It's not the news people wanted to hear heading into the holiday weekend -- an employer in Oneida County is shutting down. Premier Aviation in Rome is closing, affecting more than 100 employees. Rome's mayor tells Melissa Krull what she knows about the situation. 

ROME, N.Y. -- "We're disappointed. Anytime a business closes in our area, it's a loss to everyone," said Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo.

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said the news that Premier Aviation will close came as a surprise.

"I did not have any company officials reach out to me so I didn't even have any warning signs that something was imminent," Izzo said.

While the company was not a member of the chamber of commerce, the president said it's a big loss for the community.

"Whenever a situation like this happens, it not only affects employees of the company but also those at the stores because at those stores, they spend money in the community too, and if there's a downturn at those jobs, well you can see what happens," Rome Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Guglielmo said.

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said the closure will cost 116 jobs, but for those interested, she sais there are lots of manufacturing jobs available in the city.

"There are a lot of aircraft mechanics," said Izzo. "I don't know specifically how these people might want to relocate to other jobs, but we do have a number of jobs that are open in the advanced manufacturing businesses in Rome."

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Rome, Oneida County, and Mohawk Valley EDGE leaders said they'll do what they can to help affected employees.

Mohawk Valley EDGE's President said, "We have worked with Premier over the past seven years in its Rome operation. We will work with them on the transition and will coordinate with Oneida County and our workforce development partners on assistance to the employees impacted by this announcement and will work with Oneida County and Griffis International Airport officials on the marketing of the hangar complex for aviation and UAS/UAV related opportunities."

"Unlike other closings, we do have other opportunities available now in the community as far as jobs, and I would encourage all of these people to look at those and see if they could make a fit," Izzo said.

Spectrum News has reached out to Premier Aviation but has not received a response.

The Rome Area Chamber of Commerce President said more than 5000 people are currently employed at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park.