Statement from Governor Gregoire on Closure of Leavenworth Wood Products

For Immediate Release: October 12, 2006

�I was very saddened to learn that Longview Fibre Company will be closing their Leavenworth sawmill. Leavenworth Wood Products has been a part of this community for a number of years and I know its closure will be very difficult for the employees and their families.

�I have directed the Washington Employment Security Department to form a rapid response team that will provide help filing for unemployment insurance, individual re-employment plans and, if necessary, assistance with training for new careers. They will work with the employees� union and the management of the company to identify the needs of workers and to strategize and coordinate delivery of necessary resources and services.

�My office will do what we can to help everyone get through the next few months and into a new job.�

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