Quote:

To: Central Wisconsin Media staffers From: XXXXX ( Central WI President ) Re: Business conditions I think we do a pretty good job of telling you about the good things happening in the group. And certainly, you are making a big difference. But I also think we need to level with you when the news isn’t good. You are partners in what we do here, and you deserve to understand what we face. It’s no secret that business conditions are difficult – here and across the country. Many of our customers and advertising partners are under a great deal of pressure, and that has affected our revenue. Given this landscape, Gannett’s U.S. Community Publishing Division has asked that we reduce payroll based on our financial performance and previous cuts that we’ve made. And while we were given a reduction target, the plan to meet those cuts was developed here. We looked at existing vacancies, potential retirements and layoffs. We developed our plan with an eye toward protecting our content creation and sales capacity. Division and corporate managers are reviewing our plans. Payroll cuts in the U.S. Community Publishing Division will result in 1,000 fewer positions, 600 of which will result from layoffs. In all, that’s about 3 percent of the division’s staffing. Worth noting: This payroll reduction effort is independent of other job reductions, such as a recent announcement that many finance functions in the company will be centralized. In Central Wisconsin, we will reduce staffing by the equivalent of about 13 positions, a combination of full- and part-time staff members. We intend to implement those reductions before Friday, Aug. 22. Employees affected by the layoffs will receive: A week of pay for each year of service for full-time employees or a minimum of a two-week severance benefit. Medical benefits will continue for the lengths of the severance period. Employees laid off may begin to receive their pension plan and 401(k) benefits (depending on applicable laws.) Government unemployment benefits may also begin after severance benefits end, depending on the state law. I understand the effect that all this has. I know it’s going to be hard to see some of our friends leave, friends who have contributed greatly to this company’s growth and success. We owe them our thanks and respect. I also know these moves create uncertainty about the future. Will there be further reductions? If so, when? Honestly, I hope not, but it will depend on whether our advertising and circulation revenues continue to decline. Ultimately, I’m optimistic. As difficult as these reductions are, I believe that if we remain focused on our core mission, we will make it through this transition. Thank you for your many contributions and for all of your hard work.

This was in our company email this morning...great way to start the day don't you think?  

Who's desks are there going to be boxes on on the 22n'd to empty their desks?

Really keeps the morale high don't you think?  Wondering if I should jump ship.  Just unstable waters to wade in.

What do you say

I don't know what line of work you are in Redd, so I don't know what the prospects of a position with another company would be.

You sound like a very professional person and I would hope that something else would be readily available to you as this company doesn't sound very stable.

I also do not think that the approach to this announcement was very well thought out, or else the person(s) are not very talented businesswise.

Looks like it's time to start putting feelers out to other companies.

How would I feel if I read this?  Very insecure.

I'm sorry that you are going through this.  

Sorry to hear this Redd.

I don't know what exactly you do either.  I guess you'd have to consider what staying may result verses getting out sooner before other possible positions elsewhere become filled.

Maybe look for something totally different that you've always wanted to do.

I don't really know.  But I do know that life is a wink of an eye.

Steve G

well Redd, the question is, and only you can answer this,,, " Do you love your job???"   you have to base your decision on the answer to that question. because, as Steve said,, " life is a wink of an eye". Good luck in you whatever choice you make.   Tuck

tuck wrote on Aug 15^th, 2008 at 11:48pm:

well Redd, the question is, and only you can answer this,,, " Do you love your job???"   you have to base your decision on the answer to that question. because, as Steve said,, " life is a wink of an eye". Good luck in you whatever choice you make.   Tuck

I'd have to modify Tuck's recommendation - do you like your job? (Never love anything that can't love you back - it only leads to heartache and disappointment.) Everything else he says applies.

I evaluate my job this way - it's interesting and even fun sometimes. And sometimes it's boring. And sometimes it sucks. But overall, it's a fine way to provide for my family. And I'm sure there are other fine ways to provide for my family. I have to sell my sunshine so we can buy the things we want and need. And I'm happy to do it.

Bottom line - Do you want to continue working for a company that would do this to the people that are its very heart and soul? Do you want to use the opportunity to make a break and look for something that's more interesting and challenging?

Sorry Pegg  :(   Seeing that first thing would be a bit unsettling.

