Word is spreading quickly in Blair County as more people learn about the closing of Lee Food Service, costing 90 employees their jobs.

Blair County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joe Hurd said the news is discouraging.

"The real disconcerting part of this is that generally it's the family businesses that can withstand a lot more of those economic challenges," Hurd said. "And two of the three business involved were family businesses."

Lee Food Service has been a major distributer to restaurants, health institutions and schools in the area for over 130 years.

President and CEO Robert Donaldson said they are now working with Careerlink and other sources to make sure their employees will be in good hands.

Lee Food Service was created after W.S. Lee and Sons filed for bankruptcy in 2006.

Donaldson said he will have more details of their voluntary liquidation on Friday.

The news comes after two other companies announced their closures in September.

The Allstate Express Claim office in Allegheny Township is slated to close Nov. 20.

Approximately 78 employees work at the office.

F.L. Smithe in Duncansville is also in the process of moving its facility to Green Bay, Wis.

Hoss's Director of Sales Grown Bridget Bingham said every job affects the local economy.

Lee has been Hoss's primary lender for the past two years.

There is a glimmer of hope during the news of these closings.

Robert Lee of the former W.S. Lee & Sons told WJACTV.com he's back in business, under the same name.

Lee said he recently bought a warehouse in Claysburg and will make a job creation announcement within the next few weeks.