Tag Archives: education

Business/Economics, Idaho

“…liquidate the assets…” “You can’t keep fighting the economy…” Idaho taxpayers forced to support teacher’s union! Paypal abandons Puerto Rico! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 04 – 05 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: San Jose based internet payment service paypal has notified users that after October they will no longer allow person to person money transfers in or out of Puerto Rico!  Foster City based Marvel superhero video game maker Gazillion laid off an undisclosed number of employees, one employee tweeted it was “A LOT”.  In San Francisco, after 15 years restaurant Pesce shutting down next week, some people question the recent move into a bigger (and more expensive) place.

Connecticut: How can we track unemployment numbers?  The state Department of Labor is shutting down five unemployment centers and eliminating 95 jobs.  

Florida: Palm Beach County eliminated healthcare jobs due to massive state funding cuts for the Adults with Disabilities program.

Idaho:  Once again, taxpayers are being raped in The Gem State!  It’s been revealed that the teacher’s union known as Boise Education Association is being funded with taxpayers dollars: “Every dollar that taxpayers are asked to put into public schools ought to go to public schools, not into feeding the union machine!”-Wayne Hoffman, Idaho Freedom Foundation

It’s also been revealed that Idaho is one of several states that allow the employers of home healthcare workers to pay them less than minimum wage and avoid overtime pay!

Interestingly, the Right to Work you-over Gem State is finally realizing just how much Right to Work is actually resulting in a labor shortage.  The Department of Labor admitted there is not enough workers for expected new jobs (because people are leaving), so they started a new website inviting college grads to get screwed-over in the Right to Work state.

Illinois:  The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports that, officially, 2,140 people lost their jobs in August!  In Arlington Flats, Microsoft owned cell phone maker Nokia laying off 139 people in October!  In Chicago, sports medicine and clothing maker McDavid eliminating 115 jobs in November!  It’s the result of their merger with Minnesota based Shock Doctor Sports.  Too Big to Jail investment banker Piper Jaffray eliminating 41 jobs in October.   In Rochelle, Japan based bullet train maker Nippon Sharyo Manufacturing laying off 1-hundred people due to problems with their latest prototype.  In Kankakee, after 34 years Paperback Reader shutdown: “The last couple years have been harder and harder. You can’t keep fighting the economy and technology all the time.”-Paula Goodwin

Kansas: In Wichita, the last Metro Grill shutdown, owner Victor Hammond lamented “We worked so hard. Maybe if we’d been in a different location.”   In Topeka, after more than 40 years Health Food Mart shutting down: “We just don’t have enough business to keep the doors open….”-unnamed manager

Minnesota:  Pub operator Chatterbox Enterprises now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Mississippi: The YMCA shutting down its Jackson Deville Plaza ops, it’s blamed on a lack of local support.

Missouri: Restaurant Applebee’s moving its Kansas City HQ to California, affecting 220 jobs!  Reports say 90 people will continue operations in Kansas City and about 30 will be offered transfers to The Golden State.

Nevada: Canada owned Robinson Nevada Mining Company eliminated 36 jobs. 

New Hampshire: In Lebanon, after 45 years shoe store Shoetorium shutdown, blaming crashed sales and skyrocketing operating costs: “Business has dropped off…..You have people come in the store, look at your stuff and then they go and buy it online.”-Marty Carlton

New Jersey: Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) forced insurance company MetLife to issue a mass layoff WARN for operations in Somerset, 136 jobs lost by the end of October!

New York: Affordable Care Act probably had a hand in Liberty Healthcare losing their contract to operate the Westchester Behavioral Health Center, at least 199 jobs lost right after Thanksgiving!  Affordable Care Act probably had a hand in Morrison Management Specialists losing their food service contract at the Nostrand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 40 jobs lost by the end of the month.  In NYC, Too Big to Jail Misys International Banking Systems joining mass exodus out of The Empire State, 54 jobs relocating out of state between December and June 2016.  At the Griffiss International Airport, Switzerland based Midair USA will conduct mass layoffs and is in danger of shutting down.  It’s blamed on declining aircraft maintenance contracts, which are expected to get worse as their biggest customer, in Russia, was just taken over by a rival.  The county run Griffiss Airport is owed more than half a million dollars by Midair.

North Carolina: In Siler City, after 20 years non-profit Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County shutting down, blaming “an increasingly difficult economic and funding climate for nonprofits.”

Pennsylvania: TV shopping channel QVC issued a shutdown WARN for their West Chester HQ/distribution center, 147 jobs lost by the beginning of November!  Is it connected to QVC’s $2.4-billion USD takeover of Zulily?  In Lancaster, after 35 years law firm Hartman Underhill & Brubaker shutting down, at least 48 jobs lost.

South Carolina: In Florence, Porter’s Gift Shop shutting down: “We had hoped to pass the store on to someone who would continue its wonderful service and traditions. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this has not happened.”-facebook posting

South Dakota: In Custer, after almost 50 years The Flintstones Bedrock City Theme Park and Camping Resort shutting down due to change of ownership.  The new owners have yet to sign a deal with Warner Brothers to continue using the Flintstones theme.

Tennessee: In Nashville, the Dollar General store shutting down on Fifth Avenue North, due to a change in property owners.  North Knoxville, after 22 years Kitts Cafe shutdown: “A year and a half ago, I had cancer, chemo all that, a double mastectomy and I just thought ‘you know it’s probably time for me to be thinking about retiring.’”-Joyce Kitts

Vermont: In Burlington, after 75 years Bove’s Restaurant shutting down in December, the owners will focus on wholesale and catering.

Virginia: In Lynchburg, the Apple Market shutdown and has been for sale for a while, with no takers.  What construction industry recovery?  Once one of Virginia’s fastest growing companies, 20 years old Capital Door Systems now chapter 7 bankrupt busted: “We are going to let the bankruptcy trustee put everything in order and liquidate the assets and pay out what is possible to the creditors.”-Roy M. Terry Jr., attorney

Wisconsin:  In Whitewater, CNC machining company HyPro shutting down, 62 jobs lost by November.  After 33 years the Chancery restaurant on South 27th Street, in Milwaukee, shutdown and now up for sale.  The Chancery restaurant on Gas Light Drive, in Racine, has been sold.  The YMCA shutdown their Wausau childcare center “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

03 September 2015: “We just could not sustain it any more…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.” 

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We just could not sustain it any more…” Boat builder for the 1% proves “there is no alternative” to economic collapse! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 03 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

A new study shows that low income people are making even less money now than in 2009!  The National Employment Law Project says overall wages have been collapsing since 2009. 

