Last week, Craig visited with mayors and small business owners in all six counties of Minnesota’s Second Congressional District
Last week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig completed her tour of small businesses across the Second District. Following a visit to Northfield with Mayor Rhonda Pownell and the local Chamber of Commerce, Craig continued on a small business listening tour in every county in the Second District, visiting mayors and business owners in Red Wing, Wabasha, Zumbrota, Saint Paul Park, South Saint Paul and Savage to hear about their needs as the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Minnesota’s economy. Photos of the events are included below.
“Small businesses are the engine of our local economies, but many Main Street businesses are struggling to get by due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to recover from this economic crisis, it’s vital that we prioritize supporting the mom and pop businesses that make our communities so special,” said Craig. “As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I’ve always fought to put the needs of locally owned businesses first and will continue to do so in Congress.”
In Red Wing Craig joined Mayor Sean Dowse as the two toured the Onyx Ortho manufacturing plant alongside CEO Tammy Lee. They discussed the manufacturing sector’s crucial need for additional financial support in the coming months.
Craig also visited Wabasha, where she and Mayor Emily Durand met with employees and owners at the Eagle’s Nest Café and Hill’s Hardware Hank to talk about the impact COVID-19 is having on supply chains and local businesses.
While in Zumbrota with Mayor Brad Drenckhahn, Craig met with the owners of Wild Ginger Boutique, Dwell Local, and Luya Shoes, three businesses which play a crucial role in the ongoing success of Zumbrota’s downtown business climate.
Craig also met with State Senator Karla Bigham and Mayor Sandi Dingle at the American Legion in Saint Paul Park, where the trio heard about the ongoing impact the pandemic is having on business models with owners of mom and pop shops in greater Minnesota.
Craig visited ING African Hair Braiding in Savage, on September 10th, where she was joined by Mayor Janet Williams to learn about the transportation and infrastructure priorities in the Second District and the pressing issues facing small business owners in Minnesota.
Craig finished her tour in South Saint Paul, where she and Mayor Jimmy Francis discussed the need for more small business relief in future Congressional COVID negotiations at Kaposia Convenience Center.
In Congress, Craig has been a tireless advocate for Main Street, working across the aisle in her post of the House Small Business Committee to ensure that locally-owned small businesses always receive the support they need. Earlier this summer, Craig’s own bill to extend the PPP loan deadline was signed into law by President Trump, allowing small businesses across Minnesota and the country to access $130 billion in already allocated funds. She also introduced legislation that would allow the hardest hit small businesses to apply for a second PPP loan. These bills and the many other steps Craig has taken on behalf of small businesses across Minnesota have earned her the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.