Tag Archives: idaho

Business/Economics, Idaho

Albertsons Safeway closings update, 10 February 2015: “That store basically has not been profitable for quite some time…..That’s why we’re closing it.”

More shutdowns of Alberstons, Safeway, Vons, United Supermarkets, etc grocery stores being revealed, now that the Cerberus Albertsons hostile $9.2-billion USD takeover (some reports say $8-billion while others say it was $9.8-billion) of the country’s second largest grocery store owner, Safeway, was finalized at the end of January.

Both Safeway and Albertsons were originally founded in Idaho (Safeway in American Falls in 1915 & Albertsons in Boise in 1939).  Safeway moved its HQ to California and Albertsons was taken over by evil Cerberus.

There are reports that Safeway’s Waterfront Bistro brand will actually be expanded.  Waterfront Bistro is a grocery chain that focuses on seafood.

Cerberus Albertsons also took over United Supermarkets.

Reports say the U.S. Federal Trade Commission ordered Cerberus to sell off 168 stores, in the name of maintaining competition.  It was motivated by legal action by attorney’s for Safeway, and the state attorney generals of Washington and Nevada.

Cerberus has sold off 12 Safeway and Albertsons stores to Texas based RLS Supermarkets, who will change the names to Minyard Sun Fresh Market.  In Texas Safeway stores are called Tom Thumb.

Cerberus has sold 146 Vons and Albertsons stores to a Washington based company called Haggen. The affected stores are located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.  Haggen administrators say the switchover to Haggen stores will take place during the next 120 days.

Arizona: In Lake Havasu, three Safeway and seven Albertsons are being switched over to Haggen.  I suspect that eventually some will be shutdown, it doesn’t make sense to have that many grocery stores of the same brand in one place.

California: Arcadia Vons Pavillion SuperStore to be shutdown on 18 March 2015, at least 168 jobs lost!  The 32 years old Hemet Vons shutdown on 28 December 2014, at least 55 jobs lost. Company administrators claimed it had nothing to do with the hostile takeover by Cerberus.  Marina Del Ray Albertsons, shutdown by 26 February 2015, at least 80 jobs lost.  Pleasanton Safeway HQ will layoff at least 26 people by 13 February 2015.   San Diego Albertsons, shutdown by 26 February 2015, at least 63 jobs lost.

Colorado: Colorado Springs Albertsons shutting down in March.  Cerberus administrators say it has nothing to do with their takeover of Safeway-Vons: “That store basically has not been profitable for quite some time, despite the best efforts of our company and associates there and the location…..That’s why we’re closing it.”

Oregon: In Lake Oswego, Albertsons being shutdown on 16 February.  Cerberus administrators made the exact same claim as in their Colorado Springs shutdown saying “The store has not been profitable for quite some time.”  This is interesting because according to local news reports there are only two grocery stores in the city!  In Lake Grove, the Albertsons being switch over to Haggen.  Safeway shutting down their Clackamas regional office, 91 jobs lost by March.

Texas: In East Dallas, an Albertsons was renamed Minyard Sun Fresh Market.  Reports said the grand opening was delayed due to problems switching over the cash register system.  A second East Dallas Alberstons is expected to make the changeover to Minyard Sun Fresh Market on 16 February.  Only one of the three East Dallas Albertsons will remain Albertsons.  One store manager said the changes are a direct result of the takeover of Safeway.  Interestingly I found a report that said Cerberus swore there would be no name changes after the takeover of Safeway, but they failed to explain the sale of 12 stores to RLS Supermarkets.

Washington: In Kirkland, reports that Goodwill thrift store is taking over the now vacant Albertsons store.

Cerberus sells-off California & Idaho based grocery stores! 

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 13 – 14 January 2015: NASCAR Hall of Fame to be closed? Obamacare targeted killing of thousands of non-profit jobs! More proof oil job losses are not due to oil prices!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

According to the National Association of Counties, only 65 out of 3143 counties across the United States have “fully” ‘recovered’ since 2008!!!

Alabama: Obama Care forcing the only mental hospital in the Tennessee Valley to shutdown?  North Alabama Regional Hospital will shutdown by June, 149 jobs lost!  After 25 years Applebee’s shutting down their Brookwood Village restaurant on 01 February 2015. The Texas based property owner refused to renew the lease with the restaurant.

California: In El Darado Hills, Green Valley Nursery & Landscape shutdown.  The owners blamed the greedy landlord saying “Lease expired and we must sell all our plants and trees immediately.”  In Palo Alto, Tibco Software laid off 80 people without warning.  It could be connected to their $4.3-billion USD sale to evil Vista Equity Partners.  In Santa Clara, Broadcom issued a WARN saying 60 people will become jobless in March.  In Los Angeles, Kroger issued a WARN saying another one of their Ralph’s grocery stores will shutdown, 70 jobs lost in March.  In Santa Barbara, after six years the Bizerk Costume Store shutdown, the owners blamed the greedy landlord, LYNX,  for giving them a 30 day eviction notice (instead of the required 60). Local news sources say LYNX administrators refused to say why they kicked out their tenant.  Bizerk co-owner says its all about jacking up the rent: “At the rates that are being charged on State Street, I think it’s very possible that a lot of chain store business might be taking a loss. I know someone who is a manager at Abercrombie & Fitch on State Street who said they lose $200-thousand a year…..!”-David Sampanis

Colorado: God refuses to stop Obama Care from forcing ‘his’ Arapahoe County based non-profit Catholic Health Initiative from laying off 15-hundred people across the United States!  A study says a new proposed law could kill 1-thousand oil jobs in The Centennial State.  The proposed law would prevent new petroleum wells from being drilled within 2-thousand feet (609 meters) of residences.   Anybody like flaming water coming out of their faucets, even if it means jobs?

Florida: In Miami, Obama Care forcing Crothall Healthcare to layoff 54 employees.  Obama Care forcing non-profit healthcare provider Florida Blue to eliminate 150 jobs!

Georgia: In Augusta, a Big Lots rip off store on Wrightsboro Road shutdown.  Local news reports say company reps refuse to give a reason.   Could it be that there are already several Big Lots in Augusta?  In Atlanta, special effects motion capture company Giant Studios shutdown and sold off their motion capture rights to Lightstorm Entertainment.  Some Giant Studios employees will transfer to Lightstorm’s California offices.

Hawaii: Retail store specializing in anything ‘Hawaiian’ Hilo Hattie shutdown their Kihei store and their Kona store.  Company administrators say they are going to try a new concept of entertainment style retail operations.

Idaho: According to National Association of Counties most recent data eastern Idaho’s Bannock County has failed to make any recovery in the areas of Jobs, Unemployment, GDP or Home Prices since 2008!  Never mind that Bannock County is still assessing the value of homes at tens of thousands of dollars above what they will actually sell for!

Illinois: Chicago based United Airlines revealed it might eliminate 2-thousand jobs despite lower fuel costs!  Administrators want to replace in-house employees with cheap-o contractors.

Indiana: Horse racing gambling company Centaur Gaming announced it is shutting down its off-track Merrillville betting site in March, at least 33 jobs lost.  It’s blamed on the lack of people willing to gamble, the bad economy has resulted in a 50% decline in betting!   Aluminum casting and machining company Harvey Industries revealed they laid off more than 143 people without notice, back in December!  Company administrators would only say “Due to unforeseen business circumstances, we were unable to provide this notice at least sixty (60) days before the layoffs took effect.”

Kentucky: In Louisville, after 18 years Wild and Wooly Video store shutdown, the owner blamed crashing sales ever since 2008.

Nevada: More proof casinos aren’t recession proof; Las Vegas based Caesars Entertainment now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

New Jersey: Pop corn maker Dale and Thomas Growers announced they will layoff 56 people in March, saying they are “transitioning to a co-manufacturing arrangement in Indiana”.  In Manville, God refuses to stop the Diocese of Metuchen from shutting down ‘his’ Christ the King School.  It’s the 11th ‘christian’ school to be shutdown by the Diocese of Metuchen, since 2009.  It’s blamed on raptured, I mean DSS (what I call Disappearing Student Syndrome).

New Mexico: After eight years free magazine Local iQ ceased publication.

New York: In NYC, restaurant The Palm issued a WARN saying they will shutdown (supposedly for remodeling) in April, 43 jobs lost.  Eastman Kodak continues its slow death layoffs, this time at least 16 people will be let go by April.  In Bayport, Wenner Bakery Products issued a WARN saying they’ll shutdown their Parbake Facility by May, 49 jobs lost.

North Carolina: Wishart Norris Henninger & Pittman law firm finally revealed that they shutdown back in December, blaming a dispute with new management.  The city of Charlotte has admitted it can’t pay off $17.8-million owed to Too Big to Jail Bank of America and Wells Fargo for floating the money losing  NASCAR Hall of Fame!  City administrators admit the loan payments are so big that they can’t even “break even”, and are begging the banks to ‘write down’ the loans, kinda like Greece wants to do with the European Union.

Ohio: In Belmont County, after only three years the local Electronic Recycling Services shutdown without warning.  Apparently the property is being sold off and electronic recycling operations in the county are being consolidated.

Oregon: Georgia Pacific is laying off 40 people, as part of their three years plan to eliminate at least 100 jobs from their Halsey paper mill.

Pennsylvania: After 25 years Booty’s Place restaurant shutdown in the Church Hill Mall, the owner would only say “No comment.”   In Ashely, after 34 years Clark’s Irish Import and Flower Shop shutdown.  The owners blame crashing sales ever since 2008, in other words they haven’t seen any ‘recovery’.

Tennessee: In Somerville, God refuses to stop Obama Care from forcing ‘his’ Methodist Healthcare from shutting down by March.

Texas: The Wall Street Journal warns that Fort Worth based iconic RadioShack is about to go bankrupt busted and will be sold off.  Obama Care forced Harris Health System (formerly Harris County Hospital District) to kill off 260 jobs!  Administrators blamed Obama Care for causing them to lose $70-million!  Houston based infamous Halliburton began another round of layoffs, but don’t blame falling oil prices, it’s because of their takeover of rival Baker Hughes.  In December Halliburton said they would eliminate 1-thousand jobs!

Wisconsin: The South Shore YMCA in Cudahy shutdown.  The greater YMCA of Metro Milwaukee blames it on massive debts.  In Wisconsin Rapids, after 43 years The Gift Tree shutdown.

09-12-January-2015: Obamacare insurance exchange fails, shutsdown!

