Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns.

Unconfirmed reports say Germany based Siemens is restructuring its Industry, Energy, Healthcare and Infrastructure & Cities divisions, resulting in 10-thousand job losses around the World, including the United States!   It’s blamed on Siemens’ putting more focus on taking over energy companies.  Unconfirmed reports say one of the energy sector takeovers will cost Siemens almost $1-billion USD.

Arizona: In Tucson, after 55 years Fruit Land Market shutdown.  The property owners kicked out the Market owners, so they could sell the land to speculators.

California: Pasadena Guitars shutdown due to death of owner.  Foothill Ranch based women’s clothing retailer Wet Seal shutting down 17 Wet Seal stores and 31 of its Arden B stores by the middle of 2015, CEO John Goodman blames the bad economy.  In Sunnyvale, electronics maker Supertex revealed it will layoff 15 employees in June.  It could be connected to the takeover by Microchip.    In Simi Valley, real estate management company Genesis Acquisition Management laying off at least four employees.  In San Diego, Trius Therapeutics laying off 27 employees in June.   Germany based pharmaceutical supplier EMD Millipore (aka Merck Millipore) shutting down by July, 110 jobs lost!

Colorado: In Glenwood Springs, after 40 years Anderson’s Clothing shutdown.  The owner said the economy is so bad she wouldn’t even try selling the business: “I just think it would be too difficult for a new business owner to come in and try to keep it going.”-Monica Miller

Florida: In Pinellas Park, after 22 years non-profit Venue Theater shutdown.  The owner blamed it on “A recent downturn of events” such as health problems and the landlord jacking up the rent. In Saint Augustine, Hallmark continues its shutdown by killing off Betsy’s Hallmark Store.

Hawaii: In Maui, after more than 20 years Stella Blues Cafe shutdown.  The restaurant owner stated that his landlord could no longer cut him a break on the rent.

Illinois: In Evergreen Park, after 60 years Snackville Junction shutdown.  The eatery’s signature was delivering your food on model train cars along a railroad track: “Unfortunately our last days are ahead…..We hope that somewhere somehow the Snackville Junction choo-choo will return…”-Facebook posting

Iowa: In Comanche, Russia owned pipe maker TMK IPSCO (Interprovincial Steel and Pipe Corp) warned of job losses due to competition from nine other countries!  TMK officials said they were engaged in major legal battles with those competitors.

Kentucky: Georgetown College laying off an undisclosed number of employees and eliminating French, German, Computer Science, and Music majors.  They say it’s part of their two year “strategic” plan to adjust to Obama Care, which makes drastic changes to employee retirement and health insurance benefits.  What automotive industry recovery?   Toyota abandoning Erlanger, eliminating or transferring 1600 jobs!  Toyota is consolidating operations across the U.S.

Missouri: In Columbus, God refuses to stop the shutdown of Lemstone Parable Christian Store: “Sales in Christian retail, not only in our store but in the majority of stores, have continued to decline over the past several years.  Our lease is up this year, and it wouldn’t be prudent for us to continue to operate.”-Bob Perry, owner

Montana: In Great Falls, after 67 years Sutherland’s Jewelry shutting down in June: “The way the economy is these days, jewelry’s not a necessary item, so it’s been tough these last couple of years, and without my family around its even tougher.”-Derek French, owner

New Mexico: After 79 years, Silver City Daily Press shutdown.  17 jobs lost: “No matter what we would do, the community would not buy the advertising to support a paper.”-Tina Ely, publisher

New York: In Syracuse, Saint Joseph’s hospital laid off more healthcare workers, this time 26.  In Lake Success, healthcare contractor IPRO shutting down in July, due to loss of contract.  146 jobs lost!  In Albany, IPRO shutting down, 25 jobs lost.  In Fairpoint, after 30 years Toy Soldier shutting down in May.  In Blauvelt, Southwire Company warned it is shutting down, 194 jobs lost by the end of September!

Pennsylvania: In Annville, after ten years Mo’s on Main jewelry store shutdown.

Rhode Island: In Westerly, after ten years Other Tiger bookstore shutdown.  It’s blamed on the owner’s health problems.

South Carolina: In Ladson, taxsucker General Dynamics Land Systems eliminating 170 positions at it’s MRAP factory by the end of 2014!  That’s more than half their Ladson employees.  It’s blamed on reduced government spending.  Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar continues its restructuring by shutting down its Fountain Inn factory, 510 jobs lost!

Tennessee: In Bristol, Synalloy shutting down its Bristol Fab operation, 93 jobs lost.  Company officials said the operation was consistently losing money, hinting blame upon the unionized employees.

Texas:  Dallas based wholesale electricity provider Energy Futures now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Company officials blame the price of natural gas and growing competition.

Virginia: Media General (which owns 30 TV stations) eliminated 45 jobs.  It’s blamed on the planned merger with Texas based LIN Media. New York based clothing retailer Juicy Couture expanding its shutdown to Pentagon City.

Washington DC: New York based clothing retailer Juicy Couture expanding its shutdown to Georgetown.

25 – 26 April 2014: “We can’t go any further!”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shut down.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security……..That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013