You have a lot to offer any company you work for, so sit tight and see where this situation leads, but use common sense and plan for changes should they occur.

Love ya sis  [smiley=hug.gif]

My role with this company is Retail advertising sales.  Circulation revenue is down, as is advertising revenue.  Our particular market (geographicly) has experienced losses in high paying jobs, and businesses closing their doors for quite a few years now.  One paper mill location closed early in July, and Shrieber Foods (frozen food industry) is closing in September.  

Although the job cuts may effect only abut 3% of the total expendable income population in the area, the emotional impact of this has hit the area very hard, and remaining businesses are pulling back on their marketing.  Even national accounts are pulling back in some of these smaller communities, which really hits our bottom line.  

It would take 50 small to medium sized local businesses to make up that national revene each and every month.  No small business can afford that and not put themselves in a financial bind.

It's a lose lose market right now.  13 job cuts in "central" is aprox 3 people at each of the 4 sites in this division.  Wausau has 2x the number of employees as the other sites, so I'm going to guess that they will see at about half of the cuts up there.  We have a skeleton crew at our site as it is.  Monday the Advertising dept should be at full staff again, but I worry that the new hire will bolt after a couple days just as the last gal did.

I've been looking at the job postings around here and there really is nothing in my field that isn't a huge pay cut.  And I don't make all that much as it is.

Not sure what I need to do.  

Hiya Redd,

That really is a good question. Reminds me of "be careful what you wish for, you may get it".

My colleagues and myself have actually craved such a letter. Now, why would he say that? What kind of knothead wants to see something like that!!!???

Long story, I'll try to summarize. The company I work for has been for sale for nearly a year now. Foreign owned for 20 yrs, they have NEVER told us why sell now. All we hear is how much they "love", appreciate, regard and respect us. It is all, of course, BS. NONE of those things are true and it is really obvious.

During that year there have been 4 serious buyers. Each and every time, we received specific instruction that we were not allowed, under threat of termination, to say ANYTHING to ANYBODY about the impending sale. This, while the buyers AND their employees (down to the front line workers) was telling everybody in town ALL the details. The management of my company (I'm mid level) lost ALL respect from our crew because it appeared we were lieing.

The previous 3 sales fell through, the latest is on the fast track, and I have no doubt a "done deal". During all of this we all had basic questions, which were exactly those addressed in the letter you posted. Who stays, who goes? severence?, health benes?, unemployment qualification?, future plans? and on and on...

NONE have ever been addressed and the uncertainty has destroyed morale. It is to the point that we all just want it resolved, whatever...
just frickin DO IT!

Now, you may fairly wonder why I would stay in such a situation (as have I). Complicated and partly due to my loathing of change, but mainly because I love this job, I love the people I work with, I love my customers, and it has all been reciprocated (and, no small thing, the fact that I have CH, and it has affected my performance has NEVER been an issue.) 5 years ago we went through exactly what your company is going through now. 100 (out of 200) folks were let go, only 2 in my department stayed. Myself and my driver (auxillary warehouse). We had unique skills and/or responsibilities that would have been difficult to replace. Since that time, the company has achieved the highest level of success in its 30 yr history. Why sell a winner? Dunno, maybe it's the best time to sell.

Boy howdy, I do tend to run on...it's the stress and uncertainty. The point I'm really trying to make is pick your poison...what you got or what I got. They both suck.

Keep your options open. If you have any questions...ask the boss, at least it appears there is some form of honesty going on there. I thought I wanted that...not so sure anymore.

Will be thinking of you, hoping and praying for the best...

Regards,

Jon

Quote:

brew (Never love anything that can't love you back - it only leads to heartache and disappointment.)

Hey brew,

THAT is a really thought provoking comment. My inital reaction was, "Not true!" Then I started thinking about it and trying to figure examples in my life to prove to myself it wasn't. Ummmm..so far I'm stumped. There was a "green blankie" when I was little, and a PV 444 Volvo when I was a teenager, loved both of 'em with a passion. Neither one loved me back, and I couldn't have cared less.

But then, I know you're not talking about inanimate objects. I'm gonna work on this. Thanks for the "thought puzzle".

Best,

Jon

I'm sorry, Pegg. This kind of news is disheartening, I'm sure.


Redd wrote on Aug 16^th, 2008 at 9:37am:

Not sure what I need to do.

If it were me, I'd start looking for a job, but I wouldn't move on yet. Doing so would just give the company one less position to cut and save them severance and unemployment. If you should find something else before 8/22 then go. Otherwise, wait and see if you're one of the cuts. Then you'll get a severance package and unemployment if needed.
You're in my prayers.
hugs, nani

I doubt I'm on the chopping block...at least in this round.  Advertising is THE department that brings in the lions share of revenue.  Circulation is subscription and single copy sales.  Only so much revenue to be had there.

I think part of it too (on a personal level) is that I'm getting burned out attempting to reach revenue goals that are set higher than the economic market can realisticly generate.  

When it boils down to it, payroll cuts, centralizing certain administrative functions, etc. is the only option to keep the presses running.  


One of the gals in the front office offered to take the layoff.  Maybe i should do that too.  Then again, maybe not...

So this job was posted yesterday on one of my many job seeking sites.


Quote:

Front Office Coordinator Company: Confidential Description We are looking for a front desk coordinator who is a positive, energetic, dependable individual to communicate value and rapport with patients and maintain a productive schedule. Computer skills a must (Have you heard of EagleSoft?) with willingness to learn new skills and apply training. Customer service and sales skills are desired. Team player and attitude more important than years of experience. Must be able to talk about and take large payments. Full time position will be well compensated for (competitive salary, monthly bonus, 5 weeks paid vacation, 4 day work week, top notch continuing education paid for including travel expenses, office uniforms paid for, dental benefits). This is a great career opportunity for someone that loves people and loves to serve others. Requirements 1. Cheerfully greet patients on the phone and in person. 2. Schedule and confirm patient appointments. 3. Organize charts. 4. Collect money. 5. Input patient data into computer. 6. Inventory of front desk supplies. 7. Handle dental insurance. 8. Multi-task. 9. Professional in appearance and speech. 10. Other duties as assigned.

I have all of this experience and more.  Perks don't look too shabby, and the annual base is ok depending what the bonus structure is.

5 weeks paid vacation?  4 day work week?  Paid uniforms and training with travel expences?  Hell yeah...I can do that.

I applied.  It's a dental office here in town somewhere.  Must really be upscale to pay like that.

What say you all?

Whats a vacation?

wrote on Aug 16^th, 2008 at 8:29pm:

Whats a vacation?

That's the week of the year when the OUCH convention takes place . . . .

wrote on Aug 16^th, 2008 at 8:29pm:

Whats a vacation?

When you find out, please let me know.  I've heard about them, but only in vague terms.

I feel for you dear. WI has been pounded with this brutal economy. I've had to close down 2 of our offices and one more office is on the edge. We've also had 2 agents go out of business MILLIONS of dollars missing. One of my biggest fears is losing my job of 10 years and h ave to start all over again on a pay scale I cannot afford to live on. If I was single I wouldn't care at all but with 2 small kids it scares the hell out of me.

I would /am making sure I am at the top of my game at work and bustingmy hump. I view it as an oportunity to outlast some of my "lasier" co-workers and when things turn around mayb I'll end up a few rungs higher on the ladder. Thats just me though. Also this plan would make use of the severance one would get and I could use that time to "re-tool" my skill set.

Maybe this is a good time to re-mention how we all could promote each others services. Never know whose company needs what. Jimmers did work for my company because I read a thread on here stating the same idea. I challenge us all to make it through this nearly historical economic collapse by finding a way to use a fellow CHer's company for some work!

Hang on! No one can predict when we will turn the corner.......

wrote on Aug 16^th, 2008 at 8:29pm:

Whats a vacation?

LOL!  It's taking a day off from "work" so you can do more work.

Pegg, you should look at your long term desires with respect to your job and willingness to live under the cloud of layoffs.  Decide what you want and in the mean time stay at your current job while you look, if you look for a new one.  i.e. don't burn bridges.

Good luck to you.

-P.

Paul98 wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 5:50am:

Pegg, you should look at your long term desires with respect to your job and willingness to live under the cloud of layoffs.  Decide what you want and in the mean time stay at your current job while you look, if you look for a new one.  i.e. don't burn bridges.

I second this motion. You're in a much better position to negotiate the terms of a new job while you still have an old job. If they sense that you're desperate at all, you'll get offered the short straw.

Thanks everyone...

I wish I could say I'm optimistic in the job search, but I'm not.

I have to meet with a very difficult customer this morning who has been custom to paying FAR less than rate card rates for his ads, and he called in demanding those same rates.  Talked it over with my managers and one says "we won't discount"  the other said to quote a different page at 50% discount.  Ok...get on the same page people....

The market simply cannot bare the revenue they demand.  It's a losing battle.  And my budget can't afford to not see commission checks again.

Remember to breathe deeply and relax Peg. My limited experienc with you shows an extremely resourceful woman who is hard to keep down. By staying relaxed I think one can keep true to one's self, which is better than being a slave to our inner emotions, which may not have our best interests at heart.

I'll be thinking of you - good luck!

From Gannett's 2007 Annual Report:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


Quote:

Looking to 2008, ad revenues and volume are expected to be lower in most core print categories and in most newspaper markets. Continued growth is expected from online ad sales. Revenue results for 2008 will be affected by regional economic performance in the U.S. and the U.K. (key affected categories would include retail, real estate, employment and automotive), consumer confidence, by competitive forces, weakening or strengthening in the British pound-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate and the geopolitical environment.

All of those key categories seem to still be weak, most likely further than anticipated.  


Quote:

Reported newspaper payroll costs were up approximately 6% reflecting additions to headcount from acquisitions and non-daily publication growth. On a pro forma basis, payroll costs rose 4%.

The recent e-mail reflects a 3% staff reduction cost.  The question is, will a 3% reduction be adequate.


Quote:

Outlook for 2008: Payroll costs are expected to decline, reflecting the impact of staff reductions in the U.S. and U.K.

It appears the staff reduction was in the picture as of last year.


There were many unfavorables mentioned, but a favorable one has changed to maybe be included as unfavorable for 2008, which would have been probably not been budgeted accurately.


Quote:

Newspaper operating income: Newspaper operating income decreased in 2007, to $1.41 billion from $1.61 billion in 2006. The principal factors affecting operating income were the following: Favorable -   generally lower newsprint usage and prices; and -   currency translation at a higher rate in 2007.

This is an article about newsprint ink price hike in July:


Quote:

Ink companies announce price hike Flint Group North America Publication Inks Division announced a crude oil surcharge of $.10 per pound, effective July 1. The increase is in response to rapidly increasing raw material, energy and freight costs, and will affect all heatset, coldest and newspaper inks sold in North America, Flint said. Meantime, Central Ink Corp. said it will hike its prices July 1, also citing raw materials costs. The increase includes an extra $0.12 per pound on all non-heat black inks, an 8 percent increase on all non-heat colors and a 6 percent increase on all heatset inks. "Today’s crude oil prices are more than double what they were one year ago," said Bradley J. Dahleen, vice president of sales and marketing for Central Ink. "This proves problematic for ink manufacturers because the majority of ink products are derived from crude oil and news ink itself consists of 50-70 percent crude oil." START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Earnings per share, last three full years:

2007   2006   2005                                              
$4.18  $4.81  $4.84



This is an article of Gannett's income last quarter:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


Quote:

Gannett on Wednesday posted a 36 percent drop in quarterly profit because of a decline in print advertising sales as its revenue fell 10 percent to $1.72 billion. Advertising revenue is also declining because of weakening economy.  On top of that, Gannett, the publisher of USA Today, the largest U.S. newspaper by circulation, faces increasing newsprint prices in the second half of the year, which may further erode its profit margins.

Getting to my point here Pegg, this might most importantly be a consideration for you:


Quote:

"The review is prompted by the ongoing and deepening declines in Gannett's newspaper revenue and Moody's concern that the company's revenue-enhancement initiatives and cost reduction actions may not be sufficient to prevent continued erosion in free cash flow over the next 12-18 months," the rating company said.

Considering the e-mail said this:


Quote:

Will there be further reductions? If so, when? Honestly, I hope not, but...

I agree with Paul's advice:


Paul98 wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 5:50am:

Pegg, you should look at your long term desires with respect to your job and willingness to live under the cloud of layoffs.  Decide what you want and in the mean time stay at your current job while you look, if you look for a new one.  i.e. don't burn bridges.

I emphasized a bit.