Another study shows that since 1973 all the benefits from increased worker productivity have gone to the 1%!  The Economic Policy Institute says the people who actually make the money for the executives and shareholders, the workers, have gotten nothing for their efforts to be more efficient! 

California: Reports that Palo Alto based Hewlett Packard (HP) is forcing employees who don’t get laid off to take a 50% cut in pay!  Basically some HP employees are being pushed into contractor jobs (I know what that’s like).

Colorado: Glaze, the Baum Cake Shoppe shutdown, the owner refused to say why.

Connecticut: In Newington, after 54 years T-Bowl Lanes-Fun Squared shutdown.  The owners got an offer for their property from Ashley Furniture they couldn’t refuse.  Specialty healthcare provider The Kent shutting down by the end of the month, blaming three years of financial losses, 80 jobs lost.

Idaho: Boise based Syringa Networks announced it is ending its Syringa Wireless service after Xmas: “….Syringa Wireless has fought hard to maintain low prices and high quality service for our Idaho communities…..Over the last 3 years we have made extensive financial investments…..As a small, locally owned and operated provider, we have arrived at a point where it’s simply not feasible to continue to operate.”

Illinois: Affordable Care Act forcing Blue Cross-Blue Shield to layoff 60 people, affecting eight communities.  The jobs were contracted out.  American Coal laid off 110 people, the third round of layoffs at the Galatia mine this year, in the first two rounds 257 people lost their jobs!  Challenger, Gray & Christmas says  U.S. corporations announced 41-thousand 186 planned layoffs in August! 

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  In Winchester, Japan owned car parts maker Indiana Marujun warned 765 employees of plant shutdown by November 2016, saying “conditions gave us no other options.”

Kansas: In Independance, Affordable Care Act forcing Kansas Mercy hospital to shutdown, 190 jobs lost in October: “This was not the outcome we had sought or expected at the beginning of the discernment process, and our hearts are heavy. However, like many other rural health care providers today, we have struggled to remain viable in the face of a changing environment and economy.”-Lynn Britton, ceo

Maryland: Crown Cork & Seal shutting down their factory in Essex, 47 jobs lost in October.

Massachusetts: After 115 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) the iconic Colonial Theater shutting down in October.  It was intimated that it has been losing money big time for awhile now. It’s final fate is in the hands of Emerson College.

Minnesota: The Boys & Girls Club eliminating its staff at its La Crescent Community Arena location. It’s blamed on a lack of boys and girls.

Nebraska:  In Omaha, the No Frills grocery store shutting down in time for Xmas.  The owner, SpartanNash, claims all 42 employees will be offered jobs at other stores.

North Carolina: The Michael Waltrip Racing Management Company shutting down two locations in Cornelius, between November and April 2016, at least 217 jobs lost due to loss of revenue!

Pennsylvania: In Downingtown, Stauffers Market shutting down mid-month ’cause the owners want to retire.  In Philipsburg, after five years Fezell’s County Market and the Sunoco fuel station shutting down by mid-month: “It’s just cash flow reasons. Just simply not able to cash flow the store.”-Tim Fezell, owner

Texas:  ION Geophysical Corporation eliminating an additional 168 jobs, on top of the 225 people they’ve already laid off this year!  Administrators don’t have any hope of recovery, at least in the short run: “The difficult cost reduction initiative we are undertaking today is necessary to prudently scale the company during this period of significantly decreased revenues, which we believe will extend into 2017.”-Brian Hanson, ceo

Washington DC: Law firm Dillworth Paxson shutting down its DC office, apparently due to a defection of lawyers to another law firm.   The U.S. Department of Labor said last week’s new unemployment claims hit 282-thousand!

West Virginia:  Affordable Care Act is the final straw for mental healthcare provider Process Strategies, so they laid off 37 employees: “We just could not sustain it any more…”-Jim Strawn

Wisconsin: Elitist Palmer Johnson Yachts shutting down their Sturgeon Bay facility due to lack of ‘trickle down’ orders from the super-rich, 1-hundred jobs lost: “Our operation and employment levels have continued to diminish, sales have diminished, offshore competitive pressures have escalated, and as a result this action becomes a necessity…..there is no alternative.”

02 September 2015: “It’s mind boggling!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.” 

Business/Economics

“It’s mind boggling!” Factory gets 4-million tax-dollars to kill jobs! ObamaCare proving to be austerity in disguise! 31% of citizens on welfare! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 02 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alaska: Albertsons-Safeway shutting down the old Carrs-Safeway grocery store in The Mall at Sears in Anchorage, by mid-month.  It doesn’t help sales when there are two other Carrs-Safeway stores within two miles of The Mall at Sears.

Arizona: In Phoenix, Ameron International laying off five people.  Washington based Haggen Foods eliminated 41 jobs in Irving.

Colorado: In Denver, after 34 years Le Central French restaurant shutting down by mid-month, the owner said “it is time to stop.”

Florida: Florida Healthy Kids Corporation straight up blames Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) for jacking up the cost of healthcare, the exact opposite of what was supposed to happen (but what many critics warned would happen).  Starting next month, health insurance premiums per child will jump from an average of $140 USD per month to $284!  Sodexo food service issued mass layoff WARNs for Atlantis and Fort Pierce, 396 jobs lost before Thanksgiving!

Hawaii:  After 98 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) the Honda Tofu factory shutdown without warning.  The family owners said it has become too expensive to maintain the operations, and sales have declined.

Kansas: Garden City shutting down its wellness center on North Sixth Street. The Garden City Recreation Commission blames decrepit, or lack of, exercise equipment, and not enough members who’re willing to pay higher fees for new treadmills (maybe the GCRC should’ve priced fees to cover the cost of new equipment to begin with, business school retards.  Most gym members assume the fees they pay cover such expenses).  In Overland Park, the Great Day Cafe shutting down by the beginning of October: “I think the landlord doubled their rent.”-‘Garrett’, employee

Missouri: In Sedalia, Patricia’s Mexican Restaurant shutting down by the end of the month.  The owner sold it last week.

New Jersey:  In Ramsey, merged automation companies Coperion and Ktron eliminating 34 jobs by the end of October.

