“…we’re learning about this through employees and when we’re dealing with multi-national corporations it makes it very difficult…….It’s just one hit after the other but we’re going to keep plugging.”-Anthony Dolce, Mayor of Dunkirk, New York, reacting to yet more layoffs

In Dunkirk, New York, Cott Corporation laid off at least 20 people. No explanation as company officials commented that they “had no comment at this time.” 

The City of Beacon, New York, about to layoff a few cops. The Police Union says city officials are threatening them with the layoffs, but the Mayor said the budget crisis is for real: “I told every union that it would be a tough budget. I had to raise taxes 11.25%! I’ll do what I have to do to save the city money.”-Randy Casale

In New York City, the Pink Tea Cup is bankrupt. The new owners moved the iconic restaurant to a new location, but were unable to get a new liquor license. They say being unable to serve alcohol lost them so much business they’re now broke.  They told the court that now that they have the alcohol license their business has picked up, they just need time to make enough money to pay their debts.

In West Virginia, another multi-national company, Hino Motors, is laying off  an undetermined amount of employees at its Williamstown factory.  Company officials say they were shocked at how bad their 4th Quarter sales were: “Due to unexpected soft fourth quarter sales…..Hino Williamstown will temporarily reduce production volumes to achieve a more optimal inventory level.”-Sandy Ring, Hino rep

Knight Capital, a financial services company that specializes in buying and selling stocks (aka market making), and automated electronic trading, to layoff about 75 employees after being sold to a competitor.

In Maine, six executives got laid off at the Hannaford supermarket HQ.  Company officials say it’s part of the parent company’s (Delhaize America) plans to reduce executive positions.  Delhaize America laid off 15 executives across the country.

In Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Nestaway closed down. Nestaway made parts for the appliance industry.  Their biggest customer found a new source and as a result 75 people will be out-o-work.  Beaver Dam has a population of about 3200 people.

In Massachusetts, Concord Hand Designs closing down in May.  The sister owner/manager team said that after 28 years they decided that since the lease was expiring, it was time to retire.

In Pennsylvania, the Hooters restaurant in Altoona closed down without notice.  Local reports say it was always popular, and was packed the day before it closed. Even employees didn’t find out until the day it closed.  Locals have been protesting the closing. The Hooters chain has been closing restaurants across the United States, claiming they are under performing, yet by all accounts the Altoona restaurant was making money.  In 2011 the Hooters chain was sold to a group of vulture capitalists (Mitt Romneyites).

Also in Pennsylvania, another restaurant closed.  In Bethlehem the Confetti Cafe shut down because of the owner’s health issues and the bad economy.

By April no more ALCO store in Dodge City, Kansas. Company officials blame the bad economy: “The decision to close the store in Dodge City was a difficult one. We have valued the opportunity to be a part of this community, but unfortunately the store’s performance does not meet our financial requirements. The economy has clearly had an impact on store sales, and we’ve made the very difficult decision to close.”