Dec. 21, 2007 ............................................................................... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Georgia Department of Labor will help laid-off workers at Weyerhaeuser in Valdosta 
ATLANTA  State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor will provide assistance to employees who are expected to lose their jobs at the Weyerhaeuser Company in Lowndes County. The company manufactures veneer. 
Officials of Weyerhaeuser Company have notified the state labor department that they plan to close the company's plant at 1826 Clay Rd. in Valdosta in February, affecting about 245 workers. 
"The closure of the plant at the Weyerhaeuser Company 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 Weyerhaeuser Company 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: on-site 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 Lowndes County area is served by the Georgia Department of Labor's Valdosta Career Center at 221 South Ashley St. in Valdosta. The telephone number is (229) 333-5211. 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-07-456