Virginia Businesses in the News


Cutbacks and Closings

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For the Record is compiled from company releases, business journals and newspaper reports from around the state. If you have an item for these listings: • Mail it to: For the Record Virginia Business Magazine P.O. Box 85333 Richmond, VA 23293 • E-mail it to ForTheRecord@va-business.com • Fax it to (804) 649-6311

America Online, a Dulles-based provider of consumer Internet services, laid off 350 workers in its California operations and gave another 100 employees the option of moving to offices in Dulles or White Plains, N.Y., or leaving the company. As part of the cutback process, AOL offices in San Diego and San Francisco were closed. (The Washington Post)

Cooper Wood Products, a Rocky Mount manufacturer of component parts for wood furniture, announced plans to close the plant, laying off 125 workers, by the end of February. Competition from low-priced imports and a trend among furniture manufacturers to import collections, not just pieces, were cited for the closing. (The Roanoke Times)

The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News eliminated 16 positions from a work force of nearly 100 as part of an effort to balance its 2004 budget. Of the positions cut, 11 required layoffs. This marks the second time in three years the museum has been forced to trim staff to meet its budget. (Daily Press)