LyondellBasell, this one could hurt!!!

[Marilyn]

We were greated by this news this morning. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081231/lyondellbasell.html

We were expecting the plants to have units down, layoff some folks, but possible bankruptcy of the WORLD'S 3RD LARGEST CHEMICAL COMPANY. This we were not expecting. Three of the plants in my territory are LyondellBasell plants. We have a lot of outstanding invoices and orders ready to ship.

This one could hurt. I don't ask for prayers often on here, but this time, they are needed not only for us, but for the thousands of others who may be affected. This one is HUGE!!

My little branch could suffer. I still think I will survive, simply because of my reputation with the company. If the branch were to close, hopefully I could still maintain my job, just reporting to another branch. However, now I am getting concerned, moreso than ever.

I spent most of the morning on this, reviewing numbers & talking with our CEO. Next week I will probably have to go to Houston to participate in a strategy meeting. We have to protect ourselves while maintaining the relationship we have with this wonderful customer. Many of the guys working at their plants I personally consider to be friends, not just customers. So very, sad for our country!!