DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,414

VILLAZON & COMPANY, INC.
TAMPA, FLORIDA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness
Act of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein
presents the results of an 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 adjustment assistance
each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the
Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the
requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on December 11, 2000 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Villazon & Comapany, Inc., Tampa, Florida.
The workers are engaged in the production of cigars.
Sales, production, and employment all decreased during the
relevant period. It is anticipated that production at the Tampa
plant will cease in January of 2001.



The subject firm is transferring production offshore for
subsequent import. Company imports have begun and will increase,
causing separations at the subject plant.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with those produced at the subject firm,
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers of that firm. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Villazon & Company, Inc., Tampa, Florida,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after December 4, 1999 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 4th day of January, 2001


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