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

Business/Economics, Idaho

Idaho RadioShacks make the closure hit list! 1784 stores across the U.S. to close!

07 February 2015 (00:00 UTC-07 Tango 01)/17 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/18 Bahman 1393/19 Bing Yin (12th month) 4712

It’s official, six (of approximately 24) Gem State RadioShack stores will be shutdown, pending a bankruptcy sale to cell phone service company Sprint.

Idaho shutdown list:

152 Bullock #4, Chubbuck
Elm Tree Plaza Suite 101, Meridian
Nampa Business Center, Nampa
733 Yellowstone Ave, Pocatello
3134 E Mullan Ave Ste A, Post Falls
Valley River Center, Rexburg

RadioShack has made public a massive list of 1784 stores across the United States that will be shutdown, called Radio Shack Exhibit 1A, B & C  First, Second & Third Tranche Stores. 

Radio Shack bankrupt busted & dying!

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 04 – 06 January 2015: Individuals flee New York en masse! CAD & AUD killing U.S. oil jobs, not the drop in oil prices! Secret RadioShack shutdowns? You know the economy is bad when Walmart starts shutting down! Obamacare kills 1-thousand+ jobs in Idaho!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: After 38 years the Robert Moore & Co. Christmas Town in Mobile shutdown.  Back in August 2014 the co-owners said their health was not so good and they better quit while they’re ahead.

Alaska: The U.S. Census Bureau reports 10,137 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!

California: The U.S. Census Bureau reports a net of 32,090 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!  In Turlock, MedicAlert laid off 31 employees, blaming crashing sales.  In Santa Ana, ITT Cannon issued a WARN saying at least 12 people will be laid off in March.  Southern California Edison continues job culling, this time their latest WARN says they will shutdown their San Clemente office, rendering 45 people jobless in March.   RadioShack issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Woodland distribution center, 57 jobs lost in March.  Also in Woodland, it’s been revealed that Mitt Romney’s wunderkind Staples shutdown.

Connecticut: In New Haven, the Anchor Bar shutdown without notice, local reports say employees were ordered not to say anything to the news media.   The U.S. Census Bureau reports at least 2,664 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!  Fairfield based GE (General Electric) canceled Obama Care health insurance for any retired employee who is younger than 65 years!   A judge recently allowed GE to kick all its 65-thousand retirees off of company health insurance and onto expensive private Obama Care insurance!  Obama Care being blamed for the demise of Waterbury Hospital.  Administrators say they are losing $9.7-million USD because of Obama Care, layoffs are imminent and they are now trying to sell the hospital!  Four other non-profit hospitals are up for sale as well!

Hawaii: The U.S. Census Bureau reports a net of 5,141 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!  Kayak tour company Kohala Ditch Adventures shutdown, blaming damage to flumes caused by bad weather, and citing the expiration of their operating lease.

Idaho: Virginia based Obama Care call center operator Maximus confirmed they will shutdown their Boise call center beginning in February, rendering 1500 people jobless!  According to state WARN records, Maximus was planning to shutdown back in April 2014.

Illinois: The U.S. Census Bureau reports a net of 94,956 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!

Indiana: CVS Pharmacy issued a WARN saying they will shutdown the Coram Enteral Nutrition Center in February, at least 124 jobs lost!

Iowa: What automotive industry recovery? Tire maker Bridgestone laid off 65 employees at their Des Moines factory, blaming crashing sales.

Kentucky: In Louisville, Cunningham’s Restaurant shutdown without warning, 30 jobs lost.  The property is for sale, but the current lease is good until 2022.  Gatti’s Pizza shutdown their Westport Village Gattiland restaurant, the owners blamed the greedy landlord: “The lease is expiring, and after months of attempting to negotiate with the landlord, a satisfactory agreement has not been reached.” 

Maine: Group Home Foundation’s Little River Apparel division laid off 60 people.

Michigan: After only five years Just Baked cupcake shop shutdown ten of its Detroit metro area stores!  Wayne County announced a 5% salary reduction for new ‘appointees’.  The county is trying to cut $1.2-million from their budget.  In Dexter, after more than 40 years Huron Camera shutdown, about nine jobs lost.  In Grand Rapids, after 14 years Louis Benton Steakhouse shutdown with a one day notice, 35 jobs lost.  It sounds like the landlords have other plans for the property.

Minnesota: Obama Care taxes forcing medical device maker Greatbatch to move 175 jobs from their Plymouth factory to Mexico!   In Wrenshall, family owned One Stop Market shutdown. The owner blames a new unAmerican corporate America competitor for costing him big losses, just in December: “Their advertising, their marketing, free milk, and 99 cent butter….It just kills these little businesses, little towns…..we’re losing everything that we have as a family…”-Chad Pfau, now legally bankrupt

New Jersey: After 14 years the Granville Millinery Company shutdown.  The owner said she was starting a new career.

New Mexico: The U.S. Census Bureau reports a net of 14,154 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!

