As a small business owner working every day to support other small businesses with my Emporium Square Artisan Market, I know the value of having partners in government that care about Main Street.
As the former executive director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, I know that these partnerships are critical toward growing strong, vibrant, and successful communities.
Senator Jen Metzger knows that our small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and has worked to connect business owners and employees with valuable tools, funding and information that can help them grow and thrive.
Jen’s bill to give businesses in our communities timely access to information that will help them avoid unnecessary penalties passed unanimously in the Senate, and she also fought to significantly increase funding to the minority and women-owned enterprises program last year.
Senator Metzger has gone above and beyond to help local businesses and not-for-profits hit hard during this pandemic. She cosponsored a bill that grants IDAs authority to provide loans of up to $25,000 for supplies and materials to protect health and safety, such as PPE and protective plexiglass windows.
Her staff has also helped countless business owners and sole proprietors access Unemployment and PUA insurance.
I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling around the Hudson Valley over the past few years, seeing Senator Metzger at a wide variety of community and business related events. I often comment that “Jen is everywhere!” She’s hosted over a dozen “Chat With Jen” events and even hosted a very well-attended Small Business Forum. We are so fortunate to have such an accessible and down to earth advocate for the small business community in Senator Metzger.
But what I admire the most is that Jen, when called upon, shows up, stands up and supports. More than accessible, she is present and her presence means so much to local small businesses. Senator Jen Metzger, walks the walk.
I truly believe for the first time in a long time that Jen is our voice in the New York State Senate. We need to re-elect her this November so that she can continue to advocate for our local businesses.
Sincerely
Barbara Martinez
Managing Partner, Emporium Square Artisan Market