DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,730

CHESAPEAKE HARDWOOD PRODUCTS, INC.
CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

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 July 23, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Chesapeake Hardwood Products, Inc., Chesapeake, Virginia. The
workers at the subject firm produced hardwood panels used in
cabinetry and furniture.
The investigation revealed that production at the subject firm
ceased August 2008.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales and
production at the subject firm declined between 2006 and 2007, and
in the period January through June 2008 when compared to the same
period of 2008.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
hardwood panels in 2006, 2007, and January through June 2008. The
survey revealed increased customer imports of hardwood panels
during the relevant period.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 increase customer imports of
articles like or directly competitive with hardwood panels used in
cabinetry and furniture 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 or subdivision. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Chesapeake Hardwood Products, Inc.,
Chesapeake, Virginia, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 18, 2007 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 12th day of September 2008.


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