Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 22-23 June 2013. BoA lays off 1320 people in New York! More school & health care cuts!

Designer of trade show and event exhibits, VisionStream, now bankrupt.  Company officials hope another company will merge with them, or buy them, so they can survive.

In Michigan, Genesys Health System laid off 100 employees: “….these initiatives were necessary due to reduced reimbursement brought about through the Accountable Care Act [aka Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act] and Sequestration. For instance, it is estimated that for its fiscal year 2014 Genesys will have an $11 million reduction in reimbursement for the same amount of patient care it is delivering today.”   In Plainfield Township, Eastern Floral shut down.   The company is focusing on internet sales.

In Arizona, the Christian God couldn’t stop Carondelet Health Network (Southern Arizona Catholic/Ascension Health) from laying off 40 people: “The effects of sequestration, the increased cost of caring for the uninsured, and national trends toward fewer people seeking inpatient hospital care were all factors.”

In California, the approved Fresno City budget means 30 people will be unemployed.

The Oregonian newspaper laid off 95 employees.  The newspaper is switching to digital service.

In Pennsylvania, Aramark Educational Services lost its dining services contract with Duquesne University.   358 people out-o-work!

In New York, PJ’s Pub and Grill closed in Syracuse.  It was sold.  In  Westchester, Buffet de la Gare closed after 33 years of business.  The owner wants to retire, her co-owner husband (and the restaurant’s chief chef) died in 2011.  In Medina, the Worthington Industries BernzOmatic factory is shutting down.  174 people out-o-work!  Production being moved to Wisconsin. Too Big to Jail, Bank of America, closed its Getzville office.  1320 people laid off!!!!  The office was sold to M&T Bank, which might hire on some of the former BoA employees.

The Swank outlet store in Taunton, Massachusetts, closed.   The new owners say economic conditions don’t justify keeping the store open.  It sounds like the company will focus on distribution of products to customers like Macy’s and Kohl’s.  The company first started in 1897.

In Missouri, Milbourn’s Family Restaurant shut down.  It’s blamed on the property owner (Farris Truck Stop) who demanded the restaurant operator leave, and then terminated the lease.  There was no explanation by the property owner.

Bodytalk women’s clothing store in Westport, Connecticut, closed after 20 years of business.  The 81 years old owner said “We’re closing for a whole bunch of reasons.”

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 21 June 2013. Allstate shuts down call centers! “Worst nightmare” for Alabama! More health care cuts!

The University of Maryland Medical Center laid off 65 people, and warned of more layoffs in August.  Also, vacant positions have been eliminated and contract positions will be reduced.  Hospital officials blame the federal government (Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act/sequestration).

In New York, Archcare closed its Kateri Residence nursing home in New York City.  At least 555 people unemployed (some reports say 592)!  Archcare is selling the property.

In Vermont, the Rutland Manor assisted living facility shutting down in September.

South Carolina based Stacy’s Garden Center bankrupt.  The company has stores in 24 states.  It’s not clear why they went bankrupt, their liabilities are not much more than their assets.  The company has been for sale for several months.

In New Jersey, the Atlantic City Housing Authority laid off four employees.  It’s blamed on federal funding cuts.

After 38 years of business the mom & pop Ed’s Riverside Market grocery store in Pennsylvania, shut down.  19 employees out-o-work.  It’s blamed on the bad economy, even Mennonites started shopping at Walmart!

In Connecticut, Cable Ready now bankrupt.   It’s blamed on the current economy: “…due to industry consolidation, mergers and acquisitions of production companies, larger competitors paying higher and higher advances for programming or networks retaining all rights, and the uncertain global economy squeezing independent companies like ours, Cable Ready was left with no choice but to seek protection.”

In Wisconsin, Kohl’s laid off 67 employees.  They contracted out their accounts payable and sales audit department.  In Milwaukee, the wine store Vino 100 closed down.  Typical of business owners, they denied they were closing for several weeks, before finally announcing a “…monster farewell party.”

In Ohio, the massive Jones Day law firm laid off 65 IT employees.  The IT director was also let go.  In Cincinnati, the Whiskey Bar shut down. The property owner sold the building and the lease was bought out.  The child prison known as Ashland County Juvenile Detention Center closed down.  The 83 years old prison building was deemed too old to economically upgrade.

In Louisiana, the child prison system known as Saint James Parish Youth Detention Center closed down.  It’s blamed on the high prices they charge to come close to properly housing child prisoners.

