financing to continue operations. Apparently the economy in Pennsylvania can’t support Arby’s.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.
“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013