DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,730

HERITAGE SPORTSWEAR, LLC
d/b/a JOAN VASS, USA
MARION, SOUTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade 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 March 10, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Heritage Sportswear, LLC, d/b/a Joan Vass, USA, Marion, South
Carolina. The workers produced women's and girls knitwear (i.e.
bottoms (except skirts), tops and skirts).
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased from 2003 to 2004 and
January through March 2005 over the corresponding January through
March 2004 period.
The investigation further revealed that United States
aggregate imports of women's and girls' bottoms (except skirts),
tops and skirts increased during the twelve month period ending
February 2005 compared to the twelve month period ending February
2004. Also, the ratio of U.S. imports to U.S. shipments of these
products was well over 100 percent during the relevant period under
investigation.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) for
older workers.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.








Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of women's and
girls' skirts, bottoms and tops produced at Heritage Sportswear,
LLC, d/b/a Joan Vass, USA, Marion, South 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 Heritage Sportswear, LLC, d/b/a Joan Vass,
USA, Marion, South Carolina who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after March 8, 2004 through
two years from the date of certification are eligible to apply
for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act
of 1974, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade
adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of
1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 19th day of April, 2005.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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