In Chicago, Illinois, Goose Island brewery shut down.  The brewery owners asked the property owners to reduce the rent by 30%, the answer was no.  In Woodridge, Allstate insurance company shut down a 12 years old call center.  Originally Allstate promised the local government that they would create 700 jobs. 348 people now unemployed! (is the new call center in Chubbuck, Idaho, next to be shut down?)

In Indiana, the Tri-Way Drive-In Theater warning it will have to close because it can not afford to buy new digital projectors.

Cooper Lighting shutting down their factory in Eufaula, Alabama, by October.  Mayor Jack Tibbs called it “Our worst nightmare!” More than 300 employees will be directly affected!  Two smaller companies will also be affected. Cooper Lighting is moving production elsewhere.

In Oregon, Lucy’s Tool Store closed after 20 years of service.  The owners (who’ve worked decades of other jobs before becoming business owners) want to retire, finally.

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 20 June 2013. Companies planning massive layoffs in 2014! More school & health care cuts!

In New York, West Mountain Ski resort now bankrupt.  They blame foreclosure action by Utah’s Mormon owned Zions Bank.  Texas based GDF Suez Energy shutting down operations in Syracuse.   They will begin layoffs in September.  Company officials blame the bad economy.  In Bronx, Cookie’s The Kids Department Store shut down.  124 people unemployed!

In Wisconsin, the Christian God couldn’t stop Mercy Medical Center from shutting down its sub-acute care unit.  Parent company, Ministry Health Care, recently announced 250 layoffs at its chain of hospitals.  It’s blamed on a combination of declining customers, the Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act and the federal sequestration.

In Illinois, Bella Bridal and Formal Wear closed after nine years.  The owner wants more time with her daughters.

Hatteras/CABO Yachts continues to layoff employees, this time 85 people in North Carolina.  Company officials say it’s because of crashing sales, however, the company has been up for sale for awhile now with seemingly no interested parties.  And 600 people lost their jobs with DAK Americas!  The company closing its Navassa PET resin, polyester staple fiber factory this Autumn.  Company officials said it’s their way of becoming more competitive.

In Missouri, ALCO Stores closed in Charleston.  Company officials said the store was not making enough money.

The Oregonian reducing newspaper home deliveries to just three days per week!  Apparently subscriptions aren’t enough to justify seven day delivery.  Company officials also said employees will be laid off.  Also in Oregon, the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility and Depot officially closed down, laying off the final 253 employees!

In Ohio, the Buckeye State’s largest newspaper, Plain Dealer, began laying off employees.  The layoffs will be ongoing over several months and could end up being more than 50.  The newspaper also plans on reducing home delivery.  143  people lost their jobs when DialAmerica Marketing closed their Columbus office!  62 people lost their jobs when Verizon Wireless closed their Dublin office.

Lincoln Educational Services closing four campuses in Ohio, and one in Kentucky!  It’s blamed on massive declining student enrollment caused by “Federal legislation implemented on July 1, 2012 that prohibits Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) students from participating in federal student financial aid programs….”

Germany based Siemens warned of at least 8000 layoffs in 2014!!!  Hundreds of employees are being laid off this year.  The company has operations around the world, including the United States.  Company officials say they have to downsize because they’re not seeing any true economic recovery, however, employees blame it on mismanagement by company officials.

Too Big to Jail, Morgan Stanley, laying off 30 people in its commodities unit.

Taiwan based TMT Group shipping company went bankrupt in Texas.  Company officials blame it on half of the fleet of ships being seized by creditors around the world.  Those ships, some still with cargo on board, are tied up at ports around the world.

In California, a major law firm, Downey Brand, laid off 11 employees.  Company officials say the bad economy is forcing them to adopt technologies that allow attorneys to do most of their own work, rather than use in house assistants.   In Alameda, Olympic Florist shut down.  After 34 years of business the owner wants to retire.

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 shut down.

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3, South American Front: Chevron declared Enemy of the State! Chevron threatens Argentina!

19 August 2013 (14:44 UTC-07 Tango)/12 Shawwal 1434/28 Mordad 1391/13 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

“We are going to tell Latin America what Chevron has done in our country to shirk its responsibility, with that criminal campaign that it’s waging against Ecuador.”-Rafael Correa, democratically elected President of Ecuador

California based Chevron oil company has been declared by Ecuador to be an Enemy of the State!

That charge is based on the idea that any corporation that takes over another corporation economically, must also inherit any social/environmental responsibilities.  Chevron took over Texaco, which operated for decades in Ecuador, and created at least $19 billion USD in environmental destruction, that is still ongoing.  Chevron has refused to take responsibility for Texaco’s crimes.

