PLYMOUTH – On Thursday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster met with supporters in the Plymouth Town Common and stopped by M ‘n M Scoops and The Common Man Roadside Market & Deli to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and supports for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was great to be in Plymouth and to talk to small business owners about their COVID-19 operations,” said Annie Kuster. “This pandemic has threatened the businesses that are the backbone of our economy here in New Hampshire, and it’s so important that we provide them support as we continue to recover. I want to thank M ‘n M Scoops and The Common Man for hosting me today, and for talking to me about how they have stayed open and worked to continue serving the community during this pandemic. I’m proud to fight for Granite State small businesses and restaurants like these, and I look forward to continuing this important work.”

“As a seasonal business, COVID-19 really affected us,” said Maryann Barnsley, owner of M ‘n M Scoops in Plymouth, NH. “Typically we save money in the summers to sustain us in the winter months, but because of the pandemic, we had to alter course. The Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL, and Main Street grants were all effective and helpful for our business, and we were able to stay open thanks to their support.”

“In my nearly 50 years of being in business, we’ve never faced a challenge quite like COVID-19,” said Alex Ray, businessman and owner of The Common Man. “We’ve focused on keeping our staff employed, happy and safe while staying open, and a lot of that was made possible by the PPP loans and support from our community and elected representatives. The winter and cold weather pose new challenges for restaurants and businesses like mine, and that’s why I’m glad we have a representative like in Annie Kuster in Congress who fights hard for Granite State small businesses.”