Corrected: January 2, 2008

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,306

H.C. HOLDINGS, LLC.
WADENA, MINNESOTA

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 16, 2007 in
response to a petition filed by a state agency representative on
behalf of workers of H.C. Holdings, LLC., formerly known as
Homecrest Industries, Wadena, Minnesota, an unaffiliated company.
The workers were engaged in the production of casual and patio
furniture.
This investigation revealed that employment, sales, and
production at the subject firm declined in 2006 compared with 2005
and declined in January through September 2007 compared with the
same period in 2006.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm’s primary
declining customers regarding purchases of casual and patio
furniture in 2005, 2006, and January through September 2007. The
survey revealed increased imports 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 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 casual and patio furniture
produced by H.C. Holdings, LLC., Wadena, Minnesota, 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 H.C. Holdings, LLC., Wadena, Minnesota, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after October 15, 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 20th day of December 2007


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance

4510-FN-P




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