DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,719

THE ENCORE GROUP
UNITED DESIGN DIVISION
NOBLE, OKLAHOMA

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 January 25, 2006 and filed
by a company official on behalf of workers at The Encore Group,
United Design Division, Noble, Oklahoma. The workers produce
master molds for figurines and are engaged in catalog production.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales, and
production at the subject firm declined absolutely upon its
shutdown on January 31, 2006.
The subject firm shifted catalog production as well as the
production of master molds for figurines to China. Figurines and
catalogues will both be imported back into the United States.
In addition, in order for the Department to issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group
eligibility requirements of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be
met. The Department has determined in this case that the
requirements of Section 246 have been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable to positions
with similar pay and benefits. Furthermore, competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at the subject
firm contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:


"All workers of The Encore Group, United Design Division,
Noble, Oklahoma, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after January 25, 2005 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 3rd day of February, 2006
/s/ Richard Church
_______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance