New York Chocolate & Confections Co. laid off its 40 hourly plant employees on 3/27. The layoffs come as the company waits for a visit this week by officials from the Ivory Coast government and cocoa board. One reason for the visit is to correct an impression on the part of some officials that the plant is old and run-down. The visitors are also expected to approve or deny funds that will pay off the plant’s overdue bills. ...