Thursday, February 8, 2007

Economic Snapshot

There has been plenty of talk from Rochester political and economic groups stating that the way to revitalize the area economy is to capitalize on our vast educational and high-technology resources. Let's take a look at some recent economic news:

- Xerox sold their headquarters in Connecticut and promptly announced that it had no plans to establish headquarters in Rochester.

- Kodak made an announcement that it will begin manufacturing and selling a new printer aimed at the home and small business market. The machines will not be made in Rochester, they will be made in Asia. But the announcement was made in Rochester, right? Nope, New York City. Then job cuts in the thousands were announced.

- Bausch & Lomb has finally filed its earnings reports . . . for 2005 - and at over $10 million less than previously reported. Overseas legal troubles have supposedly hindered the accounting process and there is no word on when 2006 figures will be released. Think the IRS would be so understanding if you filed your taxes two years late?

- After shelling out $250,000 to keep open its option to purchase the Midtown property, and a jaunt by Mayor Duffy to Italy, the City announced that . . . nothing is happening.

- We still own the Farce Ferry and it is has cost us more to move and store the boat north of the border than if we had left it where it was. I guess with the good Mayor out of sight is truly out if mind.

- Maggie and the GRE announced they would build on achivements from 2006. Acheivements like . . . the agreement to build a new Barilla Pasta plant in Livingston County? Wait a minute . . .

As Bausch & Lomb, Xerox and Kodak flounder who is stepping up to supply these supposed high-paying, hi-tech jobs? Sutherland, Unisys and 5Linx - somehow I doubt the average income levels and required employee skillsets from these three compare to those seen in the heydays of the Big 3.

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