DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,619

CAROLINA CANDLE LITES
THURMOND, 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 September 16, 2004, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Carolina Candle Lites, Thurmond, North Carolina. The
workers produce botanical pillar candles.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined during the period under
investigation.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firms' major
customers regarding their purchases of botanical pillar candles in
2002, 2003 and January through September 2004. The survey revealed
a major declining customer increased its
reliance on imports of botanical pillar candles during the period
under investigation.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of botanical
pillar candles produced Carolina Candle Lites, Thurmond, 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 Carolina Candle Lites, Thurmond, North
Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 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 October, 2004.


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