Strictly Business

From Business Today:

Direct Air did more than stiff passengers when it abruptly stopped flying on Monday. It also left the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority with $88,000 in unpaid landing fees. Direct Air is putting on a clinic in how not to handle a crisis. They are not returning calls and not clearly explaining what happened. The damage to their brand may be permanent.





The NRG power plant in Dunkirk is joining the ranks of other coal plants that can not compete with cheaper, cleaner natural gas power plants. NRG said it may mothball the plant in 180 days if it can not secure a guaranteed contract for its above-market price power.

Crawford Furniture, the 129-year-old Jamestown company, is throwing in the towel. After closing its stores and trying to make furniture for other sellers, it said it can't stay in business. It's a sad ending for a company with roots back to Jamestown's glory days as a furniture making center.





National Fuel Gas Co. is apparently satisfying its customers. The Williamsville-based company did very well in a J.D. Powers survey of customer satisfaction, coming in second in the eastern U.S. among natural gas utilities.

Who is getting hired, promoted and honored?