Speaker Jon Burns Pledges Support for Individuals and Communities Impacted by International Paper Closures

ATLANTA - On the morning of Thursday, August 21, 2025, International Paper informed the public and members of the Georgia House of its plans to permanently close the Savannah, Georgia, containerboard mill, the Savannah, Georgia, packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.

"This unexpected announcement was highly disappointing and will undoubtedly have detrimental consequences for not only the 1,100 International Paper employees directly impacted by the closures, but also the entire economy of Southeast Georgia," said House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington). "The Georgia Department of Labor currently estimates that three to four indirect job losses could occur for every direct job lost at the International Paper facilities. These estimates do not account for the countless farmers and timber growers throughout the region who are facing the loss of their livelihoods due to this unforeseen and devastating blow to Georgia's timber industry. Despite these challenges, the House remains fully committed to providing every possible resource, option, and opportunity for those impacted to move forward and get back on their feet."

Please see a list of resources below:

Georgia Department of Labor - Unemployment Assistance

https://dol.georgia.gov/get-unemployment-assistance

Technical College System of Georgia Rapid Response Resources

https://www.tcsg.edu/worksource/rapid-response

Liberty County Job Fair

Location: Riceboro Youth Center, 5649 S Coastal Hwy, Riceboro, GA 31323

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m.

RISE Savannah Jobpalooza

https://risesavannah.com/jobpalooza/

Location: EnMarket Arena, 620 Stiles Ave, Savannah, GA 31415

Dates: Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday, September 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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