How Rochester Survived The Loss Of Eastman Kodak

This article offers some answers to the question of how Rochester, NY has managed to increase employment while its largest employer's workforce shrank dramatically. Rochester found a way to escape the fate that has befallen Detroit, Cleveland, and other rustbelt cities. The Kodak workforce was highly skilled and the laid off workers were able to find new employment and some started up their own businesses. The University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology also provided jobs and access to technology. The University is now Rochester's largest employer. The State of New York has also provided funds that were put to good use. Perhaps there are lessons from Rochester's experience that might be transferable to other cities which have been impacted by the loss of their large employers.