Rochester Business Owner to Attend State of the Union with Sen. Schumer

Eisco LLC CEO Ben Pearson highlights tariff challenges faced by small businesses

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ben Pearson, CEO of Eisco LLC, a scientific equipment manufacturer in Honeoye Falls, New York, will attend the State of the Union address with Senator Chuck Schumer to share his concerns about the impact of tariffs on his small business. Pearson says Eisco faced $1 million in unexpected costs due to a 50% tariff on most of its goods, forcing the company to cut 20% of its staff and raise prices, leading to a negative Q4 profit. While a recent Supreme Court ruling favored the company, Pearson says tariffs administered in this manner are "theft to small businesses" who lack the resources to fight them.

Why it matters

The challenges faced by Eisco LLC highlight the broader struggles of small businesses in the Rochester area and across the U.S. due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. This story illustrates the real-world impact of trade policies on local companies and the need for relief and clarity for small businesses.

The details

Eisco LLC, which designs, manufactures, and distributes scientific equipment globally, was hit with a 50% tariff on most of its goods when the tariffs were first imposed. This led to $1 million in unexpected costs, forcing the company to cut 20% of its staff and raise prices, resulting in a negative Q4 profit. While a recent Supreme Court ruling favored the company, Pearson says the administration's plan to impose a new 10-15% global tariff still poses challenges, as small businesses lack the resources to fight these tariffs.

  • When tariffs were first imposed, Eisco LLC faced a 50% tariff on most of its goods.
  • The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Eisco LLC regarding the tariffs.
  • The President has announced plans to impose a new 10-15% global tariff, which Pearson is waiting to learn more about.

The players

Ben Pearson

CEO of Eisco LLC, a scientific equipment manufacturer in Honeoye Falls, New York.

Senator Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senator from New York who invited Pearson to attend the State of the Union address.

Representative Joe Morelle

U.S. Representative from New York's 25th congressional district, who commented on the Supreme Court's decision and the impact of tariffs on businesses in the region.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

A business advocacy organization that has heard directly from members about the negative impact of tariffs on their businesses and investment plans.

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What they’re saying

“While it's a step in the right direction, tariffs administered in this capacity, I view, is theft to small businesses. We don't have the outlets or legal teams to fight at the level to try to offset the tariffs. We just have to absorb the expense.”

— Ben Pearson, CEO, Eisco LLC (whec.com)

“Clearly, that's the opposite of what we want to happen.”

— Representative Joe Morelle (whec.com)

“We've heard directly from members that projects are stalled and not moving forward due to the lack of clarity about what costs will look like. So, we'll really be monitoring that to support long-term investment in our community and making sure that affordability is a top-line issue for businesses.”

— Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce (whec.com)

What’s next

Pearson will be attending the State of the Union with Senator Chuck Schumer to share his story in Washington, D.C. and advocate for relief for small businesses impacted by tariffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant challenges faced by small businesses in Rochester and across the U.S. due to the administration's trade policies, underscoring the need for clearer, more sustainable tariff policies that support the growth and competitiveness of local companies.