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MANISTIQUE -- On Thursday, some of the 150 employees of Manistique Papers attended the first day of Michigan Works-hosted information sessions.

The event was held at the Manistique High School auditorium.

A representative from the State of Michigan Unemployment Agency was there to guide the workers.

Some of them said they were shocked by last Friday’s announcement that the mill was ceasing production.

Still, others said they'd sensed the news was coming.

So what's the next step for them?

“Seeing what I can do to pay things off,” explains Shane Rath, an operator at the facility. “I’m trying to sell things that I don’t necessarily need right now. I’m also trying to build up my savings account."

Some employees will consider retirement, while others will look into relocating for jobs, or even returning back to school.

The ninety year old maker of recycled fiber content has seen a one million dollar increase in the cost of raw material since January 2011.

There were workers at the session who said they've worked at the mill for more than thirty years.

Michigan Works brought financial advisor, James Studinger, to the event to offer encouragement and advice.

“Work on things that are in your control,” said Studinger. “Don't get overly focused on the economy and the stock market."

He also said that now is the time to consider new options.

“So sometimes when change happens, it allows us to tap into some creativity that's been pushed down and we haven't had the time to tap into it. And you never know what you might get exposed to,” said Studinger.

The employees said they're grateful for the show of support.

“Basically right now it's day to day, but people are letting other people know that they're there for us to help us through this as best as they can," said Rath.

And even though there are still many concerns, officials are doing what they can.

“It's crucial to the survival of our county and our community,” explains Michigan Works Board Member, Daniel LaFoille, “I’m hopeful that a good outcome comes from this. And we're working very hard and willing to do anything that we can as government officials."