WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced this week she is launching a small business outreach tour with business leaders and employers across New York's 22nd Congressional District. The tour will include small businesses in Chenango County.

The outreach events will be an opportunity for small businesses to share their experiences dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss their priorities for relief and recovery.

 

"Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy in the 22nd District," Tenney said. "I serve on the House Small Business Committee, where I am laser focused on making sure our local employers get the support they need to recover and come back from this pandemic stronger than ever. I will take insights from these outreach events with me to Congress to make sure our small businesses are heard in Washington."

Tenney will stop in Chenango County on Wednesday, March 31at Commerce Chenango.

Small businesses interested in sharing their experiences with Congresswoman Tenney directly or participating in future stops can email RSVP_NY22@mail.house.gov.

“We are looking forward to hosting Congresswoman Tenney here in Chenango County,” noted Kerri Green, President & CEO, Commerce Chenango.

“As we continue to move forward through the COVID-19 recovery process, we need to work with our elected leaders, and with each other, to make our businesses and communities stronger. I am pleased that the Congresswoman is reaching out in this way, and providing us with a platform to discuss our vision, struggles and priorities,” said Green.

Other small business outreach stops include:Monday, March 15: Cortland County Chamber of Commerce; Wednesday, March 17: Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley; Friday, March 26: Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.

"Members of the 24 chambers of commerce and affiliate partner organizations in our 6-county alliance have an ideal opportunity to discuss mutual concerns with Congresswoman Tenney at the upcoming forum," said William K. Guglielmo, President of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce and Co-chairman of the Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley. 

"The actions taken in the House of Representatives have far-reaching impact on the business community’s ability to successfully market their products and services as they strive to enjoy the many attributes of living, working, and raising a family in our region. We appreciate the time Congresswoman Tenney is devoting to hear directly from the business people in her district."

 

“The Chamber is looking forward to working with Congresswoman Tenney and her position on the Small Business Committee will be instrumental in our efforts to improve our business climate here in our region," said Bob Haight, President & CEO, Cortland County Chamber of Commerce. "We’re pleased she agreed to have a round-table discussion with our members and we will share what the last year has been like for each of our business sectors. We know she’s coming to listen and use her position for the betterment of our community.”

 

"Our Chamber members are eager to speak with the newly elected Congresswoman," said Stacey Duncan, President & CEO, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. "During this unique economic recovery, it is important for our elected leaders to take time to listen to the needs of business. With Congresswoman Tenney's appointment to the Small Business Committee it is beneficial for our membership to engage with her and we are excited to be able to provide them this opportunity.”

Tenney's office said she serves on the House Small Business Committee and the congresswoman is a long-time small business owner and was most recently the co-owner and publisher of a community newspaper and a printing and packaging manufacturing firm started by her grandfather in 1946. She said she understands the struggles small businesses face, especially in a high-taxed state such as New York, and will continue to be a strong advocate for them. 

- From Commerce Chenango