DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,241

BLYTH HOMESCENTS INTERNATIONAL
A SUBSIDIARY OF BLYTH INCORPORATED
ELKIN MANUFACTURING/DISTRIBUTION
INCLUDING ON-SITE LEASED WORKERS FROM MEGA FORCE, SELECT STAFFING
AND WORKFORCE CAROLINA
ELKIN, NORTH 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 October 3, 2007 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Blyth Homescents
International, A subsidiary of Blyth Incorporated, Elkin
Manufacturing/Distribution, Elkin, North Carolina. The workers
produce candle product, including pillars, filled containers and
tealights.
The investigation revealed the Blyth Homescents International
employed on-site leased workers from Mega Force, Select Staffing,
and Workforce Carolina.
This investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm decreased in the year-to-date period of January
through August 2007 compared to that of 2006.
The investigation also revealed the subject firm increased
reliance on imports of candle product during the relevant period.
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 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 determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with candle product produced by Blyth
Homescents International, A subsidiary of Blyth Incorporated, Elkin
Manufacturing/Distribution, Elkin, 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 Blyth Homescents International, A subsidiary
of Blyth Incorporated, Elkin Manufacturing/Distribution,
Elkin, North Carolina, including on-site leased workers from
Mega Force, Select Staffing, and Workforce Carolina, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 24, 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 29th day of October 2007


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