Just read this.  Sorry about being so slow.

Quite the e-mail.  I wish you the best in whatever comes your way, boxes, new job  or keeping the one you have.  Chin up sis.

Mark

superhawk2300 wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 8:55am:

Remember to breathe deeply and relax Peg. My limited experienc with you shows an extremely resourceful woman who is hard to keep down. By staying relaxed I think one can keep true to one's self, which is better than being a slave to our inner emotions, which may not have our best interests at heart.

Wow. That's downright Zen-like.

Quote:

Description We are looking for a front desk coordinator who is a positive, energetic, dependable individual to communicate value and rapport with patients and maintain a productive schedule. Computer skills a must (Have you heard of EagleSoft?) with willingness to learn new skills and apply training. Customer service and sales skills are desired. Team player and attitude more important than years of experience. Must be able to talk about and take large payments. Full time position will be well compensated for (competitive salary, monthly bonus, 5 weeks paid vacation, 4 day work week, top notch continuing education paid for including travel expenses, office uniforms paid for, dental benefits). This is a great career opportunity for someone that loves people and loves to serve others.

Am I the only one who read this classified ad and said to herself, "THAT sounds way too good to be true"   Something fishy about it.  That dental office would have people lined up in droves for that job.

Linda_Howell wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 12:48pm:

Am I the only one who read this classified ad and said to herself, "THAT sounds way too good to be true"   Something fishy about it.  That dental office would have people lined up in droves for that job.

Unless nobody's ever heard of EagleSoft (I know I haven't).... ;D

Apparently it is software specifically for dental offices.

   START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

I'd never heard of Eaglesoft, but if I can learn to naviage our G-2 system with all it's freaky quirks and glitches, I can learn any software program.

It's really a damn hard market out there.  I was given an 18 page prospect sheet a week ago that I'm just getting to now, and after today I'm not feeling very confident.  95% of the cold calls I tried to make were Out of Business many years ago.  I knew many of then on the list and never even added them to the "hit list" for today.  I targeted one street.   If I couldn't find a shingle or window sign, I called the number I had.  If that was disconnected, I called 411 to see if there was an alternate listing.  Came up with dead ends everywhere I turned.  Some of then turned out to be my current customers listed under an INC. name.  

Tomorrow I'm targeting a different area of my territory.  At least in that area I'm only half way into the 18 pages, instead of listing all of them.  (there are only so many calls/visits a person can make in one day given all the meetings we are required to attend)

Arrrrghhhh......Spinning wheels.... :D

Send me your work contact and the area of the state you service. If we have any offices in that area I will be sure to mention it to the president or those office managers. I don't have much pull in that department but I will make sure they at least know you are there..........

So this came yesterday.  Whatever other payroll cuts are on the block will be done today, and if they are publically announced I'll share.  




Quote:

Aug. 21, 2008 To: Central Wisconsin Media From: XXXXXXX Re: Steven Point Production Facility After much consideration, business conditions require that we close the Stevens Point Production Facility, effective Sept. 19. As a result, we will eliminate all jobs at the plant. Several employees, however, will have an opportunity to transfer to Wausau production roles. The net effect of these changes is the loss of the equivalent of 11 full-time positions. The staff at the plant has a track record of high quality work and good customer service. These skilled workers have made great contributions to this company. They deserve our respect and thanks. However, economic shifts require that we bring most of the printing, inserting and labeling work to the Wausau facility. This will be a process that will unfold over the next few weeks. Ultimately, we will bring some equipment to Wausau. We will sell surplus equipment and the production facility in Stevens Point. The shift of work to Wausau will result in several staffing, schedule and procedural changes. The transition will not be easy, but it is necessary. And I have every confidence that we will successfully meet this challenge. To our departing colleagues, I offer my thanks. To those who agree to transfer to Wausau, I say, “Welcome.” And to our existing staff, I ask your patience as we work through these changes. In addition to production changes, you also should know that statewide position of publishing systems manager, held by Pete Menutes, also has been eliminated, effective Wednesday. We thank Pete for his service and expertise and we wish him the best. I understand how difficult these changes are. But I must stress my sincere belief in our mission, that if we focus on providing local information in the way people want it, we will successfully navigate this tough industry transition. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. I hope you will free to contact me or your department head with comments, questions or concerns.