Small Businesses in Harrison Not Planning to Hire Soon

Small businesses form the backbone of the U.S. economy, and have been responsible for creating about two-thirds of all new American jobs over the last decade.

But the recession has hit mom-and-pop shops particularly hard, forcing them to cut back on staff or, in many cases, shutter altogether. This is one of the prime reasons the unemployment rate has not only remained static but actually ticked up in recent months.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, two-thirds of all small businesses—defined as those with less than $25 million in revenue—do not plan to hire new employees over the next year. And that trend seems to be just as acute here in Harrison.

A number of small business owners in the area said they have no plans to expand soon, as business remains stagnant, but they also remain optimistic. Brian Butler, the owner of Butler Brothers Marketplace & Caterers on Halstead Ave., said he has been able to cut corners in order to keep his four-person staff in place.

"I hope I'll be able to hire in the next six months, but as a business you've got to watch your costs," he said.

That attitude is pervasive across a wide range of industries. John Diluna, the owner of on Halstead Ave., said his restaurant has lost a considerable amount of business as the number of corporate parties has drastically decreased. Still, he said, his staff of seven employees and a handful of part-time summer workers would remain in place.

There's also an issue, at least for some store owners, of finding qualified workers, even with the region's relatively high 6.6 percent unemployment rate. Igor Annopolsky, who owns , also on Halstead Ave., said he currently works alone and has had trouble finding a new employee.

"I need someone who I can trust and depend on," he said. "When you're selling pizza and you drop a pizza, I make a new one and charge you five bucks. If you scratch a work of art, it's not such an easy fix."

Ada Angarano, the president and CEO of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce, said she has seen no signs of long-term recovery for local businesses. And since consumers have had to tighten their belts, she added, they're turning to discount stores such as Walmart instead of the businesses owned by their neighbors.

"The average shopper must now shop where it is more economical, even if the merchandise might be sub-standard and the service is not as personable or friendly," she said.

She said change hinges on whether the federal government steps up and offers incentives that allow small businesses to expand.

Meanwhile, the state is attempting to do the same. Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently rolled out an economic development agenda that includes a global ad campaign and the creation of ten regional development councils that will include local business leaders and officials from government, labor and academia.

The groups will draw up regional plans and compete for $130 million in seed money to attract new businesses or expand existing ones. Details on the councils, including their membership, are expected in the next few days.

Cuomo this week also announced a new streamlined process that will allow the development councils to use a single application to apply for up to $1 billion in funding.

Even industries that have continued to hire throughout the recession—namely, education and health care—have little to offer in and around Harrison.

According to their websites, SUNY Purchase and Manhattanville College have three and six full-time jobs available, respectively. Manhattanville also has 11 part-time and adjunct positions. St. Vincent's Hospital is seeking 11 full-time workers, 10 part-time employees and about a dozen per diem workers -- mainly registered nurses.

"We will most likely keep seeing more 'for rent' or 'store closing' signs along the main streets in our suburban towns," said Angarano.

A number of businesses that are family-owned and operated also won't be expanding soon, their owners said.

"Business is quiet right now, and it's just me, my sister and my father," said Pat Acocella at Acorn Farm & Garden Center on Mamaroneck Ave.

"We're not going to be doing any hiring anytime soon."