New York: The U.S. Census Bureau reports 153,921 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!  This puts New York in the number one spot for mass exodus.  In Long Island, advertising tracking company Market Track issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by September 2015, at least 225 jobs are being moved out of state!  Yet another women’s clothing store going down as C.Wonder issued a late WARN saying they already shutdown their NYC store, 75 jobs lost with no warning. C. Wonder administrators also admitted “Due to the highly competitive nature of the current retail environment, C. Wonder will be closing its remaining stores.”  The clothing retailer will operate on the internet from now on.  You know the economy is bad when Walmart starts shutting down!  Walmart issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their huge two story Massapequa store in March, at least 295 jobs lost! The WARN blames the bad economy.  In Brooklyn, upscale The Guild for Exceptional Children preschool shutdown, 81 jobs affected.  In Queensbury, RadioShack shutdown their Aviation Mall store without warning, the closure was discovered by loyal customer Don Lehman who is now pissed off. In Albany, Taste (formerly Dale Miller) restaurant is being sold off.  Local news reports say it was never financially stable.  Too Big to Jail investment company NSB Advisors now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and being sold off.  After 58 years the Cheektowaga AMF Thruway Lanes bowling alley shutdown.  The property was sold to a car dealer.

Ohio:  After eight years The Greene’s Adobe Gila’s restaurant shutdown without notice, 40 jobs lost.  Local news reported that restaurant mangers/owners would not answer their phones.  Hyde Park restaurant Ash American Fare shutdown.  The owner said he is focusing on his other businesses.  In Lorain, U.S. Steel announced they will layoff 614 people between March and May, blaming crashing orders from the oil industry!

Texas:  Switzerland based deep water oil drilling company Transocean scrapped seven of their drilling ships! Company administrators say “As the company continues to evaluate the long-term competitiveness of its fleet, additional rigs may be identified as candidates for scrapping.”   They also plan massive layoffs of employees.  The decision to start scrapping deep water rigs was made back in November, before the oil price drop.  Company administrators warned their investor back then that there was a too much oil on the market.  In Houston, U.S. Steel announced they will layoff 142 people by May, blaming crashing orders from the oil industry!  Houston based oil industry company Civeo (who is supposedly relocating to Canada) laid off between 30% and 45% of employees in Canada and United States!  However, they are not blaming the drop in oil prices, they blame the declining value of the Canadian (CAD) and Australian (AUD) dollars!  Company administrators say things started getting bad before the oil price drop: “As it became evident during the fourth quarter that capital spending budgets among the major oil companies were going to be cut, we began taking steps to reduce marketed room capacity, control costs and curtail discretionary capital expenditures.”-Bradley Dodson, President and CEO

Utah: The U.S. Census Bureau reports 1,235 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!

West Virginia: The U.S. Census Bureau reports 3,269 people left the state from July 2013 to July 2014!  Oil drilling contractor Antero Resources laying off 250 land brokers (industrial real estate agents), and focusing on drilling for oil only!  Company administrators blame crashing natural gas prices.

01-03-January-2015: Chick fil-A kills Macaroni Grill in secret deal!

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

Business/Economics

Radio Shack bankrupt busted & dying! Sprint taking over?

04 February 2015 (14:50 UTC-07 Tango 01)/14 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/15 Bahman 1393/16 Bing Yin (12th month) 4712

Reports that 94 years old RadioShack is selling at least half its existing stores, and the most likely buyer is cell phone company Sprint (Amazon is another potential buyer).  It’s part of RadioShack’s bankruptcy which could see the rest of the iconic (but always struggling, I know I worked for them from mid 1989-90 and they were struggling then) electronics stores shutdown.  1-thousand 1-hundred remaining stores and thousands of jobs affected!

On 02 February 2015, the New York Stock Exchange began delisting procedures, basically rendering all stocks in RadioShack worthless.  The delisting might have been the result of RadioShack administrators officially defaulting on a massive multi-million dollar loan from Salus Capital.

There are reports that some store employees were told to drastically cut prices and sell everything, while employees at other stores are reporting they’ve been told nothing.

Radio Shack ups the store closure ante!

Radio Shack will continue closing stores, because it makes them money! 

Sears, Best Buy, RadioShack, JCPenny all going down? 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 19 – 23 December 2014: “We tried our best! There just isn’t enough cash…” More job killing landlords! More revolving door employment shell games by the Too Big to Jails! “We had a great ride, but now we must….close forever.”

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: After 29 years the Actors Theatre of Phoenix shutdown due to constricted cash flow, and tickets that were already sold off will not be refunded: “We made a lot of changes, and some things did improve, but it wasn’t enough. When we started putting all the numbers next to each other, it became clearer and clearer that this was a math problem. The cost structure of supporting professional artists is no longer something that Actors Theatre was able to do.”-Matthew Wiener, artistic director

Arkansas: North Little Rock library laying off 11 people.  Incompetent ‘elected’ and appointed administrators admitted they grossly underestimated the cost of expanding the library!

California:  Jamba Juice revealed it will layoff 23 people (including three senior vice presidents) at its Emeryville support center in 2015. Company administrators say the economic situation is forcing them to reduce costs.  In Anaheim, Norco Delivery issued a WARN saying 93 people will become jobless in February 2015.  Taxsucking Boeing issued several WARNs (again) saying at least 170 people across California will become jobless in February 2015!   OfficeMax-OfficeDepot issued a WARN saying the Menlo Park OfficeMax will shutdown in February 2015, at least 71 jobs lost.  In San Francisco, once again the evil British empire based U.S. taxsucker BAE Systems issued a layoff WARN saying 192 people will become unemployed in January 2015!