President Correa, an economist educated in Europe and the United States, made the announcement about Chevron the same day he gave up on his plan to protect the Amazon rainforest from further oil drilling: “With deep sadness but also with absolute responsibility to our people and history, I have had to take one of the hardest decisions of my government.”

That plan failed due to the fact that not enough countries were willing to support the idea.  Only $13 million of the needed $3.6 billion in funding was collected.  It shows you that most leaders of most countries still believe in black gold!

Chevron has countered, but instead of targeting Ecuador, Chevron is targeting Argentina!  Chevron raved in a public statement “That illegitimate Ecuadorian sentence threatens to make its effects resonate in Argentina, impacting subsidiary companies of Chevron who have nothing to do with the Ecuadorian judicial fraud.”

Chevron is now targeting Argentina’s YFP (Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales), which was partially seized in 2012 from Spain’s Repsol oil company.  That same year Argentina’s President, Cristina Fernandez, gave Chevron huge rights in YFP in exchange for billions of U.S. dollars.  Chevron now threatens to pullout of YFP if Argentina does not influence Ecuador to stop ongoing legal battles against Chevron.

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 19 June 2013. More school & health care cuts! Customer satisfaction results in job losses! Chemical warfare job cuts!

In North Carolina, Cone Health laying off 150 employees and eliminating another 150 vacant positions!  Hospital officials blamed their $30 million USD shortfall on Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act and the federal sequestration.

Lake Erie Regional Health System of New York (LERHSNY) laying off 30 people at Brooks Memorial Hospital.  11 people were also laid off at the Lake Shore Nursing Home. LERHSNY officials did not give a reason.

In Wisconsin, 40 people lost their jobs with the Urban Day School in Milwaukee.  School officials are consolidating charter schools, partly due to reduction in federal funding.

In Pennsylvania, 43 people lost their jobs with the Easton Area School District.  The additional job cuts came despite local taxes being increased by 1.7%.  According to local news reports, the district has a history of raising local taxes and laying people off: “The district has raised taxes year after year for decades, and for the past several years has cut positions as well. This year’s cuts come on top of 200 jobs eliminated in the last three budget cycles. Last year’s budget saw 49 teachers lose jobs, then the district lopped off an additional 17 teachers during the summer.”-The Morning Call

The city of Flint, Michigan, laid off 27 employees. City officials blame the layoffs on crashing tax revenues due to crashing property values.  One estimate said the city is experiencing a 7% decrease in tax revenues, an in your face sign that there is no economic recovery.  (I have recently arrived neighbors who are refugees from that part of Michigan)

French-U.S. maker of telecommunications equipment, Alcatel-Lucent, warned of massive layoffs.  The company has operations in Europe, United States and China.  Last year they lost billions in revenue due to crashing sales.

Telecommunications company, Sprint, announced 120 layoffs countrywide.  Interestingly, Sprint officials said the layoffs are the result of improved customer satisfaction.

In Florida, Red Coat British empire company, Cobham, laying off 141 people at Conax plant in Saint Petersburg!  Cobham is closing the plant.  (by the way, the evil British empire is the top foreign operator in the United States, not China).

Lil’ Bear of Hanover closed in Ohio.  The owners of the mom-n-pop grocery store blamed crashing sales.  About 15 people lost their jobs, while other employees transferred to another location.

In Springfield, Illinois, Samuel Music shut down.  The owners sold the store.  They blame competition and the bad economy.

Alabama Outdoors closed in Tuscaloosa.  Company officials said the lease was expiring and they did not want to renew.

In Nebraska, the Omaha Public Library says because of budget cuts they must consider cost cutting measures such as closing branches, reducing hours, opening on fewer days and reducing the amount of new books they carry.

In California, Symmetricom announced massive layoffs in the works.  The manufacturer of timekeeping technologies blames it on the bad economy.  They’ve been laying off employees since at least 2009.  General Mills is closing their baking mix factory in Commerce. At least 33 people unemployed due to consolidation.

In Oregon, the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility is laying off 200 employees!  This is the latest round of layoffs since layoffs began in 2011.  The reason is that the incinerator has destroyed the last of the chemical weapons in its stockpile.  More than one million pounds of chemical agent were destroyed between 2004-11.

In Idaho, Caldwell Pawn shut down.  The owner said he dealt in micro-loans years before they were called micro-loans (some as small as $20) to help people out, but after 22 years of business he wants to retire.  He also stated that businesses has dropped since 2009.

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 18 June 2013. Jack in the Box clown turns Mexican! More school & health care cuts!

