Caroline County Administrator Percy C. Ashcraft announced Wednesday, July 30 that he has met with officials from Value City Furniture and it is their indication to close their operations in Caroline County as of October 3.

Ashcraft met with John Hermiz, Director of Distribution at the plant located at the Carmel Church Business Park, and other key Value City officials. He was told the plight of the housing market has made it more difficult with each passing month to keep the Caroline operation open. Its geographical location compared to other stores in the northeast made it a tough fit for Value City’s long-term marketing plan, according to Ashcraft.

Value City opened in 1998 and currently employs 99 associates. Approximately 30 of those jobs are Caroline residents. VC officials confirmed they are going to go above and beyond with federal legislation governing plant closures, offering employees assistance through severance and unemployment benefits, Ashcraft indicated.

Employees were to be told at 2 p.m. Wednesday, which is in compliance with the 60-day notice spelled out in federal legislation.

“It is certainly very disappointing to lose one of your largest employers,” Ashcraft said. “There is no good time for this to happen, but it is certainly one of the worst times with families already struggling with high fuel costs and mortgage commitments.

“Our commitment is to make sure the employees are treated fairly through this process,” continued Ashcraft. “I have been assured by Value City officials they will do all they can do to soften the blow for employees as best they can, and that also includes offering some employees an opportunity to transfer to one of their other locations.”

Ashcraft informed Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Floyd Thomas upon conclusion of the meeting and later corresponded with the other Board members and key County staff. Chairman Thomas has indicated communicating with corporate headquarters might be important as one last effort to see if the decision can be reversed. Value City CEO Jay Schottenstein is reportedly out the country and all inquiries on the matter are being referred to Michael Broidy, Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

Caroline County Director of Economic Development Gary Wilson said his office would begin immediately to try to fill the hole left by Value City. The building will be marketed aggressively and Value City officials have indicated a desire to either sell or lease the building.

“We have been fortunate up to this point to be able to sustain our workforce and even add to it during this economic downturn,” Ashcraft said. “We will continue our aggressive economic development approach. Our location is still prime for business opportunities and we feel confident we can continue to move forward despite this difficult announcement.”