State legislators say Chase closing is ‘heartbreaking’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2013 at 12:00 am

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, both issued statements about JP Morgan Chase’s decision to close its mortgage serving facility in Albion. The company will lay off 400 people in the coming 90 days.

Hawley said 150 of the Albion workers will be eligible to seek positions at Chase offices in Rochester.

Maziarz: “The closure of JP Morgan Chase in Albion is a huge disappointment for Orleans County.

“Elected officials and economic development officials have worked extensively with the company, and its predecessors in that location, over the years to maintain good, local jobs. We would have been ready and willing to do so again if the company had reached out to us for helpwhich they chose not to do.

“I was in touch with JP Morgan Chase officials today and I expressed my frustration that this site could not have been repurposed.

“I hope that employees will be able to transition to new career opportunities, but this will certainly be a long and painful process for many. My heart goes out to them, and they should know that my colleagues and I will be more than happy to assist anyone we can who is looking for a fresh start.”

Hawley: “After the lengths the community has gone through to support Chase Bank and keep the jobs at the call center that are critical to so many local residents and families, its closure is nothing short of heartbreaking.

“With the livelihoods of so many Western New Yorkers hanging in the balance, bank management should have taken the time to come to the table with local elected officials and work on a solution. Instead, their unwillingness to partner with their supporters has led us to this point, and my heart goes out to all of the men and women who are now left searching for work in this bleak economy.

“I am committed to working with state and local officials to provide assistance for these residents and to grow businesses that are truly engaged in and committed to this community.”