In Brooklyn, New York, the 153 years old state run SUNY Downstate Medical Center/Long Island College Hospital shut down!  1714 people out-o-work!!!  At least 420 employees were laid off in 2012!  Hospital officials blamed crashing revenues. The Brooklyn Supreme Court has ordered hospital officials to account for every “stick” of hospital assets.  Also, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the five star Dressler restaurant closed suddenly.  The owners blamed the greedy property owner: “With much regret, an agreement could not be reached for a lease renewal.”-Dressler Family

The Christian God can’t stop Saint Mary’s Hospital from laying off 83 people in Michigan.  Currently open positions will not be filled.  “As our fiscal year 2013 comes to a close, we are facing declining volumes due to fewer people seeking inpatient care services, as well as sequestration shortfalls and lower reimbursement from Medicaid and Medicare and other payers.” 

Video gamer maker EA continues to layoff employees.  This time 20 positions were cut.  In April 900 positions were cut as EA officials said they had to reorganize their company!

In Louisiana, Caddo Parish School Board axed another 105 jobs.  The positions include special education teachers, administrators, aides, reading specialist and secretaries.  The new budget also eliminated teaching supplies and reduced substitute teachers.

In Indiana, the Fremont School board laid off at least five teachers.  It’s blamed on budget cuts.

In North Carolina, military contractor DRS laying off 150 to 230 employees in Elizabeth City, despite winning a five year Coast Guard contract to maintain C-130 aircraft!  It’s blamed on federal sequestration budget cuts.  In Raleigh, Hewlett Packard laid off 147 people!  HP officials blamed it on the loss of a contract.

In Arizona, military contractor General Dynamics laid off 22 employees indirectly connected to the NSA domestic spying scandal.  It involves the company’s C4 project, which “….develops and integrates communication and information systems and technology for U.S. government programs, allied nations and select commercial customers.”  Company officials cryptically said the layoffs were caused by changes in business conditions.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shutting down 16 offices around the country.  According to some reports most of the closures will take place in regions hardest hit by the mortgage scandal.  The closures will affect 900 employees!

In Virginia, Smithfield Foods laid off 120 people!  This is the latest round of layoffs regarding the closure of their hot dog and deli meats factory.  In toto at least 400 people will be unemployed!

In Illinois, Spree thrift store (aka resale shop) closed.  35 employees affected.  No specific reason given for the closure.

Pennsylvania based maker of slipcovers, Sure Fit, taken over by Illinois based Focus Products Group.  The Lower Macungie Township distribution center being closed down, positions being moved to Illinois and California.  75 jobs affected.

In California, Nordstrom closing their Long Beach Rack store.  Company officials said they did not want to renew the lease.  Jack in the Box closing 67 fast food stores!  Company officials say they are switching to Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants.

In New Mexico, Navajo blanket seller Packard’s on the Plaza closing down after 69 years in business.  19 employees will be unemployed in September.  The business is located in the 400 years old Santa Fe Plaza.  The current owners, who live in California, said they had to focus on family issues.  Another Plaza business, ACC Fine Furnishings, also closing down.  The company is consolidating operations, which is blamed on the bad economy.

In Colorado, Brueggers Bagels shut down.  The franchise owner did not want to renew the lease.

In Tennessee, the Nashville Symphony halts in house food service, laying off at least 37 employees. The Symphony is facing foreclosure of their Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, Economic Front: California hit hard with Sears owned OSH closings! More Kmart closings! Chevron buying vacant stores!

17 August 2013 (19:44 UTC-07 Tango 16 August 2013)/10 Shawwal 1434/26 Mordad 1391/11 Geng-Shen (7th month) 4711

Sears is closing their Austintown, Ohio, auto parts and service center on Interstate Boulevard.  Sears automotive customers are being directed to Sears automotive centers located in area shopping malls.

Once controlled by Eddie Lampert (Sears Holdings) Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) now bankrupt, and now owned by Lowe’s.  Already several of the California stores are reported to be closing down.  It’s been announced that the stores in Torrance, El Cerrito, Fairfield, Santa Clarita, Fountain Valley and Vacaville will close.  At least 17 of the 99 OSH stores have been publicly axed.  A report on 15 August said it was part of Lowe’s takeover of OSH through a bankruptcy court.  Lowe’s was the only corporation that bid on the bankrupt OSH.  Company officials estimate that each store averages 55 employees; 17 store closings equals 935 people out-o-work!

About a week ago reports said the small 35-40 years old (depending on the report) Coos Bay Kmart, in Oregon, would shut down in November.  The store averaged $4 million USD in sales every year.  The manager revealed that Kmart never held a long term lease, and in recent years was renewing annually.  This time they did not renew the lease.

And the Kmart in Orem, Utah, quietly announced their closing.  The articles posted gave no details what-so ever, other than the store was closing and big savings were to be had by shoppers.

The recently vacated Kmart in Moon, Pennsylvania, just sold to California based oil giant Chevron, for $12 million! Apparently Sears Holdings owned the property, and the sale to Chevron was the real reason for closing the Kmart and rendering 143 people unemployed.

In Mississippi, a federal judge threw out Kmart’s claim that they are owed compensation for flood damage in 2010, caused by a vacant Kroger grocery store next door.  The Kroger store went bust and was supposed to be torn down in 2005, but for some reason that was stopped by FEMA.

In New South Wales, Australia, government officials blocked property developers from building a new Kmart.  Wesfarmers is the corporation that operates Kmarts in Australia and New Zealand.

Here’s the updated list of U.S. Sears/Kmart store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost), Torrance Kmart,  Fairfield Kmart (63 jobs lost), recently revealed Lampert owned OSH taken over by Lowe’s home improvement in bankruptcy court, at least 17 of 99 stores to be closed down (935 jobs lost!).

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Connecticut:  Waterbury Big Kmart.

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway closed in February 2013 (69 jobs lost),  Pensacola Kmart on East 9 Mile Road will close in May (73 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost), Bonita Springs Kmart (67 jobs lost), Mount Dora Kmart (100 jobs lost), Lake Mary Kmart.

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 jobs lost!!!),  Kauai Sears (41 jobs lost),  Iwilei-Honolulu Kmart for lease (no confirmation of store closing).

Vacant bedroom/bathroom section.

One corner of the half vacant Chubbuck, Idaho, Sears. No official closing announcement was made.

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).  No official announcement, but it’s painfully obvious the Chubbuck Sears going’ down. Or, maybe it’s preps for Shop within a Shop, or one of those domestic spy data storage centers?

Ever since the Kmart bankruptcy, this pad site for sale sign has been seen in the Pocatello, Idaho, Big Kmart parking lot. The Kmart is the only building on the lot.

Ever since the Kmart bankruptcy, this pad site for sale sign has been seen in the Pocatello, Idaho, Big Kmart parking lot. The Kmart is the only building on the lot.

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Sears (49 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost), Naperville Kmart (98 jobs lost), Calumet Sears (164 jobs lost), two Sears stores in Grand Crossing area of Chicago (247 jobs lost!), Mount Vernon Sears (68 jobs lost), Moline Sears (at least 60 jobs lost). 58 Chicago area stores up for lease or sale.  By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lexington Sears (114 jobs lost!).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Sears (80 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost), Gaylord Kmart (48 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart, Bemidji Kmart, Monticello Kmart, GGP owned Sears Auto Center in the Apache Mall closed (10 jobs lost).

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line, Gautier Sears (71 jobs lost), Waveland Kmart (32 jobs lost), one of the Gulfport Kmarts (52 jobs lost).

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line, High Ridge Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials,  Portsmouth Kmart (30 jobs lost).

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (58 jobs lost), South Ashville Kmart on Hendersonville Road.

North Dakota: Jamestown Kmart (45 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost), Howell Kmart (57 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

New York: Depew (Lancaster?) Kmart (68 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost), recently revealed Austintown Sears auto parts and service on Interstate Boulevard.   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned, GGP wants a $2 million sales tax rebate, claiming it’s needed to offset capital investments needed to bring the space up to the standards for potential new tenants).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost), recently revealed Coos Bay Kmart (25 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost), Shippensburg Kmart (46 jobs lost), Moon Kmart (143 jobs lost), Bethlehem Township Kmart (62 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, Columbia Kmart on St Andrews Road (66 jobs lost), Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost),  both Greenville Kmarts (140 jobs lost between the two).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost), Clinton South Kmart.

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Utah: Recently revealed Orem Kmart (no details reported).

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost), Fairfax Kmart (no word on how many jobs lost), Christiansburg Sears (59 jobs lost), Norfolk Kmart on East Little Creek Road (77 jobs lost), Manassas Kmart (71 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost),  Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost), East Wenatchee Sears (59 jobs lost), Puyallup Kmart (51 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center (will be closed, see above)

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall  (see update above, GGP will close Sears store by 2014)

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 15-17 June 2013. Obama Care making the health care industry sick as a dog! Universities suffer massive decline in student enrollment!

