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November 10, 2009

Businesses concerned by Pfizer closures

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

CHAZY — Simon Conroy has noticed the effect corporate layoffs have had on his business in the past.

"We definitely saw a lot of customers who work at Wyeth say goodbye years ago," said the owner of Conroys Organics on Route 9 in Beekmantown.

This week, after Pfizer Inc. announced the impending closure of its research and development operations in Rouses Point, Chazy and Plattsburgh, Conroy is wondering whether his expanding business will once again feel the impact.

"We saw a lot of people leave then, but luckily it hasn't been a drastic fallout of customers. But this time, I don't know."

Word about the estimated loss of 400 had many local business owners worried Tuesday.

Laura Shambo, owner of North Country Floral and Gifts in Chazy, said she has "a lot of local customers and support, so I imagine in time it may have an impact."

She expects it will be difficult for many Pfizer employees to find comparable work in the area.

"It's going to be tough, and the numbers are just astonishing. I'm just hoping they can get another company in to help these people, but I guess we're going to have to wait and see."

In Rouses Point, the closures were the topic of many conversations.

"It's going to hurt the people who got laid off, the businesses and the tax base," said Pat O'Connor, owner of West Liquor and Wine.

After 30 years in business, O'Connor has seen his share of corporate layoffs and said the latest round "will hurt for sure. People are going to have to move out of the area because there really aren't that many jobs that have that kind of pay."

At Chazy Hardware Building Supply in Rouses Point, co-owner Bruce LaDue said the news "is just awful. It's (the effect) going to trickle down to everyone."

He predicts the closures will have a fairly significant impact on the tax base and local housing situation.

"And somebody's going to have to pick up those costs."

Chuck Porter, an employee at Garceau Auto Sales, doesn't think the job losses will hurt the dealership as much as other businesses, but said, "One way or another, it's going to affect everyone. It's going to be tough, that's for sure."

Nearby, at Best Friends Family Diner, employee Aislinn McCarthy said the announcement sent a wave of "worry through town."

At the packed diner on Tuesday, McCarthy said, "Everyone's just kind of recoiling today."

Despite the expected hardship, Conroy remained optimistic that the area's other economic opportunities will help minimize the impact.

"Even with the loss of jobs, we have a lot more opportunities in our area than a lot of northern New York towns. I still think we're better off than other areas."

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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