News release, Nov. 30, 2007

NOTE: Please disregard the earlier version of this press release, in which we inadvertently used the address of the old Gainesville Career Center. This press release has the correct address on the Atlanta Highway.
Nov. 30, 2007...................................................................FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Georgia Department of Labor will help laid-off workers at Peachtree Doors and Windows in Gainesville
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees who lose their jobs at Peachtree Doors and Windows in Hall County. The company manufactures vinyl, glass, and aluminum.
Officials of Peachtree Doors and Windows have notified the state labor department that they plan to close the company's manufacturing plant at 2744 Ramsey Rd. in Gainesville, affecting about 200 workers. The layoffs are expected to begin in January and continue through March of next year.
"The closure of the plant at Peachtree Doors and Windows will create a difficult situation for the workers and the community," said Commissioner Thurmond, "and I want the workers and their families to know they're not alone in dealing with this difficult situation. Our staff will work closely with Peachtree Doors and Windows officials, as well as local business and political leaders to determine how we can best assist the employees affected by the plant closure."
Thurmond said the labor department's rapid response unit is working with company management to discuss a wide range of transitional services available to laid-off workers. These options include: onsite employee information sessions, unemployment compensation, job-search services, retraining options, resources of the labor department's career centers, surveys of workers to determine needs, special workshops on career options and resume writing and interviewing skills.
The Georgia Department of Labor conducts job search workshops, career counseling, and provides resource centers in each office. Some job seekers may also be eligible for occupational/skills training, on-the-job training, General Education Development (GED) preparation and testing, and supportive services such as child-care assistance, transportation assistance and meals while enrolled in full-time training.
The Hall County area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Gainesville Career Center at 2756 Atlanta Highway, in Gainesville. The telephone number is (770) 535-5484. However, workers affected by the plant closure may get assistance from any of the department's 53 career centers statewide.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685 CY-07-448