When we don't have as much snow as we have this winter, some local businesses will be severely affected.
“There's not a lot of talk about how much the lack of snow impacts the local economy,” said Snow Management Manager Bill DeSantis.
Bill Desantis is the snow management manager for Kunco Landscape in Erie County. On Wednesday, he and several colleagues were planting trees in the Niagara Pier area.
They were happy to finally be able to work.
DeSantis said 30 employees were deployed to prepare for the winter because Mother Nature has little snow to clear.
“I've seen most of them sitting out all winter, and it's kind of depressing when everyone's relying on that,” DeSantis said. “Some players try to compensate if they can, but most players are sitting around waiting for spring. (But people are hurting, right?) Yes. Very much.”
Garlach's Power Equipment has also seen its business take a big hit over the past few months.
“Snow blower sales and service. That affects it, and then it also affects when snow removal and salting don't affect the business. So it adds quite a bit to the system, yeah,” says Garlach's sales manager. Harvey Waldinger said.
Gerlach's had to lay off five employees due to a lack of winter sales and work.
Fortunately, there are signs of economic improvement in early spring.
“We've got almost everyone home now and we're getting ready for spring. Now that the weather is nicer, people are getting out and bringing in equipment for repairs,” Waldinger said. he said.
“We're starting to move forward into spring and now people are starting to go back to work and work is starting to come in. So it's great to see things turn around and everyone starting to be productive again. That's true,” DeSantis added.
JET 24/FOX 66's Nicole Lee asked Waldinger if Gerlux would adjust its purchases next winter.
He replied, “No, they are ready to meet the needs of their customers and will continue to prepare for a typical winter in Erie.”
