This week marks the one-year anniversary for HMX Group, the firm that acquired famed clothier Hartmarx after it declared bankruptcy last spring.

After marshaling support from powerful allies in politics and labor and fighting off liquidation, Workers United members at the plant are happy to have a degree of job security in these tough economic times. Commenting on the weeks and months of uncertainty that ensued before a deal was made. Workers United Local 39C President Ruby Sims told the Chicago Sun-Times today, "That's something I'll never wish on anybody. You don't know what's going to happen. You just don't shake that off real easy."

Today, the suit-making company that counts people like the President of the United States on its long list of fans is flourishing. During a recent fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate (IL-D) Alexi Giannoulias, the President praised Alexi's efforts on behalf of the campaign spearheaded by Workers United.

"When they fell on hard times, the big bank tried to pull their credit and destroy 600 jobs. Alexi stepped in, " Obama said. "He told the bank that if they did that, they would no longer be managing the money of Illinois taxpayers. Because of what he did, Alexi helped save that company and save those jobs. That's the kind of person you want in the United States Senate."

The campaign's equation for saving the factory--and 600 workers' jobs--included protests of the big banks and effective efforts to pressure Wells Fargo. Tomorrow morning, workers and their allies -- including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin -- will celebrate the anniversary outside of the plant.

Take a look back at the successful campaign to save jobs at Hartmarx factory on SEIU's Blog.