DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,197

SPECIALTY MODE, INC.
JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on July 1, 2003, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Specialty Mode, Inc.,
Jacksonville, North Carolina. The workers produce decorative
flags.
Plant sales, production and employment declined at the subject
plant during the relevant period.
The further investigation revealed that major customer(s) of
the subject firm increased their purchases of imported decorative
flags during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with flags produced at Specialty Mode,
Inc., Jacksonville, North Carolina contributed importantly to the
total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales
or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Specialty Mode, Inc., Jacksonville, North
Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after May 19, 2002 through two years from the
date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 15th day of August, 2003.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance