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Kodak, the 131-year-old photography pioneer, filed for bankruptcy on January 19th 2012.Eastman Kodak announced early this morning that filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy was “the right thing to do for the future” of the company.In a statement, Kodak CEO Antonio Perez said company leadership decided the move was “a necessary step.”Innovation Trail has followed the story over the course of 2012.

Your Kodak stories

The Innovation Trail went to the Rochester Public Market last weekend - just days after Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection - to hear from you.

With all that's been written about the demise of Kodak, we wanted to capture the human side of the equation - in a city where Kodak still matters.

Why? Because for many thousands of Rochesterians Kodak is more than just a company.We heard from people who worked at Kodak for decades; people who found love at Kodak Park; people who grew up in Kodak recreation facilities, playing alongside fellow Kodak Kids.

We heard about alleged cancer clusters, secret spy satellites, and business decisions that tarnished Kodak's legacy.

We heard the good and the bad.

Above is a slice of the many amazing stories you shared with us. Thank you.

Your stories go national

We were able to share some of your stories with the producers of NPR's Weekends on All Things Considered.

On Saturday, your Kodak memories kicked off the show's lead story on "Saving The American Brand."

The bottom line?

Kodak's survival will also depend on whether they can tap into their historical ingenuity and success, and come up with the kind of products that can get them back on track

Give the 11-minute story a listen. And let us know if you think Kodak can mastermind a GM-like turnaround - or if Kodak's moment truly has faded, once and for all.

WXXI/Finger Lakes reporter for the Innovation Trail.
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