AMHERST – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster met with business owners in Amherst and Milford to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, and how the government can support them. Earlier today, Kuster and State Senator Shannon Chandley (District 11) held a press conference to discuss how easy voting is this year. The business stops included Union Coffee in Milford, Coworking House in Milford and P.J. MacWilliam’s Bon Bon in Amherst.

“COVID-19 has disrupted our lives and our economy, and the only way we are going to get through this pandemic is if we listen to the science and provide support to those who’ve been hit the hardest,” said Annie Kuster. “It was so great to meet with local business owners today to talk about their COVID-19 operations, and how we can support them as we build back from this pandemic. I’m proud to fight for our small businesses and communities in Congress, and I am so inspired by the determination and innovation our Granite State businesses have shown throughout this crisis.”

“Local leaders and businesses need federal partners on whom we can rely,” said State Senator Shannon Chandley. “We have in Congresswoman Annie Kuster a true champion for Granite Staters. During this pandemic, folks in Amherst, Milford, Merrimack, and Wilton are facing real challenges. From making sure that our small businesses have the resources they need to recover post-pandemic to ensuring that voting is safe, easy, and accessible for every single resident, strong coalitions like the one we have here, today, will deliver real results for our constituents.”

“Our business has been able to offer flexibility for our members throughout COVID-19,” said Kristin Hardwick, co-founder of Coworking House. “As a co-opted working space, it was so important that we understand the best safety precautions to keep everyone in our building safe while being available for the influx of newly remote workers and college students. Thanks to our representatives and community support, we’ve been able to do just that. And, to meet the needs of our clients, we’ve been able to create a space adapted to social distancing and life working remotely, including a space for those with kids.”

“I am so thankful for the support my business has received during this pandemic,” said Kelly Conway, owner of P.J. MacWilliam’s Bon Bon. “People went out of their way to come to our store when we were offering curbside pick-up, and I am so grateful for that. Right now we’re holding steady with people coming in-person and shopping safely, but I’m a little worried about the holidays because that’s where a bulk of our sales come from. But, we are doing everything we can to keep our customers safe and ensure we stay open for business. It’s all about taking it one day at a time.”