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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – Several businesses in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties are in the spotlight during National Small Business Week, recognizing their essential contributions to the local economy and community.
“Entrepreneurs of The Year” awards were given to businesses from all parts of our county, highlighting some who recently started operations to others who have been a staple of the area for generations.
Mary and Steven Farmilant of Lumi Café at the Chautauqua Institution, Connie and Jack Thayer of Portage Pie in Westfield, Sam Gardner of Gardner Chiropractic in Olean and Laura Green of La Dolce Vita.
In addition to the four recognized, the Monday award ceremony also acknowledged owner of Jamestown’s Hot Spot Café, Hector Alverio, naming him the S.B.A Buffalo Minority Champion of the Year.
“Let’s get real, it’s tough to do business in New York but you get it done and you’re thriving and you need relief and help and we have people here today that are trying to make that happen,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “Supply chain problems, labor shortages that plague many of our small businesses right now. I hear it every single day that I visit small business leaders, whether it’s in my office in Washington or on business like here when I’m on a district work period, it’s probably the thing that I hear most in every industry.”
Despite the many challenges these small business owners face, it’s important to recognize their determination and resilience.
“It will continue to be one of my top priorities in Congress to ensure that the American dream is alive and well and that our job creators have the opportunity to fulfill that destiny. To do that, we must recognize where they’ve been and where they’re going, the hardships born out of this pandemic, they’re not over,” Langworthy said.
Officials say these businesses are vital to the health of our economy, and they rely on the public to continue operating.
“We must continue to shop local, spend our money locally, and support these local businesses that are on the front lines of the economy and the fabric of our community,” said Langworthy.
In the end, local business leaders stress celebrating small businesses and encouraging local shopping is crucial to the lifespan of mom-and-pop shops.
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