DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-42,122

NESHOBA LUMBER COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA, MISSISSIPPI

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974
(19 USC 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 on September 16, 2002 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Neshoba
Lumber Company, Philadelphia, Mississippi. Workers were engaged
in the production of softwood dimensional lumber.
The investigation revealed that the subject company closed
in October 2001 and that all workers were separated at that time.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
company's major customer regarding their purchases of softwood
dimensional lumber during the time periods 2000, 2001, April-
September 2000, and April-September 2001. The survey revealed
increased customer import purchases during the period of decline
at the subject company.
United States aggregate imports of softwood lumber increased
both absolutely and relative to U.S. shipments in 2000-2001 and
in January through June 2001-2002.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Neshoba
Lumber Company, Philadelphia, Mississippi contributed importantly
to the decline in sales and production and 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 Neshoba Lumber Company, Philadelphia,
Mississippi, who are totally or partially separated on or
after August 28, 2001, through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed in Washington, D. C. this 14th day of November 2002.

/s/ Richard Church
_______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance