EDC weighs in on cinram closing

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The (EDC) was dismayed to learn from news media sources of Cinram's plans for closing its plant in Richmond.

In the past, employment numbers at Cinram in Richmond have been subject to sizeable seasonable swings. From previous contact with management, the EDC knew that employment at Cinram could be more than 600 people during full production times, generally in the period from late summer and fall leading up to Christmas.

The EDC had met with local Cinram management within the past year. The company did not share any plans to close. Still, EDC had offered to work with the company to offer assistance that might make it more attractive for the company to maintain its operations in Richmond. The company did not ask for assistance.

In March this year, the EDC heard a rumor that Cinram might be downsizing or closing. EDC staff immediately began to try to make contact with Cinram's vice president and plant manager, John Finnegan. When Mr. Finnegan responded, he left a voice message saying that he could not meet with EDC until the end of April. After that, the EDC requested a specific appointment for a meeting and received no response from Mr. Finnegan.

The EDC is sorry that Cinram did not provide EDC with an opportunity to offer job retention assistance to this plant. The loss of 330 jobs will have repercussions throughout the Richmond community and we are particularly concerned for the well-being of the families that will be affected by this company's decision.

My favorite paragraph here is the 3rd one.

In March this year, the EDC heard a rumor that Cinram might be downsizing or closing. EDC staff immediately began to try to make contact with Cinram's vice president and plant manager, John Finnegan. When Mr. Finnegan responded, he left a voice message saying that he could not meet with EDC until the end of April. After that, the EDC requested a specific appointment for a meeting and received no response from Mr. Finnegan.

Thanks alot John! I suppose you can meet with the EDC in a week or two, right? Since it's not quite the end of april yet huh? Real classy there fella.