Gov. Christine Gregoire to hear concerns in Saturday visit to Aberdeen

For Immediate Release: October 27, 2005

OLYMPIA � Oct. 27, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire today said she will hear concerns of workers, their families, labor and community leaders regarding Weyerhaeuser�s announcement that it plans to close its large log sawmill in Aberdeen and a specialty pulp mill in Cosmopolis.

Saturday�s open meeting will be at Gray�s Harbor Community College�s Bishop Center at 1 p.m.

�We are all affected by when a major employer announces it may not continue operation,� said Gov. Gregoire. �I want the people of Gray�s Harbor to know that they are not alone. I am committed to working with everyone to find the best possible answers for them and their families.�

The governor said that while a strong safety net of unemployment insurance and training, as well as job search assistance exists for affected workers, she wants to explore every option to keep the plants in operation.

Upon news of Weyerhaeuser�s announcement, Gov. Gregoire dispatched representatives of the state�s Department of Employment Security, and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to ensure that people knew what services were available to them. She also asked Lt. Gov. Brad Owen to help lead efforts and to work with legislators for assistance to the 342 affected workers and their families.

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