New York:  At JFK Airport, British empire British Airways eliminating 198 jobs by Thanksgiving, blaming the expiration of a baggage handling contract!   Envoy Air shutting down their aircraft maintenance ops at both JFK and LaGuardia, between now and January 2016, more than 7-hundred jobs lost! Envoy Air joining the mass exodus from The Empire State and moving maintenance operations to Texas.  After 52 years the Le Roy Nursery School shutdown. The insane New York State Office of Mental Health shutting down the Children’s Psychiatric Center in West Seneca, and moving the children into an adult center in Buffalo!  Despite the announcement that the now Germany owned Dresser-Rand got millions of dollars in taxpayer funding at least 21 employees at the Olean factory were laid off without warning: “It’s mind boggling! It’s amazing that the day we find out Dresser-Rand is getting a $4 million grant, 21 of our union members got layoff slips. The company is contemplating laying off between eight and 10 more people.”-John Baglione, United Steelworkers Union Local 4601

Ohio: Lorain County shutting down the county run but not taxpayer funded Golden Acres Nursing Home: “….we’ve been losing money. The general fund doesn’t have money to subsidize it, and it shouldn’t. We can’t use taxpayer money to subsidize the home.”-Lori Kokoski, county commissioner

Pennsylvania: In Allegheny County, fabricator of engineered emissions control BCSI shutting down and eliminating 1-hundred jobs before Thanksgiving!  In Muncy, Grizzly Industrial shutting down and eliminating 60 to 70 jobs by the end of October, blaming “explosive growth in our internet business” and “consolidation of our distribution centers.”  In Pittsburgh, Gallery at Market East shutting down the east end of the mall for two years of construction work.  Local news reports say it will impact 26-thousand people each day, who travel through that area to go to work, or what-ever (since it seems most people are under-employed)!   In Harrisburg, one year after moving to a new location Arepa City restaurant shutdown, the owner blames no sales: “The business didn’t come with me. It dissipated…”-Daniel Farias

Texas:  In Selma, the Retama Park shutdown due to arguments by state ‘lawmakers’ as to how to force taxpayers to fund the gambling operation.  The highly suspicious Buckingham Oil Interests now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Many people wondered why a company officially based in Texas was actually run out of Massachusetts.  It’s also interesting that the founder died in August, right before the start of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.

Vermont: In Brattleboro, after 14 years the Twilight Tea Lounge shutdown.  The second owner, Anneka Kindler, said customer “accessibility became more of a factor” and the business risks are now too unstable.

Washington DC: The non-profit Center for Immigration Studies says 51% of immigrants get some type of taxpayer funded welfare, while 31% of native born citizens get the same type of help.  While anti-immigrant groups see this as proof immigrants are tax-suckers, I see it as proof the economic system in the United States is a failure because having 31% of your citizens on welfare is a failure!!!

01 September 2015:  “There are different seasons in our lives and this season is over.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.” 

Business/Economics

“…the entire retail node has experienced a decline.” “There are different seasons in our lives and this season is over.” Obama ‘home’ state suspends lottery payments! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 01 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: In Scottsdale the Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant shutdown.  In Mesa, the Lo Fi Coffee shop shutdown.

California: The U.S. Postal Service shutting down their Bakersfield mail processing plant: “The only reason they haven’t done it yet is because they need congressional approval.”-John Flores, American Postal Worker’s Union

Colorado: Wisconsin based Quad Graphics shutting down their Loveland operations by the end of October, 137 jobs lost! Administrators blame the bad economy, but is it really because Quad Graphics failed in its takeover bid of rival Courier Corporation?

Connecticut: In Milford, after 14 years Loading Dock Wine & Spirits shutdown, the family owners blame the evil ‘lawmakers’ for “the ever changing CT. Liquor laws favoring large non-family owned businesses”.

Florida: In Miami Beach, after 11 years Mansion Nightclub shutting down next week.  The corporate owners have been shutting down and selling off their nightclubs in The Sunshine State because they can make more money selling the property.  Virginia based tax-sucker Orbital ATK shutting down its Clearwater operations by Spring 2016, blaming reduced military spending, at least 99 jobs lost.  In Boca Raton, the Cheese Course restaurant shutdown.  In Fort Lauderdale, the Chow Sushi & BBQ shutdown.

Illinois: Chicago based nuclear power company Exelon warned of “potential position reductions at the executive level and below” blaming skyrocketing operating costs and revenues that can’t keep up.   What construction industry recovery?  The Quincy Lighting & Home Center shutdown after 67 years of sales.  Apparently a new business is moving in.   Recently announced layoffs at farm vehicle maker Deere (at their Davenport Works and Harvester Works) has the operators of Riverbend Foodbank scrambling: “The increase in request for food in our community has definitely happened.We know that in order to feed every individual in our community  who are going hungry we actually need to triple the number of meals that we provide…”-Nancy Renkes, director

In Normal, the Naturally Yours Grocery store shutdown: “We just weren’t getting enough business and are disappointed.”-Donna Dierks, manager

 In the homie state of Barack Obama, lottery winners are now being given IOUs instead of their cash winnings. The latest victims are a husband and wife who won $250-thousand USD with a scratch-off ticket.  Instead of getting cash they got a letter from the Illinois Lottery saying they’ll be paid as soon as the state ‘lawmakers’ can create a budget for the new fiscal year: “Due to the ongoing budget situation in Springfield, some lottery winner payments have been delayed. All winners will be paid in full as soon as the lottery and the Illinois comptroller have the legislative authority to do so.” 

Indiana: In Fort Wayne, Darlington Holiday Warehouse shutting down its seasonal flagship Airport Expressway store.  Despite forcing loyal southside customers to drive the nearest store on the northside, administrators said shutting down the southside Airport store would “make a better shopping experience for everyone.” 

Kentucky: In Louisville, after 97 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) The Vernon (aka Vernon Lanes) bowling alley shutting down after Halloween.  The bowling alley was put up for sale in April, but so far no takers.  “October 31 is going to be the last day. It’s going to be a big party. Kentucky Blues Society is going to come down. We’re gonna blow it out!”-Scottie Lawler, assistant GM

Maine: After 46 years Goff’s Hardware shutdown.  The owner is funding his retirement with the sale of the property, lamenting “Most of these mom-and-pop places have gone by the wayside. Everybody wants bigger. More.”

