DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,165

OMNI SOFTGOODS
SPRING GREEN, WISCONSIN

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 September 19, 2007 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Omni
Softgoods, Spring Green, Wisconsin. Workers produced soft home
furnishings such as futon covers, window treatments and pillows.
Employment, sales, and production all declined absolutely due
to the subject firm's closure on July 15, 2007.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of soft home
furnishings in 2005, 2006. The survey revealed increased imports.
United States aggregate imports in the category other
household textile products increased 2006 compared with 2005 and in
January through November, 2007 compared with the same period of
2006.
In addition, 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.
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 do not possess skills that are easily transferable.
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 soft home furnishings produced at
Omni Softgoods, Spring Green, Wisconsin, 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 Omni Softgoods, Spring Green, Wisconsin, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 13, 2006 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 22nd day of February 2008

/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance