DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,044

RUSSELL'S WOODCARVING, INC.
HICKORY, 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), 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 June 8, 2004, in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Russell's Woodcarving, Inc., Hickory, North Carolina. The workers
at the subject firm produce furniture frame parts.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased during the period of 2002 to 2003 through
May 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of furniture frame parts.
These surveys revealed increases in imports of furniture frame
parts during the period under investigation.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with furniture frame parts produced by
Russell's Woodcarving, Inc., Hickory, North Carolina, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production and at that firm or subdivision.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Russell's Woodcarving, Inc., Hickory, North
Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 7, 2003, 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 22nd day of June, 2004.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance