Two stories in the last couple of days show that the economy of the 29th district is steadily moving from one based on well-paid, skilled manufacturing jobs to a lower-paid, less-skilled, service economy.
In Rochester, the Democrat and Chronicle
reports that Kodak, once the engine of the Rochester economy and number one employer, has falled to number three. Wegmans, the local grocery chain, moved from third to second on the D&C's ranking. The University of Rochester, which runs Strong Hospital, is number one.
Elmira's WETM
reports on Governor Spitzer's appearance in Erwin, where he cut the ribbon at a remodeled Corning plant. The new occupant, Sitel, plans to hire 400 $8/hour callers for its call center there.
This kind of economic news is another reminder that news of recession is nothing new to the residents of the 29th. The economy here has been shrinking for decades.