Tag Archives: employment

Fukushima

Nearly two years later, Fish still contaminated with radiation!

18 February 2013, fish being caught off the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture, in Japan, are contaminated with 130 becquerels of cesium per kilogram! The new (higher) official safe limit is 100.

The area is 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Fukushima Daiichi, where several GE designed reactors melted down in March 2011.

This is the first time that fish caught near Chiba Prefecture has exceeded the government safe limits.  However, back in December 2012, sea bass were already showing 60 becquerels of cesium per kilogram. Some fisheries voluntarily stopped accepting the fish back then.

This shows that radioactive contamination of the Pacific Ocean is ongoing, almost two years after the multiple melt downs.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 26 January 2013. More than 50,000 people laid off!!! More of God’s schools shutting down! No more margarine?

The U.S. Department of Defense announced they have started laying off 46,000 taxpayer funded employees! Also, for the next 22 weeks full time civilian employees will be forced to take one unpaid day off every week. This is because the government is broke!

DRS Technologies closing down its Cheektowaga factory in New York. The electronics contractor for the U.S. Defense Department as gone through many owners and name changes since 1957. Officials say government budget cuts, and the bad economy, did them in.  They did not reveal how many people will lose their jobs.

Doll collectors will have one less place to get their collectables repaired, the Victorian Doll Museum & Chili Doll Hospital in New York is shutting down: “I’m kind of like Kodak. I could be here another 10 years, but I’m realistic. The importance that dolls once held in people’s lives has taken a back seat to technology today. Time brings change. I’m ready for change in my life.”-Linda Greenfield, doll doctor

International news service, Thompson Reuters, laid off 3,000 employees around the world!  Barb Burg, vice president and global head of communications at Reuters, explained that it was all about controlling costs (after the merger of Thompson and Reuters back in 2009, mergers are never good for employees).  The layoffs included employees in the United States, and at Reuters TV because their contract with YouTube was not renewed.

In Massachusetts, 12 people lost their jobs at the Holyoke Health Center. Hospital officials admit they no longer have the money to keep them employed: “The Health Center does not have the resources to maintain positions that are not covered by contracts, grants or third party reimbursements.”-Jay Brienes, Executive Director

In Pennsylvania, the Allentown School Board approved a budget that will mean layoffs. Officials indicated they will start with administration, they also implied over-staffing was a major problem.   The new budget tries to anticipate reduced funding from state and federal sources.

In California, a Christian school closing its doors for good in Fresno. Declining enrollment and increasing operating costs are being blamed for shutting down Sacred Heart Catholic School.  But there does seem to be a trend as the Catholic Church is shutting down schools, and even hospitals, across the country.

Germany based SolarWorld is laying off employees again.  Last year their massive layoffs affected the Hillsboro, Oregon, factory with nearly 90 layoffs. It looks like layoffs will hit the factory again. The solar panel maker is in trouble with debt.

Even though Chrysler reports profits, they’ve ended a shift at their Dundee, Michigan, engine factory.  Most of the employees were given new jobs, but reports say that those who were still under probation were fired, at least 14.

Employees with Gardner Denver in Quincy, Illinois, went to local media with claims of dozens of layoffs. Company officials refused to comment. The 154 years old international industrial equipment maker is up for sale!

The Pennsylvania based PNC Bank is consolidating branches in Maumee, Ohio.

The Wa-Zoo women’s clothing store in Louisiana is giving up on brick & mortar stores, and switching to internet sales only.

Unilever closing down operations in Atlanta, Georgia. 125 people out-o-work! The Atlanta factory is where Country Crock, Imperial and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, margarines are made. Unilever officials said they are consolidating production with other factories to save money.

Flint Energies’ appliance store in Warner Robins, Georgia, will shut down once they’ve sold off all their inventory. They blame the bad economy: “We had some very good years serving our members in the decade of the 2000s, peaking in 2006. But the market has not rebounded enough for us to continue.”-Jimmy Autry, senior vice president

In Nebraska, Windstream is closing down its Hastings store.  The Arkansas based communication company is closing down 30 of its bill paying/service stores across the country. Officials blame their customers for using the internet, instead of their brick & mortar stores. Windstream is currently spending big bucks on a new three story building in Rochester, New York.

In Indiana, Abercrombie and Fitch closed its store in the University Park Mall in Mishawaka. Its part of the clothing company’s plans to close 180 stores.


 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 08 – 10 February 2013. 104 people working for U.S. contractor poisoned! USMC blames Red Coats for destruction of Harriers! U.S. mililtary equipment leaving Afghanistan, yet General Allen says the war still has not been won!

10 February 2013

In Helmand Province, a U.S. led NATO/ANA offensive was repelled by Mujahideen.  Occupying troops were flown into Trikh Nawar area of Marjah district, supported by armored vehicles.  Mujahideen were prepared and detonated at least seven bombs in the battle.  Reports said that the fighting was ongoing and that nine NATO occupiers/ANA puppets were dead, six wounded.  Also, two Mujahideen killed, four wounded.

In Ghanzi Province, a bomb was planted near the local High Peace Council office. It exploded, yet there are no reports of casualties.  As is typical with bombings, no one claims responsibility.

In Paktiya Province, a local government official was wounded as Mujahideen launched three mortar rounds into a government compound.

In Kabul Province, 104 employees of “Minority, Woman-Owned…” Onyx Construction were sent to hospital after being poisoned.  They got sick after eating.   Onyx Construction is based in the U.S. state of Florida.

In Badghis Province, 17 local cops joined the Mujahideen.

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Outgoing USMC General john Allen was interviewed by the BBC, and he said the war is not won: “I think we have gone a long way to setting the conditions for what, generally, usually, is the defining factor in winning a counter-insurgency, to set the conditions for governance, to set the conditions for economic opportunity…. I think we are on the road to winning.”

Despite admitting that the U.S. has not achieved its goals, the military pullout has begun.  Customs officials in Pakistan report that 25 container trucks loaded with U.S. military equipment left Afghanistan.  They are heading for Karachi, a port city along the Indian Ocean.   Pakistani Customs officials say they’ve been told to expect another outbound U.S. convoy soon.

09 February 2013

“We agree with the UN report and confirm that innocent kids have been killed during coalition forces operations, specifically U.S. troops operations during the past ten years.”-Aimal Faizi, Afghan government spokesman

In Helmand Province, six people killed when they drove over a landmine.  An investigation into the massive Mujahideen attack on Camp Bastion, last year, blames the U.K./U.S./NATO personnel on the base!  U.S. National Public Radio reported that a USMC investigation revealed that British Red Coat controlled Camp Bastion was not properly guarded, allowing Mujahideen easy access. Camp Bastion is next to Camp Leatherneck, where U.S. Marine Harrier VTOL jets are based. The attack damaged or destroyed eight Harriers at a cost of $300 million USD.  Two occupying troops were killed, eight wounded, one contractor wounded.

In Paktia Province, a local contracted militia/security guard (Arbaki) commander joined the Mujahideen.

In Uruzgan Province, witnesses say U.S. led forces conducted a home invasion in Kakraki area Gohergeen Nawa region, Char Chino district.  Two people were kidnapped.  Also, in Char Chino district two local cops joined the Mujahideen.

In Kapisa Province, Mujahideen claim they assassinated a man working for the spy agency National Directorate of Security (NDS).

08 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, in Tagab district, Mujahideen attacked U.S. led efforts to retrieve a downed helicopter.  The ‘copter was shot down the day before. Mujahideen said they were expecting them and killed two U.S./NATO/ISAF troops and three U.S. led Afghan troops. One Mujahid was killed.

In Ghor Province, Mujahideen claim they repelled a attempted home invasion by “enemy” troops, in Qomandan Ahmad village of Charsada district.

In Badghis Province, Mujahideen launched attacks against an Afghan National Army (ANA) base, and several checkpoints.  They claim to have killed six “puppets”, and wounded five others.

Idaho, Influenza

U.S. Influenza update, 17 February 2013: Human flu cases seem steady. Dog flu spreading! Get ready for the newest deadly version of bird flu!

New Mexico reporting one 2 years old girl, and one 15 years old boy, died due to flu. Since October 2012, 89 people have died from flu related complications.

Fresno, California, reporting high incidence of flu cases: “We’re still seeing a lot of calls, a lot of visits, a lot of emergency room visits.”-Dee Lacy, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center-Fresno

In Texas, druggists say it looks like the latest influenza is getting out-o-town quick: “It is considerably down from a couple of weeks ago. We were dispensing 25 to 30 prescriptions of Tamiflu a day about a month ago. We’re down to a couple a day.”-Louis Morgan, Shawn Sams pharmacy

However, officials with Texas Department of Health Services says flu cases are still up: “Statewide, we’re still seeing a high level of flu activity, though the proportion of people showing up at the doctor for flu-like illness is less than it was in the final week of 2012, according to the providers who report that information to us.”-Chris Van Deusen

Indiana reporting 56 deaths since the flu season officially began in December 2012: “Tragically, we are continuing to lose lives due to flu-related illnesses in the state. We still have months left in this flu season.”-William VanNess, Health Commissioner

Two South Carolina prisons report flu outbreaks.  A maximum security men’s prison, and a minimum security women’s prison have been put in lock down as a result.

South Dakota reporting the deadliest flu season in the past eight years.  30 people have died.

Nebraska reporting at least 12 deaths.

Oklahoma reporting 25 deaths, two in the past week.

Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare reporting at least 23 people have died.  21 were more than 50 years of age, the others were children. The number of people who’ve died this flu season is approaching the high set ten years ago.

Washington reporting more than 40 flu deaths.  38 have been confirmed as flu caused: “People shouldn’t confuse flu season peaking with flu season ending. There are a lot of people still getting sick. And there will be a lot more flu illnesses occurring in the community over the next six to eight weeks.”-Jeff Duchin, Public Health Seattle & King County

The new flu that’s taking down dogs (Canine Influenza/H3N8) has hit the state of Oregon. Several dogs in a Salem shelter are sick, the shelter even shut down for one day. Its now identified in 22 U.S. states. As I’ve reported before: “Canine Influenza is a very rare and unusual disease that’s new to dogs. It’s only been since 2005, 2006 that there’s been any cases known in the United States.”-Joan Towers, Willamette Humane Society

Influenza is making the rounds globally; in United Kingdom deaths are being reported (at least 18 in Scotland), as in India (from swine flu).

Indian health officials report new versions of H1N1 (aka swine flu), H3N2 and flu B.

Cases of H5N1 (aka bird flu) are popping up in Egypt, Cambodia and China.  So far for Gregorian year 2013 there are ten confirmed human cases, eight of those infected died.  That’s an 80% kill rate for this year’s H5N1 bird flu.

Bird flu does not spread easily to humans, but when it does it’s usually deadly.  This years bird flu strain has the Philippine Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health, on alert. They’re even warning about another version of bird flu, H7N3.

H7N3 hit Mexico hard in 2012. By January 2013, 20 million chickens were killed (by the virus or by culling), and at least 66 million were vaccinated.   Interestingly officials declared the outbreak over in October 2012, but cases are still being reported (the most recent involves an outbreak at seven farms just this past week).

On 17 February 2013, a farm in Germany (east of Berlin) had to cull 14,000 ducks after lab tests showed they were infected with the H5N1 version of bird flu.

 

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 25 January 2013. No more Classic Custom Car cruise spot for Chubbuck! Expect even fewer toys and games for Xmas! More hospitals letting employees go because of Obama/Romney Care! God is shutting down more of His (Hers/Its?) schools! I need to see your ID if you want to buy that ice cream.

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25 January 2013

Toy and game maker Hasbro announced 550 layoffs! Company officials blame weaker than expected holiday sales at the end of 2012 (gee, remember the main stream media talking up how good sales were?).  Hasbro says retail stores have drastically cut back on orders.

Abrasives maker, Glit/Microtron, will shut down its Wrens, Georgia operation.  120 people out-o-work!  Company officials claim that no matter what they did, and no matter how the local community tried to help, the 35 year old factory never “made” money!

Abercrombie and Fitch clothing store in the Augusta Mall, Georgia, closed down.

In Plymouth, Indiana, Whitley Products shut down operations and laid off 110 people, without notice!!!  Company officials ignored local media inquiries.  It appears the company went under and is now being liquidated.

Medical records manager, Athenahealth, laying off 36 people in Birmingham, Alabama. No reason was made public.

In New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic laying off 58 people: “Like many hospitals across the State of New York, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic is preparing for the Affordable Care Act.”-Lewis Zulick, President & CEO of the hospital

In Fresno, California, Saint Agnes Medical Center laying off 75 employees. Hospital officials said it was necessary to stay within operating costs.

The California based maker of PlayStation’s All-Stars Battle Royale, SuperBot, laid off 20 employees.  That’s according to a game designer.

Another California based video game maker is dead altogether. THQ is being liquidated. Not only is about 100 people out-o-work, but they won’t be getting final pay either (I’ve experienced that, the wonders of bankruptcy for companies)!

UBM Tech, a division of UBM (formerly known as United Business Media), laid off several vice presidents.  UBM first started in 1918 as United Newspapers.  A company statement revealed that the layoffs were in anticipation of a declining economy: “This was about re-aligning resources with market opportunity and planning for the coming year.”

Based in New York City, and in London, England, Group Commerce laid off 31 employees.

Ongoing construction is being blamed for the demise of Gio’s Cafe and New York Deli, in Dallas, Texas: “This construction just did us in. The guys who fund this place aren’t restaurant guys and they are tired of funneling money in.”-Mark Walls, manager

Rumors that Vermont Law School will shut down.  The school already laid off two people, and bought out the contracts of ten others.  A new report revealed that only 48.3% of its 2012 graduates found full time/long term work.  Who wants to shell out $43,500 USD per year (!) to attend the law school, only to end up unemployed!

In Tennessee, the Catholic Church is closing down its Bishop Byrne High School in Whitehaven. Church officials blame declining enrollment.

A Gainesville, Florida, women’s shelter closing down. Officials with the 30 year old non-profit Arbor House say that since 2010 their funding has crashed.  Catholic Charities took over operations in 2012, but has decided to shut it down.

The Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill restaurant chain now bankrupt. The company claims it has $10 million in assets, but $50 million in debts.

In Ohio, the Parker Hannifin foundry in Youngstown shutting down. 63 people unemployed.  Work is being moved to other foundries.

A Talbots clothing store shut down in Connecticut.  Reports say the property owner wants to split it into three smaller stores.

Nassau’s Furniture closing another store in Connecticut. This time it’s their store in Avon. They closed a store in 2012, and now have only one location in the Constitution State.

In Hopkins, Minnesota, a Boston Gardens restaurant closed down. After 30 years of operations, the location will now become a pizza joint.

As I’ve reported in my Sears/Kmart updates, a Irmo, South Carolina, Kmart will close down.

In Oregon, Pepsi is shutting down its Salem warehouse. This is another example of corporate America getting ready for even more bad economic times: “This difficult decision was not made lightly and was necessary for the long-term health of our business.”

In Arizona, investment firm GenSpring Family Offices (owned by parent SunTrust Bank in Florida), closing its Phoenix location. Most of their clients are wealthy elites (“…high and ultra-high net worth clients”). Just a few days ago they lost their battle against a lawsuit, and it will cost them $4.3 million! As I’ve said before; no pity for investment firms.  The lawsuit said GenSpring was flat out lying to its rich customers: “Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, GenSpring represented the hedge funds as a ‘substitute for bonds,’ claiming that they had the same risk as bonds but with higher returns….it appears that this was a systemic approach that GenSpring used with virtually all of its clients as a means of attracting business….”-Ed Dovin, securities attorney

Jim Beam closing down vodka and rum factory in Maine, moving it to Kentucky. 160 jobs lost for Maine!

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the only alcohol filled ice cream parlor, Lee’s Cream Liqueur, shut down. The owner is going wholesale only, contracting with a California company to make the ID required ice cream.

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 05 – 07 February 2013. While the West fawns over the single Pakistani girl who was shot, nothing is said about the hundreds of Afghan kids killed at the hands of U.S. led forces!!! More U.S. led home invasions!!! More of your money down the drain!!!

07 February 2013

In Kapisa Province, a U.S. led NATO helicopter crashed in Tagab district. Witnesses say NATO personnel were killed or wounded.  Mujahideen claim they shot it down, however, local government officials called it an “emergency landing”.  Mujahideen say the ‘copter burst into flames while still in the air.  ISAF confirmed it indeed crashed: “An International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan today.”

The helicopter being shot down might be a reprisal for a massive U.S. led home invasion mission in Kapisa Province overnight. Reports say 30 homes were raided in Tagab district.  Villagers say the U.S. led NATO/ANA forces detained them while their homes were ransacked and valuables stolen (Israeli style). Two villagers were killed when they tried to stop the crime.

In Herat Province, Mujahideen launched an attack against a fuel depot. At least one security guard was killed, three wounded. Mujahideen claim they destroyed five military supply vehicles.

In Baghlan Province, local police say someone planted a bomb in one of their vehicles. It went off, killing one person, and wounding another.

In Kunduz Province, a bomb exploded in front of a house.  Police say no one was hurt, but witnesses say there were casualties.  No one knows who planted the bomb.

In Balkh Province, a government security commander and his four bodyguards were killed after they drove over a landmine.

In Nangarhar Province, Mujahideen claim to have ambushed a U.S. led NATO/ANA patrol.  They say three NATO/ANA personnel were killed, four wounded, as well as two vehicles destroyed.

In Laghman Province, reports of heavy fighting as Mujahideen went on the offensive.  A government checkpoint in the provincial capital was attacked, one killed, several wounded.  An ANA patrol was ambushed, resulting in one ANA troop killed.  Also, Mujahideen claim they launched a rocket attack against an “enemy base”.

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen say they repelled a U.S. led NATO/ANA heliborne operation in the Malmand Karez area of Sangin district.

In Ghazni Province, a report says eight Afghan National Army (ANA) troops joined the Mujahideen. The report actually gave the names of those who switched sides.

A United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child investigation condemns the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan, saying U.S. personnel have imprisoned and tortured hundreds of children, as well as killed hundreds of kids since 2008, and it’s only getting worse:  “Those responsible for the killings have not been held to account even as the number of children killed doubled from 2010 to 2011.”

USMC General John Allen paid a final visit to Pakistan “….in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan…”

06 February 2013

In Ghazni Province, eight cops were hospitalized after being poisoned.  Other reports say two died, and the others are in a coma.  Also, a local government militiaman joined the Mujahideen.

In Logar Province, Mujahideen say they shot down a drone (UAV) in Barak district.  They captured the wreckage.

The leaders of Norway have signed a military pact with Afghanistan, promising  lots of their taxpayers’ money.

05 February 2013

In Herat Province, A U.S. led NATO supply convoy was ambushed.  Mujahideen claim they destroyed three fuelers along with their contract drivers.  Also, local government officials say U.S. special operations forces killed several civilians. Two women were killed and three children wounded in the Zer-e-Koh area of Shindand district. Other reports say six people were killed and one U.S. personnel wounded.  ISAF admitted guilt: “Our initial assessment is that after the engagement, one Afghan woman and three Afghan children were found dead in a compound separate from where the Afghan and Coalition forces engaged the insurgents. ISAF takes all civilian casualties seriously, and an investigation is on-going to determine exactly what happened in this operation.”

In Faryab Province, a bomb planted in a hotel exploded.  Reports vary, but as many as four people killed, 20 wounded.

Pakistan has re-opened its Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan.  More than 3,700 shipping containers have been sitting for three months waiting to get through. Hundreds of people were also stuck waiting in the cold and snow, several died.

The U.S. based International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced even more money for Afghanistan!  The IMF said that Afghanistan had passed “key structural benchmarks” to give the Central Asian country access to more credit.

Business/Economics, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? List of U.S. job losses & store closings for 24 January 2013. God can’t save Mormons from losing their jobs! More companies making big profits laying employees off! Georgia now a Death Trap for restaurants? More bad news for higher education & renewable energy!

United Airlines announced 600 layoffs, many possibly in Illinois!  They blame reduced air routes, and a $723 million USD loss.

Gap clothing store shut down in Winnetka, Illinois.

Minnesota based 3M eliminating 300 jobs! Company officials say they need to merge divisions in order to “increase efficiency”.  At the same time 3M officials reported a 4.9% increase in revenues compared t0 last year, for a total of $6.5 billion!  And they still need to increase efficiency?

120 people out-o-work in Eau Claire, Wisconsin! In-home healthcare provider LifeNet is ceasing operations.  No reason has been given.

Also in Wisconsin, Menomonee Falls’ only independent skate shop, Tweakboarding, going out-o-business. The owner blamed many issues, like starting a family and internet competition: “This is not the first local skate shop to go under in the Milwaukee area. If you appreciate the convenience of having a local shop, we recommend that you shop there and not online….”-John McCool

In New York, health insurance company MVP Health Care laid off 68 employees. Company officials said it’s their way of addressing “administrative expense”.  Last year they laid off dozens of people, and forced dozens more into early retirement.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, Boyd Gaming laid off an undisclosed number of employees across the country.  Reports say at least three of those were company vice presidents!  Company officials said only that “As we all know, revenue is unpredictable.”