Massachusetts:  Brigham and Women’s Hospital eliminating 1-hundred jobs as Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is expected to cause them to lose $10-million this year!  ACA is causing operating cost to go up 4% while revenues barely went up by 1%.  In Westford, printer Courier Corporation shutting down, 2-hundred jobs lost!  Is it connected to the $216-million takeover by rival RR Donnelley?

Minnesota: Minneapolis based retailer Target eliminated even more jobs, this time 235 tech jobs gone without warning this morning, 35 open jobs closed, and 40 international jobs eliminated!  News reports said that the CEO said last month that future job cuts would not be “huge”.

Mississippi: The police state city leaders of Columbus want to crack down on crime by forcing convenience stores and grocery stores to close early.  Here’s an idea; how about create high paying jobs to keep people with too much time and not enough money busy?  Police statists always go with draconian measures that actually push the economy further down the death spiral!

Missouri: In Kansas City, Poco’s restaurant shutdown after a short run.  Local news reports say the property, across the street from a Costco, has become a revolving door for failed restaurants.  Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott shutdown, but the owner swears she’ll return. After only two months Texas Tom’s shutdown, but critics said the food was terrible.  After three years Empire Deli & Pizza was evicted by the city of Saint Louis.  Also in Saint Louis, the Queen of Sheba restaurant and Stefano’s Restaurant shutdown.

New Jersey:  Hunterdon County shutting down their county jail, due to lack of taxpayer funding. Instead county leaders will pay neighboring Somerset County $90 per day for each Hunterdon inmate they house.

New York: For the second year in a row Ithaca College has to layoff employees due to Disappearing Students Syndrome.  At least 40 jobs will be eliminated this school year.  The Big A-hole, I mean Big Apple New York Shitty, I mean City shutting down seven pre-kindergarten schools days before school starts! City administrators admitted the schools violated health codes, and claim they will place the children of the 175 families affected into other schools!  Interestingly three of the shutdown schools are Christian and one is Muslim.

Texas: The Sam Houston Race Park shutdown due to arguments by state ‘lawmakers’ as to how to force taxpayers to fund the gambling operation.  Houston based oil company ConocoPhillips announced they will eliminate about 1-thousand 8-hundred jobs, more than 5-hundred jobs in The Lone Star State will be targeted!  Does it have anything to do with reports that Warren Buffett wants to buy the Phillips 66 spinoff?  In Austin, the non-profit Ecology Action of Texas recycling center shutting down two weeks ahead of schedule, in order to give themselves plenty of time to vacate the premises.  In El Paso, Houchen Community Center shutting down their Child Care Development Center in Segundo Barrio by the middle of September, blaming “a lack of income and increasing costs.”  Local news reports say tax filings from the past few years show Houchen Community Center is losing money.

Virginia: In Gloucester, Cox Communications shutting down their The Cox Solution Store due to lack of sales, saying that location sees only 15% of the customers that their other Solution Stores see.  In Culpeper, after three years Apple’s Closet clothing consignment store shutdown: “There are different seasons in our lives and this season is over.”-Bridgette Williams, owner

Wisconsin: Electronics retailer Best Buy continues to shut down stores, this time their Fond du Lac store, 60 jobs affected by the beginning of November!  Best Buy reps told local news that it was because they see no recovery in the economy: “We chose not renew the lease at this location in part because the entire retail node has experienced a decline.”-Megan Boyd

31 August 2015: Property speculators massacring mom & pops! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

Property speculators massacring mom & pops! More successes equaling failures! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 31 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Florida: After 28 years Jacksonville’s Maritime Museum shutting down after Xmas. It’s blamed on crashing donations.  In Palm Beach the owners of Blondies, a restaurant known for serving ‘breakfast’ for ‘dinner’, shut it down after four successful years blaming the greedy landlord.  In Miami Beach, the operators of restaurant Piola South Beach say they’re being shutdown by the greedy landlord, after 15 years: “There was no form of negotiation nor effort made from the other party to come to a civilized agreement amongst partners who had been together for over a decade.”-Angelo Angiolliori, manager

The South Florida Business Journal also blamed greedy landlords: “Investors are having to justify their record-high purchases with record-high rents. And it’s becoming increasingly difficult for restaurants and independent companies to make a profit while paying more than $300 per square foot….”

Idaho: Taxpayers are funding $467,435 USD in utility connections for the new Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise.  As usual the taxpayer funding is going to a ‘foreign’ outfit, Obie Development Partners in Oregon.  What’s really interesting is how news outlets in Boise can’t seem to get the story right; in March, Boise Weekly said it’s a ten story hotel with 180 rooms.   But then in April, Boise Weekly said it was a seven story hotel with 104 rooms.  The latest Idaho Business Review report says it will have 113 rooms.  The new hotel, partially funded by local taxpayers, isn’t expected to be completed until December 2016.  Also in Boise, the taxpayer owned 8th and River streets property will be developed into a condominium (“Prices will start in the high 200s [that’s $200-thousand], he said, and escalate from there.”)  The property is owned by taxpayer funded Capital City Development Corporation, the condominium (to be called The Afton) will be built by Mike Hormaechea who refuses to say how much it will cost (he also claims to already have buyers for the condos).  The first phase might be finished by early 2017.

Illinois: In Shiloh, after six years Lacefield Music store shutdown. The owners say they are forced to look for a new location, but will continue to teach piano in the meantime.  Farm and construction vehicle maker Deere (John Deere) notified employees at their Davenport Works and Harvester Works of impending layoffs due to crashing sales.  180 jobs lost by the beginning of October (that’s on top of the 1-thousand 5-hundred Deere employees already laid off).  Deere administrators also forecasted that sales would crash another 21% before the end of 2015, directly blaming a lack of recovery in the construction industry: “We thought construction would be up, but that hasn’t happened, yet.”-Ken Golden

Louisiana: Oil services company Baker Hughes issued a layoff WARN for 28 employees in Shreveport.

Maine: Lincoln Paper & Tissue shutting down one of three tissue machines, eliminating 25 jobs.  The shutdown will take place over the next few days.  The tissue is made for napkins, towels, table covers and health care products.

Maryland: Gaithersburg based Hudson Trail Outfitters announced it is shutting down all stores after almost 50 years of sales, blaming the crashing economy: “The retail landscape has changed so much within the last 36 months and the company has decided that the time has come to begin to ‘wind down’ all company affairs.”-Sandy Cohan, ceo

Massachusetts: Electronics retailer Best Buy continues to shut down stores, this time their Hampshire Mall and Berkshire Mall stores. 127 jobs affected by the end of October!

Mississippi: Electronics retailer Best Buy continues to shut down stores, this time their Jackson store on Ridgewood Court shutting down by the end of October, 61 jobs affected.

New York: Bankrupt Coyne International Enterprises issued a shutdown WARN for all four of their Commercial Laundry Services, 150 jobs lost by the end of October!  Despite the Affordable Care Act, taxpayer funded disabled persons’ care home Broome Developmental Center being shutdown in 2016, patients being forced into privately run care centers.  One percenter former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg to eliminate an additional 80 jobs at his Bloomberg news media ops, by Labor Day.  God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from instituting layoffs and program cuts due to a $9.3-million USD shortfall caused by The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome: “Like many institutions across the country, enrollment at the College of Saint Rose has declined….”-Lisa Haley Thomson

North Carolina: In Burlington, after two years Verona Italian Restaurant shutdown.  In Greensboro, Graffiti’s Bistro shutdown due to the owners realizing they can make more money selling it off.  In Eden, after five years 912 Bethlehem Restaurant shutdown “for personal reasons”.

Pennsylvania: Stupid state ‘lawmakers’ have contracted with evil Too Big to Jail US Bank to provide debit cards for residents who meet strict qualifications as being ‘officially’ unemployed.  Redner’s Warehouse Market grocery store in Trexlertown shutting down, 74 jobs lost by the end of September.  It’s blamed on too much competition.

Texas: It’s been revealed that California based Hewlett Packard (HP) has been eliminating jobs in Houston since May!   In total 70 people will be jobless by the end of the week.  They’re getting severance so they won’t be counted as unemployed.

Virginia: In Richmond, after almost ten years successful doggy treat store Three Dog Bakery shutting down.  Despite being a successful operation the operators haven’t been able to raise the funding necessary to become a full franchise store, as required in their license agreement with Missouri based Three Dog Bakery.

Washington DC: After seven years the Crime Museum shutting down due to the greedy landlord: “The Crime Museum’s landlord has decided to execute their rights under the lease agreement and request that we vacate the premises.”-Janine Vaccarello, coo

30 August 2015:  “You are firing the wrong people here!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“You are firing the wrong people here!” Economists suspect mass exodus of workers! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 30 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: In San Francisco, restaurant Bugaloo’s shutdown by “whacked out Valencia Street rent”, the tiny location is now available to anybody who is stupid enough to shell out $17,500 per month.  Too Big to Jail Bank of America essentially admitted to ripping off employees of overtime pay when it made the biggest overtime settlement ever; $36-million USD!  It involves employees of BofA’s LandSafe Appraisal, which is now being sold-off.

Connecticut: “Under a cloak of secrecy, the university’s board of trustees approved a spend-heavy budget. This was an irresponsible move, and it adds justification to calls to bring transparency to the budget process.”-rep-am.com, concerning the 50 layoffs at University of Connecticut

Florida: Local news reports say the state unemployment fund is running out of money, and might have to borrow money from Uncle Sam: “Florida has a poorly financed program and one of the strictest programs in the country.”-Rick McHugh, National Employment Law Project

Idaho:   According to the Idaho State Journal, many of southeast Idaho’s school districts have shifted to a four day week realizing a huge savings in school bus transportation costs.  However, a study done by the Rural Opportunities Consortium of Idaho says that overall costs to taxpayers actually went up: “Contrary to expectations, some districts saw their costs rise as a result of the need for additional enrichment activities and after-school snacks during the extended day.” 

Indiana: In Clay County, employers and state unemployment administrators are confused as the unemployment rate is going up despite increased hiring.  All the industry and employment ‘experts’ can do is speculate that what jobs that are available are not jobs that people are willing to take: “We see those numbers, they tend to have us look internally as to what could we be doing more to be attracting people that may be looking for work.”-Jeff Deaton, administrator with Great Dane who claims they need 150 laborers

Kansas: Economists at Wichita State University might have discovered the true reason why overall unemployment rates are going down; mass exodus of workers from the U.S. market.  Economists say recent data actually conflicts concerning whether employment is going up or down, and that it seems more and more people are working more than one job and that more newly unemployed people are not registering as unemployed: “….there is still something going on. You look at it, and it just doesn’t make sense. The question is, why did it happen all of a sudden in Kansas?”-Jeremy Hill, WSU economist

“Because most of the people surveyed are leaving employment but not entering unemployment, it appears they are leaving employment for personal reasons….choosing not to work”-Justin McFarland, Kansas Department of Labor

Kentucky: In Louisville, after 52 years the Fern Valley Hotel and Conference Center shut down due to numerous “fire safety issues, electrical and plumbing violations, and general sanitation and plumbing violations.”  The current owners took over in 2011 and refused comment to local news media

Maryland: “These are very capable people being shown the door. You are firing the wrong people here!”-Peter Franchot, state comptroller concerning the recent layoffs of dozens of prison employees

Missouri: Local news reports say only one fifth of the 179,058 people counted as unemployed are getting unemployment assistance!  Despite that state ‘lawmakers’ are trying to cut back on unemployment assistance even more, the gov-na recently vetoed a bill that would limit assistance to just 13 weeks!

Montana: In Bozeman, outdoor sports store Northern Lights Trading Company shutdown, the Babcock Street location sold-off.  The remaining brick-n-mortar stores will focus on water sports only.

New York: In Canton, North Country Neighbors Too flea market shutting down in September due to the greedy property owner selling the building.  In Troy, The Grocery store shutdown, the owner admitted to a lack of focus saying “It evolved into an ineffective sandwich shop. It’s not working out.”  Supposedly the location will now become a cafe.  In Fishkill, after 22 years of providing landscaping material the Plant Depot shutdown: “It’s an intense business. It takes a lot of out you. We’ve been here seven days a week for the last 22 years. It’s just time for a break.”-Lou Paggiotta, co-owner

Ohio: Too Big to Jail Fifth Third Bank shutting down two Butler County offices, as part of their plan to shutdown 130 offices by the end of the year.

Rhode Island: “I sadly inform you that the District’s financial position may force us to layoff all of our firefighters because we will be unable to pay them.  A collective bargaining meeting is scheduled with the union at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 31st.  If this last ditch effort is unsuccessful, layoffs will be discussed….”–Coventry Fire District

The non-profit mental illness Oasis Wellness & Recovery Center laid off seven employees and cut operating hours due to the loss of a state grant for “The peer support model”.   (don’t be surprised if there’s an increase in mass shootings in Rhode Island)

Tennessee: In Green County, contractor Renfrow Brothers suddenly lost their US Nitrogen contract, 350 jobs lost! Apparently the new contractor is not hiring on any of the Renfrow Brothers employees.  US Nitrogen administrators issued this statement “Changes to US Nitrogen’s contractor levels are a necessary and planned step in the complete of its state-of-the art facility.”  Local news reports make it sound like it was a surprise to Renfrow Brothers.  I’ve also discovered that US Nitrogen is fighting multiple lawsuits.  One plaintiff stated to news media that “They simply came on our land and proceeded to dig……The No Trespassing signs were removed by the workmen.”

Texas: Irving based animated pizza joint Chuck E. Cheese’s shutting down their Kingston, Ontario, Canada restaurant.  In 2014 Chuck E. Cheese’s was taken over by Apollo Global Management.  Administrators with Apollo Global told Canadian news media that the Kingston shutdown was the result of a “period of growth.”

Wisconsin: Johnson Controls halting Project Unity and eliminating 197 jobs in October!  In New Berlin, The Sportsman’s Channel laying off seven people in October.

29 August 2015: “…had to sell our three horses and three pigs, next it will be the Harley.” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“…had to sell our three horses and three pigs, next it will be the Harley.” More Albertsons bullshit! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 29 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: Copper miner Asarco shutting down Pinal County mining operations, 211 jobs lost by the end of October!  It’s blamed on copper prices crashing by 40% since 2011.

California: Washington based Starbucks is shutting down about 22 “popular” La Boulange bakery stores across The Golden State, in September.  One San Francisco TV news source said many La Boulange employees are rebelling against Starbucks by rejecting job offers to work directly for the evil corporate coffee chain store.   Delivery drivers for Albertsons and Vons grocery stores reporting mass layoffs and work hour cutbacks as a result of the Cerberus owned Albertsons takeover of Safeway: “I have a wife and three kids, and we live on a half acre of horse property in Mira Loma. We just had to sell our three horses and three pigs, next it will be the Harley.”-Jeff Dean, driver who had his hours reduced from full time to part time

Colorado: Texas based EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel laid off 12 people at their mill in Pueblo.

Florida: Fuel delivery company Bunkers International now chapter 11 bankrupt busted after Too Big to Jail PNC Bank cut off debt financing (a move known as De-leveraging).

Iowa: Food giant Cargill shutting down its Animal Nutrition customer service and sales office in Coralville blaming crashing sales, 15 to 28 jobs affected.

Kansas: What automotive industry recovery?  Changes being made at GM’s (General Motors) Fairfax Malibu car factory will result in 380 parts suppliers losing their jobs; Inteva Products 180 jobs and  Woodbridge Sequencing Center 2-hundred jobs!

Massachusetts: In Worchester, iconic 32 years old Bicycle Alley shutting down soon, the owner wants to retire and said “This was planned for awhile.” 

New Mexico: Gold and copper miner Freeport McMoRan reducing output at its Tyrone Mine, 210 jobs lost between now and 2016!

New York: Proof of a bad economy and mass exodus from The Empire State, as Westchester County reports a $6-million USD drop in sales tax revenues for the first six months of 2015! In typical failed state flailing county administrators are not only going to deal with it by jacking up taxes, but they’re laying off hundreds of employees!  158 county employees were bribed into voluntarily quitting (buyouts), but administrators warn that if tax revenues continue to crash more employees would be let go!  In Allentown, after ten years outdoor La Tee Da Cafe shutdown, the owners said “…we’re ready to do something else.”   In Ogdensburg, 11 jobs lost suddenly after the eight years old A&W-Long John Silver’s restaurant on Champlain Street shutdown without warning: “The owner said they aren’t making enough to keep things open.”-Josh Hitsman, manager

Ohio: CVS Pharmacy eliminating 232 Ominicare jobs starting at the end of October!  It should be noted that Omnicare got a 2011 tax incentive in exchange for promising to create 630 jobs by 2022.   After 57 seasons taxpayer owned Huntington Playhouse in Bay Village shutting down right after Xmas.

Washington: After 16 years Edmonds Maytag Laundromat shutdown by the greedy property owner of the Salish Crossing: “I could see the writing on the wall and knew these changes were coming, but I really didn’t expect things to move so fast.”-David Kenyon, given 30 days to clear out “…76 washers, dryers and other machines, get customers to pick up their finished jobs…”

Washington DC: Riyad Market forced to shutdown in November by the property owner and the federal Attorney General.  The Obama regime used a 2014 drug bust at the store as the reason.

28 August 2015: Restaurant shuts down with no warning, takes employees’ paychecks.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

Restaurant shuts down on employees & customers, keeps employees’ final pay! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 28 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: The non-profit animal rescue operation Humane Society of West Alabama shutting down its main source of funding, the Humane Society Flea Market: “We don’t get any local or government funding at all so everything we have is 100% through fundraising and donations, so this is going to be difficult for us to come back from, as far as  having to close the place.”-Anita Smelley

Arizona: Phoenix based copper and gold mining company Freeport-McMoRan announced it will eliminate 10% of its jobs and reduce output by 20% in 2016.

California: In San Francisco, after 37 years Ino Sushi shutting down next week.  In Laguna Beach, after surviving The Great (deflationary) Depression the only movie theater, South Coast Cinemas, shutdown without warning.  The owners blame the greedy landlord for refusing to agree to a new long term lease.

Connecticut: In West Hartford, after 44 years Herb’s Sport Shop shutting down in October: “Essentially, it’s an expensive place to rent. At one time, it was a very popular, active, profitable location doing very well, but there’s very little foot traffic nowadays…..the parking is a pain.”-Andrew Sheintop, owner

Delaware: Affordable Care Act forcing Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to “streamline our operations” and layoff 12 employees.

Florida: In Orlando, after five years restaurant Mi Tomatina shutdown.  In Miami, after several decades the Giveaway Discount Drugs store suddenly shutdown.  A man who was hired to clean out the store said the aged owner is suffering health problems.

Georgia: Bankrupt Hutcheson Medical Center shutting down their Labor and Delivery Services to “provide cost saving measures.”

