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!!

[judy]

I will be praying for you all Marilyn.

Hopefully, we will get out of this slump sooner than later. It is very scary.

[Janet]

I'm beginning to think this is just the tip of the iceberg ladies. It will probably get a lot worse before it gets better...if it does at all. The news just isn't good.....for anyone.

[AngieDoogles]

I'm so sorry to hear this Marilyn. I will keep you and all those affected in my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes it's so hard to stay positive, but this recession has to end some time...

[Forgivenmom5]

I am so sorry Marilyn! Things are a little slow where I work too. The plant has been off more days through the holidays than normal. For several months they have been closed on Fridays sometimes and closed at lunch some days. Another plant in our area closed Wednesday without giving any notice. They employed 180 people and one lady said her supervisor called her about 3 hours after she got off work tuesday and told her they were closed immediately. Traci and her husband moved up next to DC because of the job situation here. Hopefully things will begin to improve. One of my bosses thinks things will start to improve by summer.

I hope this does not hurt you too much!

[gja1000]

It is very scary right now - for everyone. I think we are all affected, one way or another. Like Marilyn said though, it can cause you to rethink priorities and what really matters. I know lots of people are having a really rough time right now, and I hope things turn around economically very quickly.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Forgivenmom5

I am so sorry Marilyn! Things are a little slow where I work too. The plant has been off more days through the holidays than normal. For several months they have been closed on Fridays sometimes and closed at lunch some days. Another plant in our area closed Wednesday without giving any notice. They employed 180 people and one lady said her supervisor called her about 3 hours after she got off work tuesday and told her they were closed immediately. Traci and her husband moved up next to DC because of the job situation here. Hopefully things will begin to improve. One of my bosses thinks things will start to improve by summer.

I hope this does not hurt you too much!

Debbie, please tell Traci we miss her here okay. I hope the move was a positive one for her and her family.