Provider of equipment and management services for cancer clinics, OnCure Holdings, now bankrupt.  The Colorado based company is being parted out, sold off, mass layoffs.  320 employees affected!  Company officials blame Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act for slashing and burning Medicare/Medicaid payments. OnCure is the third health care company to go bankrupt between April and June!  The other two bankrupt health care companies, Rotech Healthcare and Sound Shore Medical Center, both blame Obama Care!

The University of Missouri Health Care is laying off, or reducing the hours of 35 employees, plus 90 vacant positions will not be filled.  It being blamed on reduced Medicare/Medicaid payments!

In Michigan, non-profit health care research company, Altarum Institute, laid off 15 people.  They’re blaming it on the federal sequestration funding cuts.  What automotive industry recovery?  Germany based Benteler Automotive shutting down their Grand Rapids factory, in March 2014.  220 employees affected! The company said that all signs point to tougher competition in the automotive industry and they must become more efficient.  And two staffing contractors working for Detroit Public Schools laid off 650 employees!  The staffing companies say it’s because the school district has failed to pay them for services rendered!

In Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia School District laid off another 76 employees.  The week prior they laid off 3800 employees!!! A new tax on cigarettes was created to help fund the school district.  They are also considering raising the liquor tax.

In Illinois, the Chicago Public Schools laid off 850 employees!   Schools are being closed.

In Virginia, Isle of Wight Schools laying off 21 employees.  The budget for the district is $4 million USD less than last school year’s, despite an increase in local taxes!

Washington DC’s Howard University eliminated 75 jobs.  Apparently the school is in big financial trouble.

Iowa’s Ashford University is begging employees to voluntarily quit!  This includes employees at its Colorado and California campuses.  Reports say the university has suffered huge declines in student enrollment.  One report says enrollment is down 16000 from the year before!

The parent company of University of Phoenix, Apollo Group, laid off 24 people in Arizona.  It’s part of a planned layoff of 1000 employees!!!  It’s blamed on massive declines in student enrollment.

In Wisconsin, heavy equipment maker Caterpillar continues its trend of layoffs.  260 people unemployed due to crashing mining equipment sales!  Caterpillar has already laid off more than 500 hundred people in Illinois!

In Florida, the Palm Beach Ritz Carlton hotel laid off 452 people!  It’s the result of a major management change at the hotel.

California based OneWest Bank laying off 725 people in Texas!   OneWest was taken over by Georgia based Ocwen Financial.  And in Dallas, Saks Fifth Avenue shut down.  123 people out-o-work!

Speaking of the Golden State, the YWCA Thrift Store closed in Watsonville.  After 54 years of operations the bad economy did the non-profit store in.   In Sacramento, two The Beat music stores shut down after 30 years of business.  The business owner blames the property owner for jacking up the rents!

In Portland, Oregon, Solopower shut down. 29 people unemployed.

What oil boom? In Fargo, North Dakota, the 109 Consign store closed down.

Della Notte restaurant shut down in Baltimore, Maryland.  No reason given.

The 29 years old Sassafras Gift Shop closed in South Norwalk, Connecticut.  The owner blamed it on a declining market for gift shops, and on the fact that city officials expect businesses to be money makers for the city.

Another Mitt Romney Staples closing down.  This one is in the Barrington Shopping Plaza in Rhode Island.  It’s part of the Romney wounderkind’s plans to close stores across the United States and Europe.

In New York City, New York, Gleacher & Company Securities laid off 55 employees.  And Royal Health laid off 39 people.  In Syracuse, Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, law firm, laid off 50 employees.  In Yonkers, Belmay closed.  60 people laid off.

And the Christian God can’t stop the North Grafton United Methodist Church from shutting down.  The 166 years old Massachusetts church is blaming it on lack of members.

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 13-14 June 2013. California hit hard, again! The “system is just broken”!

Eddie Lampert (Sears Holdings) controled Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) now bankrupt.  The California based company has $261 million USD in debt.  Over the past two years OSH has lost $132.8 million!  Apparently the attempt to sell OSH to Lowes fell through.  OSH is now being parted out, which means lots-o-people will be out-o-work!

Also in California, the Los Angeles County Superior Court eliminated 511 positions, demoted 139 employees and transferred 223 to new jobs!  The county court is short $85 million!  Computer security company, Symantec, laid off 1700 employees!  In January, a company official referred to the U.S. capitalist crony corporate “system is just broken”.

The New York City Housing Authority will layoff 500 employees!  It’s blamed on reductions in federal funding.  Oak Beverages shut down in Brooklyn, 53 people laid off.  And BorgWarner Morse TEC ends their new Powdered Metal Operation in Cortland.  35 people laid off.   Originally the new Cortland location was to have employed 70 people.  I couldn’t find an explanation for the closure.

Too Big to Jail, JP Morgan Chase, announced 1800 layoffs at its New York and Florida mortgage offices.  It’s part of their plans to layoff 17000 people by the end of 2014!

Also in Florida, Okey Dokey Grocery shutting down all 11 stores!  157 people out-o-work!  Originally the company was planning on opening 50 new stores!  Reports now say the company is trying to find tenants for their stores.  Local business analysts think the company rushed into the grocery business without a true gameplan.

In Minnesota, IntriCon of Arden Hills laid off 35 people.  The maker of wireless monitoring devices for medical products is moving production around from a couple of states and a couple of countries.

In Missouri, after 99 years the last Garavelli’s Cafeteria closed down.  The owners blame the increasing costs of doing business, and declining customers. It’s now up for sale.  The non-profit Boone Hospital Center laid off 13 employees, and reduced hours for seven others.  It’s part of non-profit BJC Healthcare’s 160 employee layoffs at several of its hospitals!  It’s blamed on Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act: “…experiencing reductions in our reimbursement for the healthcare services that we provide…”-June Fowler, BJC Healthcare

In Alabama, the Christian God can’t stop Catholic Providence Hospital from laying off 35 employees.  It’s blamed on the federal government’s ‘sequestration’ of funding.  Hospital officials say they’ve lost $2 million in Medicare funding!  And medical bed manufacturer, Hausted Patient Handling Systems, sold their factory to Graham Field Health Products.    Clothing brand, Russel Brands, shut down their Wetumpka factory.  191 jobs lost!  This is in addition to the closing of its Alexander City factory.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Atlanta Bread Company restaurant shut down.  Local news media reports say it’s not clear why it shut down.  SMS Sportsworld closed in Aiken.  The owner blamed it on too much competition and the bad economy.

Oak Farms milk packager in Waco, Texas, laid off 150 employees!  Production is being consolidated, a few months ago they closed their Louisiana plant.

What booming oil industry? Texas based Enerflex Limited shut down its Casper, Wyoming, natural gas operations.  89 people unemployed.  It’s blamed on a market shift from coal-bed methane to shale gas.

Edinboro University, in Pennsylvania, warned of layoffs due to declining student enrollment, for the first time in decades.  And Kissel Hill closed its North Cornwall Township store.  11 people out-o-work.  The owners said the store was an experimental operation opened last year.

In Cheshire, Connecticut, Bovano’s Retail Store closed.  Seven people out-o-work.   In Fairfield, Cargo Bay clothing store shut down. The owner is taking a break.

Local finished arts & crafts store Sarida, in Maine, closed up shop.  The owner said her first year was great, but by the Autumn of 2012 business crashed: “We started panicking in November.”-Tammy Cook

In Wisconsin, Oshkosh Defense laid off 700 employees!  It’s blamed on reduced government spending.  More layoffs are expected.  In Holman, Blue Cup Coffee House restaurant shut down after ten years of operations.  The owner blames the bad economy: “It’s been a tough couple of years. Last year was significantly down…..Different marketing techniques did help, but at the end of the day, it was too little, too late.”-Kim Granum

In Oregon, Georgia Pacific announced it will layoff 100 people over the next three years.  The paper product maker is replacing them with machines.

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 shut down.

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 11-12 June 2013. 4000 hospital employees laid off, blamed on Obama! U.S. model kit company shutting down? Illinois & New York hit hard, again!

IBM is ending operations and laying off as many as 8000 employees in Vermont and North Carolina!!!  A company press release basically blamed it on tough competition.

British empire owned Kearfott laid off 96 employees in North Carolina.  Kearfott makes guidance systems for UAVs (recon and assassination drones) for the military.  The report of layoffs came from employees, company officials refused to talk to local media about it.  In Lewisville, Shallowford Hardware shut down after only five years in business.

What automotive industry recovery?  Delaware based Lio Energy Systems and China based Miles Electric Vehicles joined California based Coda Automotive in bankruptcy.  Coda is the parent company of Lio Energy and Miles Electric.  It’s blamed on lack of sales of their electric cars.

In Pennsylvania, Wissahickon School District laid off six people, and reduced the pay for two other employees.  Also, the Altoona Area School District closed two elementary schools.  It’s blamed on declining student enrollment.  Philadelphia’s most famous restaurant, Le Bec Fin, shut down.  The restaurant has closed before, and re-opened, but the owner says it’s for good this time.