Iowa: The Lodge Hotel & Conference Center shutdown with little notice and is being sold-off.  It’s blamed on necessary building repairs that are too expensive to justify.

Kansas: After 11 years Sutera’s Restaurant & Bar shutdown.

Kentucky: Kroger shutting down their Lexington grocery store in September, 103 jobs lost!

Massachusetts: In Boston Weak, sexist Simmons College shutting down their women’s only MBA program, blaming increased competition.  You know the saying; “If you can’t stand the heat……”

Michigan: Affordable Care Act forcing MidMichigan Health to shutdown its Hemlock operations in September.  Administrators blame lack of business.

New York: Too Big to Jail Bank of New York Mellon eliminating an additional 280 jobs at its Market Street offices, by October! Bookseller Barnes & Noble shutting down two brick-n-mortar stores, one in Forest Hills and one in Queens.

North Dakota: In Fargo, Country Hearth Bread on South University Drive shutdown without notice. Local news report said the corporate owner refused to explain why.

Pennsylvania:  FTS International shutdown their Lycoming location, 52 jobs lost.  Macy’s shutting down their Pittsburgh store in September.

Texas: In Corpus Christi, after 80 years Carl’s Flowers shutdown. 

Virginia: In Appomattox, the employees and customers of Huddle House restaurant were shocked at the sudden shutdown.  Employees claim the management used the excuse that a freezer was broken to send everybody home one night, then the next day the place was shutdown, and the employees are still waiting for their final paychecks. Local news media say the corporate HQ in Georgia is ignoring their inquiries.

Wisconsin:  Wood products company Georgia-Pacific shutting down its Philips factory, 60 jobs lost in October.

27 August 2015: “…the number of business closings nearly tripled…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“…the number of business closings nearly tripled…” Success breeds ‘failure’ as booming restaurant shuts down! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 27 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: Washington based Boeing laying off another eight people in Long Beach, by October.  CGR/Thompson Industries issued a shutdown WARN for their Fulerton operation, 102 jobs lost by October! Lyris Technologies laying off 79 people by the end of September.  Oil giant Chevron issued more mass layoff WARNs, this time 5-hundred people to become jobless by the middle of October!  In San Jose, Quest Diagnostics eliminating 78 jobs in October.  In Sunnyvale, Illinois based Motorola laying off 213 people by the end of October! (Does it have anything to do with the merger with China’s Lenovo?)  Tax-sucker Raytheon Intelligence issued a shutdown WARN for their Chula Vista ops, 41 jobs lost in October.  Sky Aerospace Products issued a shutdown WARN for their Los Angeles ops, 53 jobs lost in October.  In Pittsburg, steel company USS-POSCO Industries issued a mass layoff WARN saying 661 people will become jobless at the end of October!  ObamaCare forcing Kindred Hospital South Bay to shutdown its KND Development 53 in October, 94 jobs lost.  In San Diego, Soitec Solar Industries shutting down in October, 1-hundred jobs lost!  In Berkeley, reports say biotech company XOMA eliminating 58 jobs in order to “lower operating expenses and preserve capital”.   Western Digital Technologies WARNed it will layoff 137 Californians by the end of October!  Silgan Containers continues to eliminate jobs, this time 180 people in Riverbank will be laid off in October!

Colorado: In Denver, after three and a half years River North Brewery shutting down their Blake Street location, blaming greatly increased competition in the past couple of years.

Maine:  After 70 years Nicely’s Market shutting down due to “Mom is retiring, and I have other ventures going on.”-Kyle Nicely

Michigan: In Detroit, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Quaker run Friends School.  Administrators say they’re “working hard” to find investors who’re willing to pump money into the 50 years old school so they can re-open for the 2016-17 school year.  Too Big to Jail Fifth Third Bank shutting down five offices.  It’s part of their bigger plan to get rid of 130 offices across the U.S.

Minnesota: The Lowery Cafe and Ancestry Books being forced to shutdown their brick-n-mortar ops by a Snidely Whiplash landlord: “…our landlord…abruptly and we believe arbitrarily removed the management at The Lowry Cafe and closed it down…our landlord has neglected to give us a new written lease, which has placed us in a month to month as of June 1st. These grievances and the vulnerable position we are left in are our reasons for closing Ancestry’s physical location.”-Chaun Webster and Verna Wong

Missouri:  After ten years Kostaki’s Pizzeria shutdown, the owners said they’d rather spend time with family.  What automotive industry recovery? Maker of automotive parts Woodbridge Sequencing Center eliminating 2-hundred jobs by the end of October!

Nebraska: Farm vehicle maker CNH (Case New Holland) Industrial eliminating 70 jobs at its Grand Island factory, in October.  One reports said CNH laid off 136 workers in February 2015, and more than 2-hundred in August 2014!  It’s blamed on a 40% crash in farm equipment sales,  according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.  Those sales are down because farmers are losing their financial ass in the commodity markets: “The state of the Ag economy right now is in trouble. I’m in the red….I’m losing money at the current market values.”-Miles Ramsey, farmer

New Jersey: After 63 years Babyland, in Millburn, shutting down in September.

New York: Honeywell Scanning and Mobility issued a layoff WARN for their Skaneateles Falls location, to take place on 31 December 2015.  Drugs maker Pfizer issued a shutdown WARN for their Rouses Point location, the shutdown taking place between November and the end of December.

North Carolina:  In Charlotte, 935 The Red Room club shutdown because the owner went to prison for federal tax violations.  However, some wimp-ass local big brother, big sister, police state loving TV news media made it sound like the nightclub was shut down because of violent crimes.  It’s been revealed that the shutdown of popular restaurant Greek Isles was due to the greedy landlord jacking up the rent after the 11 years lease expired.  The restaurant operators are hoping to find a new ‘home’.

Tennessee: A Shelby County fire station was shutdown due to lack of manpower.  The County Fire department had to stretch its assets to cover the Millington Fire Department which is also seriously lacking in manpower.  The lack of manpower is blamed on a lack of funding from residents.   The Tennessean reports “…since March, the number of business closings nearly tripled to 4,498. The third quarter typically has the highest rate of dissolutions, according to the Secretary of State’s office, which means the number of closings is expected to climb further this year.”