California based software company Symantec says it will reduce executive and middle management positions.  It’s part of their plans to put more decision making power into the hands of the “front line employees”.  The company isn’t hurting for money, they’re paying out dividends to shareholders, plus they’re spending $1 billion to buyback much of those shares.

California based URS Corporation will cut 31 jobs from its operations in Maryland. The company deals in engineering, construction and technical services.

The headquarters of the Church of Later Day Saints (LDS, aka Mormons) in Salt Lake City, Utah, will layoff staff: “This action is based solely on the need to be sure that resources are being used wisely to meet the evolving needs of a global church.”  (if you know the history of the Mormons, their church is always conveniently “evolving” its policies)

In Bountiful, Utah, Duncan Lighting has sold out, to the internet.  The company is closing its brick & mortar operations and going online: “In a nutshell, the storefront just wasn’t doing enough business. It wasn’t profitable enough and the e-commerce does really well in the new kind of business that is out there.”-Ken Duncan, store manager

BlueScout Technologies goes bankrupt.  The company was involved in wind power.  Company officials said they were unable to raise enough capital (money through investments or traditional loans) to continue.

SRT Holdings, a company involved in solar power, will end manufacturing operations in East Windsor, Connecticut. Company officials say their main customer switched to another supplier without giving any reason.

In Tacoma, Washington, school supply store School Daze closed down: “The economy just killed us. We’ve tried to weather it, but we’re soaking more of our money into it and it’s not working.”-Jerry England, co-owner

Going south into Oregon, the internet is not helping online American InterContinental University.  The Illinois based online college (Career Education Corporation) will layoff 124 people at their Beaverton campus! Company officials are trying to cut costs after losing at least $109.7 million last year.  They also have plans to close their Sanford-Brown College campus in Portland.

In Georgia, two East Cobb area restaurants closed down. The Caffe Fortunato, and a Houston’s. No official reasons were given, but some reports say the East Cobb area is now considered a “death trap” for restaurants.

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

Economic Recovery? WinCo about to close Store number 5 in Pocatello! Blame massive company expansion! Proof that employees know how to run a company better than elites!

13 February 2013, a visit to your local Pocatello, Idaho, WinCo grocery store will reveal shelves that are fast becoming bare.  All orders for Store number 5 have been stopped, the store will cease operations sometime in March.

The Pocatello store was the fifth store to open in Idaho, after Ralph Ward and Bud Williams started the grocery operation back in 1967.  Various stores were called Waremart Food Centers, or Cub Foods until 1999.

The official WinCo web site says the current name stands for Winning Company, but I swear I remember being told, by WinCo employees I knew during the name change, that WinCo was the creation of a school kid who won a contest for coming up with the new name. Supposedly WinCo actually stands for the U.S. states that the grocery chain operated in at that time: Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California and Oregon.

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In 1985 the employees of the company became majority owners in the business.

Since the name change WinCo has been expanding.  That expansion has picked up pace ever since the downfall of competitor Albertsons (once a Idaho based grocery store chain, but not anymore).

Since 2006 Albertsons has been passed around to several new owners (despite the website making it look like it’s still owned by the Albertsons family):  A Minnesota based company called Supervalue, an affiliate of evil Cerberus Capital Management called AB Acquisition, and CVS.  Finally in January 2013 evil Cerberus Capital Management became sole owner (I wouldn’t be surprised if they liquidate).

According to Albertsons’ website they are down to 450 stores across the country (WinCo has a ways to go, with only 85 stores and 14,000+ employees).  But employee owned WinCo is exploding.  In the past ten years they’ve built a giant distribution center south of Boise, added new stores and another distribution center in California, and expanded into Utah. Now Pocatello will get what many loyal WinCo shoppers have been demanding, a giant new WinCo.

But wait, there’s more.  WinCo has announced a new store for Bellingham, Washington, in the Old Joe’s Sporting Goods building (at a cost of $7 million).  WinCo just spent $5.1 million buying land in Gilbert, Arizona. The property is currently a car dealership, but will become WinCo’s fourth store in the Grand Canyon State.

There are some concerns for WinCo, like a lawsuit in Vallejo, California, which is trying to stop the building of a new store based on environmental reasons.  Also, some of WinCo’s new HQ management jumped over from the sinking ship known as Alberstons, which causes many WinCo employees to worry.

