COLUMBUS (July 17, 2001) – Governor Bob Taft today said the state would take immediate action to assist workers who will be affected by September layoffs at the Longaberger Company's Frazeysburg and Hartville facilities.

"I have directed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to mobilize its Rapid Response team immediately to assist the affected workers and their families," Taft said.

The team, which consists of state and local employment staff, will meet with company representatives to advise them what services are available to the impacted workers.

In addition to on-site application for unemployment compensation, available services range from skills assessment and resume preparation to job training. The goal of the Rapid Response team is to help dislocated workers find work as quickly as possible, which benefits all employers by keeping unemployment tax rates low.

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