Texas: In La Marque, greyhound racing track Gulf Greyhound Park shutting down in January 2016, 3-hundred jobs lost! Administrators admitted they could no longer compete with other race tracks.  In San Antonio, The Monterey restaurant shutting down in November, despite five years of successful sales: “The Monty was a much bigger success than we ever expected it to be, but it was never expected to be an economic success. It was a laboratory, but we didn’t really even have a plan when we first started.”-Chad Carey, founder

Virginia: In Centertown, after 31 years electronics retailer DeWitt shutdown due to increased competition.

Washington: Seattle based Amazon laid off “dozens of engineers” at its California located Lab126, blaming it on their failed Fire Phone.  California based Red Lion shutting down their Vancouver hotel by the end of October, 82 jobs lost.   It’s blamed on the city’s plan to redevelop the waterfront.

Wyoming: After 20 years of ethanol production Wyoming Ethanol shutting down their Torrington plant, 23 jobs lost.  They can’t compete against lower oil prices.  Mayor Mike Varney said the shutdown will directly affect local corn growers: “It`s going to hurt us…..our farmers that have raised corn for ethanol production, that’s going to be a real blow to them…”

26 August 2015:“We’ve never made money…I can’t go any further.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We’ve never made money…I can’t go any further.” Idaho jacks up ObamaCare rates! Pro ObamaCare health service admits ObamaCare can’t pay the bills! Haggen, Ralph’s & Safeway reveal mass California grocer kill-off! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 26 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: Washington based Haggen Foods issued mass shutdown WARNs for the following locations; 2 stores in Simi Valley, 2 stores in Tustin, 2 stores in Chula Vista, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Santa Clarita Valley (I previously reported on), La Mesa, San Marcos, San Ysidro, Bakersfield (I previously reported) and Los Osos, 620 jobs lost by October!    Kroger owned Ralph’s issued shutdown WARNs for their following grocery stores; Hermosa Beach, Santa Ana and Pico Rivera, 210 jobs lost by October!  Albertsons-Safeway issued yet another layoff WARN for Pleasanton, and a shutdown WARN for their Walnut Creek grocery store, 1-hundred jobs lost by October!   A company that claims to be “…the largest supplier of botanical ingredients in the U.S., for use in dietary supplements, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care…”, BI NUTRACEUTICALS, issued layoff WARNs for Emeryville and Santa Clara, 79 jobs lost by September.   ObamaCare probably was the real reason for two dental companies merging back in May, now Zimmer Biomet Dental issued shutdown WARNs for their Carlsbad ops, 279 jobs lost by the end of October!  Mountain View based tech company Intuit eliminating more jobs, this time 249 laid off!

Florida: Too Big to Jail American Express issued a WARN for their Weston office, 86 jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving.

Idaho: The state Department of Insurance has approved ObamaCare (Affordable Care Act) health insurance rate increases by as much as 26% in 2016!  It was also revealed that ObamaCare Idaho insurance rates have already gone up by as much as 15%!  Health insurance providers claim that they still payout far more than what they get in premium payments under ObamaCare, which means from the insurance industry perspective their own ObamaCare (they wrote the law folks) is a failure!   The wimp-ass state Department of Insurance director feebly said “In spite of our best efforts in working with carriers, health insurance rates will be increasing for some Idahoans in 2016….we urge consumers to review their plans and shop wisely…”

Illinois: Heavy vehicle maker Caterpillar killing even more jobs, this time 475 people to become unemployed as sales continue to crash!

Iowa: Unnamed news sources say Dethmers Manufacturing (aka Demco) eliminated a “substantial” number of jobs.

Maine: ObamaCare forcing the new owners of Mid Coast Health Services walk-in medical clinic to shutdown in September.  Administrators said ObamaCare is “…realigning health care services.”

Maryland: Sears Holdings revealed they will shutdown their California Kmart right before Thanksgiving, 71 jobs lost.

Montana: Slow internet service provider CenturyLink shutting down their Kalispell retail store in September.

Nevada: ObamaCare created Nevada Health Co-Op shutting down, admitting that it cannot make enough money under ObamaCare to pay for day-to-day operating costs! 

New York: Sears Holdings revealed they will shutdown their Appliance Repair Division in Melville, 31 jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving.  What construction industry recovery? San Mateo Construction is closing up shop in White Plains after losing their contract with utility con artist ConEd, 90 jobs lost by the end of the month.  Sterling National Bank issued WARNs for several offices, at least 11 jobs lost right before Xmas.  In Brooklyn, after six years Bergen Street Comics shutting down in September.  The owner refused to comment to news media, but there are reports that rents in that neighborhood have gone through the roof.  Taxpayer rip-off artist NRG Energy finally shutting down the money-pit Huntley coal fired electricity power plant, 90 jobs lost in 2016.  It was revealed the power plant has lost millions of dollars over several decades!  NRG Energy will also idle their Dunkirk power plant in January 2016.

North Carolina:  After 115 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Sutton Park Baptist Church.  Because of The Rapture, I mean declining membership, there are only about 18 members left.  But maybe it’s racism, after all the remaining members are ‘white’ and apparently no ‘black’ or ‘brown’ people want to join the church, according to local news reports.

Ohio: ObamaCare(?) forced taxpayer funded Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to layoff 17 people and reduce working hours for others.  Fluor BWXT warned 1-thousand 4-hundred people of mass layoffs at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant uranium decontamination operation in Piketon!  570 could be let go by 01 October!  Flour BWXT administrators blame a lack of taxpayer funding.  In Huber Heights, after six years Granny C’s Bakery shutting down due to skyrocketing operating costs: “A lot of my good friends, who’ve worked for me and who are still here are going to be jobless. We’ve never made money……When I get to the point where I don’t have any more money in my personal fund to switch over into the bakery funds to pay salaries, to pay ingredient costs, I can’t go any further.”-Rebecca McDaniel

Pennsylvania:  God refuses to stop what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome at ‘his’ La Salle University, 23 employees laid off due to a $12-million USD shortfall caused partly by crashing freshmen enrollments.

South Carolina: Greer based restaurant food supplier Ovation Brands was taken over by Texas based Food Management Partners (FMP).  As a result an undisclosed number of Ovation employees were laid off without warning: “FMP offered zero severance to the laid-off employees. No advanced notification was given either.”-unnamed former employee

The takeover of Ovation Brands will affect restaurant chains Ryan’s, Fire Mountain, Country Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet and Tahoe Joes Famous Steakhouse.

25 August 2015: More A&P, Haggen shutdowns!

“If we weren’t a food desert before, we certainly are now!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”