Updated 06/26/2009 06:02 AM
In store windows and on Facebook, locals fight to save Lockheed jobs
OWEGO, N.Y. -- After the government cut Lockheed's VH-71 presidential helicopter contract, company officials planned to cut nearly 1,000 jobs from the Owego plant. But now, locals are striking up a grassroots campaign to help the program stay aloft.
"Today, we're going to look at the Senate Subcommittee on Defense and send them some emails and let them know how we feel," said Martha Sauerbrey, President and CEO of the Tioga Chamber of Commerce.
Martha Sauerbrey and her team at the Chamber have sent out hundreds of flyers to local businesses encouraging them to fight for the program and its employees, many of whom keep local shops going strong.
"The families shop in our communities, get their car fixed here, get their hair done, all of that has a significant impact on our economy," said Sauerbrey.
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And the campaign isn't just targeting store fronts. It's moved into the digital age with a full-fledged online protest.
"The younger generation is certainly getting on board with Facebook and that's a way that we can get people to react," Sauerbrey said.
As the Tioga Chamber wages a high-tech battle on Facebook and the Internet, some local businesses are taking a more old-fashioned approach. Letting their customers know just where they stand on VH-71.
"The federal government has spent a lot of money on this helicopter and to just drop it isn't a very smart thing to do," said John Hitchings, owner of John's Fine Foods in Owego.
Andy Romano has run this barbershop for nearly 40 years, he's got lots of Lockheed customers and doesn't mince words when it comes to the program.
"I think the government is being stupid. We've already got seven of them near completion and you're going to scrap it?" said Sauerbrey.
The campaign to save VH-71 is small but growing and according to Sauerbrey, far from over.
"I know we're small and insignificant here at the Chamber, but if you don't stand up and say something, who's going to?” asked Sauerbrey.
The Chamber has already sent out more than 500 flyers to local businesses and around 8,000 letters and emails to federal officials, including the President.