Layoffs at the American Press printing facility in Gordonsville are already expected to start soon. Orange County is facing more troubling news.
The unemployment office that serves the area will shut its doors for good in September. This news comes at a terrible time for the 123 workers facing imminent layoffs at American Press but an employment expert wants to assure anyone who is looking for work that this isn't the end of the line.
There is still a lot of fear surrounding the closing of American Press. There are concerns for employees, and deeper concerns for the overall well being of area businesses.
But as Karen Epps from the economic development office explains, this is nothing new. "Over the last several years, we've had multiple companies that have closed, and it's really impacted the unemployment rate in Orange County," she said.
Liberty Fabrics closed in 2002. Soon after, General Shale closed its doors in 2005. American Press is now the latest casualty.
Epps stated, "With the economic situation being what it is, you just don't want to hear of other companies closing."
Now the Culpeper branch of the Virginia Employment Commission will shut down in September, leaving displaced workers with fewer resources. It looks bleak on the surface, but there are alternatives.
"With the rapid response center and other resources through the Virginia Employment Commission, plus the Orange Workforce Center, I think we'll be able to assist these employees," Epps assured.
The Orange Workforce Center opened less than a month ago, and provides assistance for both job seekers and employers in and around Orange County. As for those leaving American Press, Epps isn't concerned. "I think based on the skill set that these employees have that we should be able to help them find employment rather quickly," she said.
Layoffs are expected to come in a series of gradual stages - with the final stage culminating sometime in August.