Connecticut: Provider of turbine engines to airlines and military, Pratt & Whitney announced they will furlough most of their salaried employees in 2015!  The furloughs will take place in April, May, July, September, October, November and December.  Company administrators admit they don’t expect any ‘recovery’ soon: “We won’t see the benefits of our new programs for a few years.”-Ray Hernandez

Florida: Naples based Beasley Broadcast Group laid off more than 12 employees.  Employees said there was no notice.  Does it have something to do with the recent takeover of seven North Carolina radio stations?

Hawaii: Mark’s Hallmark at Kahala Mall shutdown despite making $1-million USD per year! Hallmark administrators say it’s still not enough money!  It might have something to do with the high rent: “We love being here, but you have to make the economics work.”-Jim Cox, Mark’s Hallmark

Slow death of Chubbuck's Carmike Cinema 7, as of December 2014. It 1st opened in 1990 by Excellence Theaters, becoming Carmike 7 in 1998 who then sold it off in August 2014.

Slow death of Chubbuck’s Carmike Cinema 7, as of December 2014. It 1st opened in 1990 by Excellence Theaters, becoming Carmike 7 in 1998 who then sold it off in August 2014.

Idaho: In Chubbuck, the demolition of the 24 years old Carmike Cinema 7 is slowly underway.  Rumors are spreading that it will be replaced by an Olive Garden.  I’ve been hearing that Olive Garden rumor since 1996, I’ll believe it when I see it!

Maryland: After nearly 70 years plastic container maker Hedwin announced they are shutting down their Baltimore ops by 2017, and moving to Delaware.  300 jobs will be lost in Maryland!

Massachusetts: Gateway Schools threatening to reduce parent-teacher days or seven teachers will get laid off! School administrators are struggling with how to deal with funding cuts of about $200-million!

Michigan:  In Ann Arbor, after 26 years Falling Water Books & Collectables shutdown due to the greedy landlord jacking up the rent.

Minnesota: The Northern Star Bank failed, being taken over by the FDIC who then turned over the bank’s assets to BankVista.

New York: In NYC, lottery company GTECH issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by the end of January 2015.  At least 31 jobs lost due to losing the state lottery contract.  In Saint Johnsville, foam filter maker Opflex Environmental Technologies issued a WARN saying their landlord is evicting them, which will result in 51 jobs lost.  Too Big to Jail First Niagara began advertising to hire 200 people, the exact number of people they also announced are being laid off in 2015!  Bank administrators said it’s all part of the banking industry’s “strategic” growth plans.  Hauppauge based law firm Binder & Binder now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  It made millions of dollars every year by suing Social Security, yet is now in debt by as much as $50-million!  The bankruptcy filing shows administrators plan on eliminating 566 jobs over the next two years!  In Binghamton, after more than 85 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) MacLennan’s Flowers shutdown: “The area’s gone from a manufacturing base to a retail base, and that’s a big difference in paychecks.”-Scot MacLennan, 3rd generation owner

Pennsylvania:  New Freedom based 90 years old (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) sports store Shenk & Tittle shutting down all its Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia stores, saying “We had a great ride, but now we must say goodbye and close forever.”  In Kingston, after more than four years the owners of Vanderlyn’s Restaurant announced that New Year’s Eve is their last day of operations. They said they need more “family time”.  In Centre County, after nearly 100 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) the Mount Nittany Inn shutdown. The restaurant has been for sale for the past three years, but nobody wants to buy.  A co-owner blames the lack of ‘recovery’ and evil Too Big to Jail banks: “We tried our best! There just isn’t enough cash flow….”-Nancy Silvis

Rhode Island: Central Coventry Fire District now officially bankrupt busted after administrators and employees failed to solve a budget crisis: “The cost of the fire district has risen beyond the willingness of the taxpayers to pay, and now bankruptcy is the only means available to restructure the district’s operations and obligations to restore it to fiscal solvency and stability for the future.”-Lincoln Chafee, state governor

Virginia:  After only seven months Dash Kitchen & Carry restaurant shutdown! The owners admitted they were ignorant of the bad economy saying “…we misjudged the demand for it in that market and failed….Dash will either be sold ….or will be reimagined…”   In Virginia Beach, after 39 years the owner of pet store Animal Jungle announced he will shut it down by January 2015.  In Richmond, the co-owner of ‘adult themed’ Tiki Bob’s club announced they will shutdown in February 2015, blaming competition and lazy city administrators: “After 16 years we’ve hit the end! You see all the great food and stuff going on in Richmond. There’s no more room for just a club anymore. I’ve waited a year for the city to get the ballpark. I can’t wait any longer….I don’t know if I want to put another 200-300k in the bottom without the city doing anything down here.”-Erik Brockdorff

Washington: East Pierce Fire and Rescue failed to reach a deal with the union to alleviate a $1-million shortfall.  Seven positions will now be eliminated.  Administrators say the economy has not recovered as evidenced by crashing local tax revenues, which have fallen 30% over the past five years!

Wisconsin: Concrete company Ojibwa Ready Mix now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.

16-18-december-2014: “I’ve never seen such incompetence.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

 

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 16 – 18 December 2014: “In all my years, I’ve never seen such incompetence…” Obama kills off another polysilicon factory!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California:  Safeway announced they will shutdown one of their Vons grocery stores in Hemet by January 2015, at least 55 jobs lost.  Only a year after ‘expanding’, Berkeley founded Peet’s Coffee & Tea shutdown all six Ohio shops, plus three in Pennsylvania and two in Michigan, without warning! 70 jobs lost, company administrators said only that those stores “…are not performing to our sales expectations and didn’t have a promising future…” Peet’s also shutdown seven former Caribou Coffee House stores in August, killing off 150 jobs!

Michigan: What automotive industry recovery?  In Ann Arbor, the 51 years old motorcycle/snowmobile dealer Nicholson’s announced they are shutting down.  Local news reports said no reason is being given, and they’re confused because sales reps claim vehicle sales have “been great!”  

Minnesota: After only nine months Boneyard Kitchen and Bar shutdown, some customers told local news that they were not happy with the menu items.

Missouri: Aramark Healthcare Support Services warned they will render 100 people jobless at the Saint Louis University Hospital in February 2015!

New Hampshire: Eastern Mountain Sports warned it will eliminate 41 corporate-call center jobs, and relocate other employees by May 2015.  The bad economy is forcing them to consolidate corporate and warehouse jobs.

New Jersey: Commercial light bulb maker Kurt Versen issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Westwood factory beginning February 2015, at least 102 jobs lost!  Company administrators blame the property owner for refusing to renew the lease.

New York: In Bronx, education evaluator Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in March 2015, at least 44 jobs lost.

Ohio: After 60 years Ruppel’s Art & Paint Supply shutdown on Xmas eve. The owner said he can no longer compete with ‘big box’ stores who actually carry less of a selection than he did, nor the internet.   The city of Brook Park continues to kill jobs.  16 people will become unemployed by January 2015, and city officials warn the city could go bankrupt.  Apparently the general fund is $3-million USD in the hole! The article I read never once explained why the city is so broke, but quoted a former mayor as saying “In all my years, I’ve never seen such incompetence in council members.”

Oregon: In Portland, after 35 years the Hunan Restaurant shutdown “Due to personal health issues”.

Pennsylvania: Manitowoc Crane Care revealed they laid off under 100 people at their Antrim Township factory.  Back in February they laid off 260 employees! Company administrators blame crashing sales: “The continuing decline in the rough-terrain and boom truck markets in North America and Latin America have continued to negatively impact our crane segment performance.”

Tennessee:  After 17 years the GollyWhoppers sandwich shop announced they’re shutting down the day before Xmas.  ServiceMaster laid off 61 people from its Memphis HQ.  Dickson Quad/Graphics issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in March 2015, at least 115 jobs lost!  They blame it on the death of the USA Weekend newspaper.  Hemlock Semiconductor announced they will finally kill off their less than six years old Clarksville polysilicon factory.  The factory was idled in 2013, eliminating 400 jobs!  Company administrators blamed the same things that Hoku administrators in Pocatello, Idaho, blamed for their ‘death’: Crashing polysilicon prices and Obama regime imposed tariffs on U.S. polysilicon products sold to China!  Free market advocates said it’s proof that giving corporations huge tax incentives don’t work: “The Hemlock debacle is living proof that corporate welfare has no place in Tennessee. Taxpayers should not be forced to unwillingly invest in private companies, especially those in volatile markets, through corporate welfare schemes.”-Justin Owen, Beacon Center

Washington: Spokane based Spokane Rock has laid off 45 people from its asphalt division.  Spokane Rock also has operations in Idaho.

13-15-december-2014: Two Great Depression survivors killed off by this ‘recovery’! 

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

Idaho, International

World War 3 Afghanistan, 26 – 31 January 2015: Obama regime refuses to co-operate with SIGAR, deploys 1100 personnel to secret location! USAID admits $2-billion scam! U.S. mercenaries assassinated! China courts Mujahideen! More cops committing rape!

People who claim to be representatives of the Taliban/Mujahideen claim they were invited to China “For making relationship, enhancing ties and for the purpose explaining our stance, Taliban will continue to visit neighboring countries and world……Due to the sympathy with Afghan nation and Taliban, several countries have offered their assistance in solving the ongoing issue.”

Ghazni Province: In Ghazni City, Mujahideen assassinated the administrator of the Ghazni prison.  The man had a reputation for torturing prisoners.  In Andar District, a firefight between two groups resulted in 19 people dead.

Helmand Province: In Lashkargah City, a firefight killed at least one person.  Mujahideen claim they’ve assassinated a National Directorate of Security (NDS) agent, while he was shopping in a veggie market.

Herat Province: On Herat-Islam Qala highway, a female cop was killed and two male cops wounded after their highway check point was hit by a bomb.   In Shindand District, reports that government contractors (mercenaries) conducted a home invasion and killed at least one person.  In Pashtoon Zarghon District, the local police chief and his son were killed when they drove over a landmine.  Two people were wounded.

Kabul Province:  An Afghan National Army soldier shot and killed three U.S. mercenaries (One of which was a former Fayetteville, North Carolina, cop.  Another was a former Army Special Forces medic who grew up in Chubbuck, Idaho.  Both were considered ‘Christians’: “He was a devout Christian and passionate about his faith.” said a Christian pastor about one of the men.  Jesus said “And to him who strikes you on your cheek, offer the other….” Luke 6:29.  What’re true Christians doing working as mercenaries [security contractors, same thing]?) and one Afghan mercenary: “We can confirm that there was a shooting incident at North Kabul International Airport complex 29 January at approximately 6:40pm.  Three coalition contractors were killed as was an Afghan local national.”-U.S.-NATO coalition statement

The former administrator of Kabul’s appellate court was assassinated.  Police say they don’t know who did it.  The victim’s driver said it was two men on a motorcycle.  Family members said they were not aware that anybody wanted him dead.  Mujahideen are claiming they’ve assassinated a colonel in the Afghan Rapid Reaction Force, by explosion.