I’ve known some WinCo employees who had a tough time dealing with WinCo’s employee policies (which are very strict compared to publicly held companies), but it’s hard to challenge those policies since they are supposedly approved by fellow employees.

Also in California, a mom and pop grocery store in Merced is shutting down, they blame Walmart and WinCo: “Things are changing in the industry. It’s getting harder and harder every year to compete, especially family-owned types of businesses such as ours.”-Gary Lowe, General Manager

In today’s economy an employee owned company is as close as you can get to a family owned operation, and there’s less of a chance the company will be sold off just for the value of its assets (like Sears and Kmart), so my money’s on WinCo (too bad you can’t buy stock in privately held WinCo, lucky employees, and besides I don’t really have any money to invest).

Pocatello’s new WinCo store number 117 was built on the Old Fred Meyer building site (aka Alameda Plaza) right next to a former Albertsons (on the land I used to do property management, for JP Reality who then sold out to General Growth Properties).  Number 117 is at least twice as big as the Old Fred Meyer building.

The New Fred Meyer building is located where the Old Pocatello Mall used to be.  So now Store number 5 will be called the Old WinCo, and the Old Fred Meyer will now be called the New WinCo, and everyone will forget there was an Old Fred Meyer just like they’ve forgotten about the Old Pocatello Mall.

That’s progress!

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

2nd U.S. civil war, Got Ammo? East Idaho running out of bullets!

“Idaho will push back. A question that is rolling around in most Idahoan’s heads right now is, what part of ‘shall not be infringed’ don’t they get?”-Scott Bedke, Idaho Speaker of the House

The threat being made against our Constitutional right to defend ourselves with whatever is the weapon of choice by today’s military/police (it ain’t about hunting or collecting or any of that BS) is creating a severe shortage of ammunition.

“People are getting what they can while they can still do it before those rights are stripped away.”-Mike Visser, instructor at gun store in Wyoming

Here in eastern Idaho, Walmarts started rationing bullets back in January, and now they’ve run out!

Many anti-gun rights (and therefore anti-American, anti-Constitution) activists are calling for ammo control laws, like background checks, and serial numbers for bullets!

There’s also federal bills being proposed to go after internet ammo sales.

In Idaho people and businesses are fighting back.

This past weekend in Boise, Cabelas sporting goods store gave $25.00 gift cards to anyone who joined the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Recently the Red Coat British media reported on a group of Idahoans who bought 20 acres (8 hectares) and plan to build a city where it’s mandatory for everyone to own “…an AR-15 rifle, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and enough supplies to withstand a collapse of society.”  The Citadel will eventually have 3,000 acres (1214 hectares)!

Then there’s Mormon Glenn Beck (with connections to east Idaho), who said “…Glenn believes that he can bring the heart and the spirit of Walt’s early Disneyland ideas into reality. Independence, USA wouldn’t be about rides and merchandise, but would be about community and freedom. The Marketplace would be a place where craftmen and artisan could open and run real small businesses and stores. The owners and tradesmen could hold apprenticeships and teach young people the skills and entrepreneurial spirit that has been lost…”-Glenn Beck website

Even law enforcement in Idaho is pro-gun rights: “We, the sheriffs of the State of Idaho support the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and we oppose any intrusion upon those rights.”-Idaho Sheriff’s Association (ISA) statement

However, the ISA also said it was up to courts to determine if a law was unconstitutional or not.  They also want to see improvements in mental health services, at a time when lawmakers are slashing and burning such services.

School District 25, in Bannock County, recently approved the installation of gun safes, so school cops can bring their rifles to work.  It’s not the only school district in Idaho to due so.

To hear what President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union, on 12 February 2013, it’s clear that the United States is more divided now than when Obama gave his first State of the Union address four years ago.

Business/Economics, International

What Economic Recovery? Surprise downturn for Pioneer! From $10 million in expected profits to $40 million in losses! Proof that being an optimist will not hold back reality!

12 February 2013, Japan’s electronic maker, Pioneer, says it now expects to suffer a $40 million USD loss, instead of a previously expected $10 million profit.

As a result 800 employees will be laid off, and the rest will see their pay go down.  Pioneer is the first major Japanese electronics maker to couple pay reductions with job layoffs.

Company officials said their optimistic expectations of profits were shattered by the reality of crashing sales worldwide.