On July 17, I told you that Northampton County is offering $4 million in grants (not loans) to small businesses (less than 100 employees) impacted by the pandemic. The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is marketing this program, but County Council will have final say in who gets up to $15,000. When this was first discussed, Council President Ron Heckman had all kinds of "concerns," as he put it, about the Chamber. They appear to have been misplaced. I know of two small businesses who never would have been able to have applied but for the assistance if the Chamber.
One of these businesses is a nail salon that was forced to close during the pandemic. I've known the owner for 25 years. After all that time, I still have difficulty understanding her. She called a number on the application and was connected with Jessica O'Donnell, one of Tony Iannelli's many right hands. She promised to get her in touch with someone the next day and did.
Someone from the Chamber called and spent over an hour with a person whose command of English is challenged .
I also know of one other business receiving the same kind of help.
Neither was a Chamber member.
If you have a small business and were hurt by the pandemic, apply. Though the grants are probably all eaten up by now, I have a sneaking suspicion there will be a second round.
3 comments:
Yeah, But Heckman know best, your just a naysayer, long rule Heckman
Anon 10:34, Worry less about Heckman and more about English grammar!
It is a good thing someone on that council is concerned. You are handing out millions of tax money free to the chamber. Watch who really gets the money. It is an insider game. The bubbleheads just do what they are told. Time to clean House at the County.
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