In Georgia, the Muscogee School Board wants to layoff 20 teachers.  They’ve already closed two elementary schools.  It’s all about balancing the budget.  The city of Columbus warned of massive layoffs.  The city has already laid off hundreds of employees over the past couple of years.

The Louisiana Civil Service Commission laying off 3976 employees at LSU’s hospital in Shreveport!!!  Most of those are classified as state employees.  It’s part of the state’s plans to privatize the hospital, partially blamed on the Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act for reducing Medicare/Medicaid payments to the state.

In Connecticut, the Christian God can’t stop Saint Vincent Medical Center from laying off 50 employees, and eliminating 100 other positions!  Catholic hospital officials blamed it on competition and decreased federal funding due to the Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act.

The University of Maryland Medical Center laying off an undisclosed number of employees.  Hospital officials are directly blaming the Obama/Romney Affordable Health Care Act.  They also blame federal sequestration, which will cut several billions of dollars from Medicare.

In New York, Lakeside Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit shut down, 343 people unemployed! Hospital officials blame it on lack of customers.  In NYC, CNN America-Starting Point laid off 40 employees.  And Artio Global Investors closed, 94 people laid off.  Direct Access Partners closed, 62 people laid off.  Post House Investors closing, 59 employees out-o-work. In Dunkirk, The Carriage House closed, 133 people out-o-work!   In Farmingdale, OSI Pharmaceuticals shut down, 96 people unemployed.  Rochester Beer & Beverage shut down, 63 people unemployed.

Massive layoffs in Illinois, again!  Plastic model kit company Testors laid off 107 employees at it’s Rockford plant!  Testors has operated out of Rockford since 1929, they also make paint and other model building supplies.  Company officials say the bad economy is forcing them to eliminate some of their model supply brands.  This means closing their 84 years old Blackhawk Park Avenue building, and moving operations into a smaller building.  Commercial Vehicle Group shut down its truck parts factory in DeKalb.  75 jobs lost.  Illinois Central School Bus lost its contract in South Beloit.  107 people unemployed!  Life sciences equipment manufacturer, PerkinElmer, shut down operations and laid off 53 people in Downers Grove.  In Chillicothe, warehousing company HK Logistics laid off 59 employees.  Hubbell Central Distribution Center closing its South Holland facility. 82 people laid off.  Book publisher D.B. Hess for sale, 148 employees affected!  Chartwells Dining Services lost their contract in Waukegan, 113 jobs lost.  Chartwells has been losing contracts across the country.  In Edwardsville, Berkeley Contract Packaging shutting down and laying off 161 people!  Commercial building construction firm, All Tri-R, lost a major contract.  173 unemployed!  Military contractor, KBR, closing it’s Chicago office, 83 people out-o-work.  Drug maker AbbVie laid off another 96 employees.  Manufacturer of automated toll collection systems, TransCore LP, closing a call center and laying off 196 people!

In Indiana, reports that Slingshot SEO laid off ten employees.  Company officials say they’re “…right-sizing our organization for our next wave of growth.”

In California, JDSU laid off 125 people at its optical products division in Sonoma County!  The company has ended production of some products.  In Santa Barbara, after 29 years of business the Travel Store closed down.  The owner blamed it on internet competition and declining local customers.

Donation funded PBS NewsHour closing offices in San Fransisco, California, and in Denver, Colorado.  Most employees at those offices laid off.  It’s blamed on declining corporate sponsors.  Current open positions will not be filled.  Because of reduced corporate sponsorship, PBS NewsHour is short $7 million USD!

Commercial cable TV sports channel, ESPN, began a second round of layoffs.  Company officials say they plan to layoff up to 400 people this year!  Reports say the first round of layoffs, in May, came with no warning.

Greyhound bus company shut down their Clearwater, Florida, bus station.  Local news sources say the company would not comment on why they’re closing the station.  JP Morgan & Chase laying off 435 people in Tampa!  It’s part of the Too Big to Jail bank’s plan to layoff 17000 people across the country by the end of 2014!!!

Julie’s Gold Crown Hallmark closed in Arkansas.

In Manassas, Virginia, it was revealed the Kmart would close in September.  71 people out-o-work!

The Lai Thai Restaurant closed in Casper, Wyoming.  Health and family issues forced the owners to sell to a new owner, who will hopefully re-open the restaurant.

In Oregon, FOSS Maritime laid off 60 employees.

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 shut down.