Kandahar Province: In Kandahar City, an explosion in a bazaar wounded four cops and four civilians.  The bomb went off as a squad of cops walked by.  Prison guards are now under investigation after male prisoners were allowed into the female section of the prison.  Four women were raped for hours, one woman is in critical condition.   Last month Afghan government administrators admitted that most of the rape cases involve cops!  A man who was working as a spy for coalition forces died of a disease (supposedly).  The people claim he was an oppressive bully and refused to allow his body to be buried in the local cemetery.   Even his own relatives refused to accept his body, saying he was working for the “American invaders from the start of the invasion”!

Kapisa Province: In Najrab District, seven people arrested for raping a 12 years old girl.  At least three of those arrested are cops!  The girl is in critical condition.  Last month Afghan government administrators admitted that most sex crimes involve cops!

Laghman Province: In Mesri Kala area, a bomb exploded killing three civilians and one cop.  In Mehtarlam City, a funeral procession for the cop killed in the above incident was hit by a Kamikaze bomber, 12 people killed at least 36 wounded.

Nangarhar Province:  In Jalalabad City, yet another explosion wounded five people.  This time it happened at the  Baba Wali Hotel.  In the same city a bomb exploded near the Afghan-Turk school, at least one person killed, two wounded.  In Kot District, a tribal elder and his brother were assassinated by unknown assassins.  In Chaprihar District, Mujahideen say they shot down a recon drone during the night.  They say it disintegrated upon impact with the ground.  In Haska Mina District, police say unknown men blew up a girl’s school.  A boy’s school was vandalized.

Nuristan Province: In Kamdesh District, four Afghan Border Police were killed when they drove over a landmine.

Samangan Province: In Dara-e-Soof District, somebody blew up a mosque as people were leaving, wounding at least seven people including the local police chief.

Takhar Province: In Khwaja Ghar District, reports that government forces raided a village, killing one person and wounding another.

20 – 25 January 2015: U.S. taxpayers send in extra helicopters

The British empire country of Australia promises to force its taxpayers to give Afghanistan an additional $300-million AUD.  Australian taxpayers have already given Afghanistan $1-billion since the U.S. led occupation began!  Where in the hell is all that money going? When you factor in all the taxpayer money from countries all over the World that have gone to Afghanistan its clear Afghanistan is the World’s biggest money laundering pit!

The taxpayer funded terror group United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has stopped all funding of mercenary contractor International Relief and Development (IRD).  The contractor got almost $2-billion USD for ‘work’ in Afghanistan and Iraq, USAID claims they’ll recover the money: “The agency’s review revealed serious misconduct in IRD’s performance, management, internal controls and present responsibility….the USAID Office of the Inspector General is conducting an investigation of IRD….will take every measure at our disposal to recover these funds.” 

Obama’s U.S. Department of Defense has now classified all info about the U.S. training and taxpayer funding of Afghan troops, and is now refusing to provide that info to the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR)!

The Obama regime now says the Taliban are not terrorists.

This comes as the Obama regime ordered the deployment of 1-thousand 1-hundred USAF airmen and dozens of A-10C attack aircraft from Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona, to an undisclosed location!  The deployment will take place in March and involves the  354th Fighter Squadron, 563rd Rescue Group and  the 55th Electronic Combat Group.

Reports say that air-militiamen and women of the Air National Guard’s 122nd Blacksnake Fighter Wing (Indiana U.S.A.) began returning from their deployment to Qatar, in support of ops in Afghanistan.

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 13 – 15 December 2014: “There’s been a decline…” Two Great Depression survivors killed off by this ‘recovery’!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: MFS (Massachusetts Financial services) issued several WARNs saying they are eliminating jobs across the Golden State, at least 200 jobs lost by February 2015!  Uniform and food service contractor Aramark issued several WARNs saying they are shutting down ops across the Golden State, at least 570 jobs lost!  Pleasanton Safeway headquarters will layoff at least 26 people by 13 February 2015, due to the takeover by Cerberus owned Albertsons.

Florida: Just one day after warning of layoffs in California, Orlando based iconic SeaWorld revealed it has already eliminated 311 jobs at all 11 of its sealife amusement parks!

Idaho: In Post Falls, office furniture maker Kimbal International issued a WARN saying they will shutdown beginning in February 2015, at least 251 jobs lost!

Illinois: In Chicago, anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi laid off an undisclosed number of North America Nutrition (Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana) employees. Pepsi also extended its cost cutting plan (originally to end in 2014) to 2019, saying the economy is so bad it now needs to cut $8-billion USD in expenses!  In Springfield, after 114 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) LaBonte’s Luggage & Gifts shutdown: “Luggage is highly competitive, and the trend with younger people is buying online, especially with many luggage manufacturers having their own websites selling directly to the customer.”-Art Silver, owner

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery? Truck maker Navistar International announced they’re shutting down their Indianapolis foundry by the summer of 2015, at least 180 jobs lost!  Company administrators say the suck-ass economy is forcing them to get their parts from a cheap-o-contractor instead of making them in their own foundry!  Greedy stockholders love the idea!

Maine: In Bangor, after 142 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Bacon Printing Company shutdown.  Company administrators said the final straws were increasing utility costs and building maintenance costs.

Massachusetts: Non-profit Masonic Health System warned of layoffs at its Overlook Life Care Community, and as a result of its sale of its failed Overlook Health Care operation.

Michigan: In Monroe, after 17 years the Dollar & Up store shutdown, the owner blaming the lack of ‘recovery’: “There’s been a decline in spending. People used to buy on impulse, and when the economy went down, people started to be more careful on what they bought.”-Amir Ameen

New York: For profit Utica School of Commerce stopping almost all classes at its Oneonta campus in Spring 2015! At least nine jobs lost due to DSS. Clinton Community College warned of layoffs due to DSS  (what I call Disappearing Student Syndrome).  NYC based bratty & bankrupt teenage girl’s clothing chain store dELiA*s announced they will shutdown all 92 stores!

Tennessee: The Toys R Us located near Knoxville Center Mall announced it will shutdown in January 2015, at least 28 jobs lost.

11-12-december-2014: “Everybody wants to know, ‘Is there anything we can do?’ and there is nothing.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 05 – 08 December 2014: More girly clothing store deaths! More proof the suck-ass economy is going to kick yours!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

British empire’s British Petroleum (BP) said that crashing oil prices are causing them to “accelerate” their already massive planned layoffs.  Those layoffs have been in the works ever since BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.

Gannett owned USA Today announced it is ending publication of its USA Weekend edition, eliminating at least 30 jobs.  Back in September USA Today laid off 70 people.

California:  In Beverly Hills, 3D movie tech company RealD announced it must cut $16-million in expenses and warned jobs will be lost.  After eight years award winning restaurant Hatfield’s shutdown. No explanation, but the owners swore they’d be back with a new restaurant.  In Ontario, corporate spy agency IntelliSource issued a WARN saying the will shutdown by February 2015, at least 312 jobs lost!  In Santa Monica, La Sandia restaurant issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in February 2015, at least 74 jobs lost.  Also in Santa Monica, Zengo restaurant issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in February 2015, at least 74 jobs lost.  Freedom Communications revealed (in a late issued WARN) how many people it laid off after halting publication of its LA Register; 88.  Earlier reports said only 20 people were let go.

Georgia: Atlanta based iconic Coca Cola announced it is cutting $100-million AUD from its Australian ops in 2015, killing off at least 250 jobs in the Land Down Under! Coca Cola already killed off at least 157 Australian jobs for 2014!  Procter & Gamble warned it will shutdown its Augusta factory by 2016, at least 190 jobs lost (40 employees, 150 contractors)!  Between 2012 and 2013 Procter & Gamble eliminated 160 jobs at the same factory!  Company administrators say the rapidly changing U.S. economy means they must radically change their supply system across the U.S.

Idaho: Administrators with “the nation’s largest supplier of building materials for home building” ProBuild announced they’re shutting down their Sandpoint ops due to crashing sales.

Illinois: God refused to stop ‘his’ Benedictine University from ending its undergraduate program and killing as many as 100 jobs!   In Oregon city, after four years Jackass BBQ shutdown with little notice, the owner is pissed about the lack of any economic recovery, he’s now forced to auction off his personal tools: “Business is slow here in Oregon…Most people from Dixon do not drive here anymore….We will have lots of Craftsman tools and toolboxes, antiques, household items and furniture. We have a welder and oxygen acetylene cutting torches, along with several steel industrial work benches.”-Andy Riegel

Kentucky: Patriot Coal announced more coal mine shutdowns, this time two mines will be shutdown by January 2015, at least 670 jobs lost!

Mississippi: In Jackson County, bankrupt Mississippi Phosphates announced they’re halting diammonium phosphate production, at least 172 jobs lost!

New York:  NYC based bratty teenage girl’s clothing chain store dELiA*s now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  The company has been for sale for a long time now, but obviously nobody wants to buy it in this suck-ass economy.  Company administrators admitted sales are so bad they haven’t made a profit in five years!  In Ithaca, after more than 40 years Manos Diner shutdown. The news was revealed by an employee.  In Saratoga county, the company about to takeover Maplewood Manor nursing home, Zenith Healthcare, revealed they plan on eliminating 97 jobs and move other employees to part time only.

Texas: God refused to stop ‘his’ Southern Methodist University (home of the George W. Bush Presidential Library) from cutting programs and killing jobs. The Christian university has spent tens of millions on new dorm buildings despite DSS (what I call Disappearing Student Syndrome).

Wisconsin: Non-profit WPS Health Insurance (aka Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation) laid off 20 IT (information technology) workers. The company laid off 250 people in 2013! Administrators blame their military Tricare (formerly known as CHAMPUS, Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) and Medicare contracts, as well as blaming Obama Care: “The reality is the competition for these government contracts, along with health care reform, is requiring everyone to look for more efficiencies.”– Ellen Foley

03-04-december-2014: Iconic business that survived 2 major U.S. depressions gets killed off by current “recovery”!

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.