Tierney Visits Small Businesses in Reading, Discusses Key Issues With Business Owners

The following was submitted by the office of John Tierney:

Congressman John Tierney joined members of the , local officials, and small business owners for a tour of small businesses in Reading Wednesday. The group visited several vibrant downtown retailers, service providers and restaurateurs to discuss issues effecting them. Tierney also spoke about the Increasing Small Business Lending Act of 2012, a bill he recently filed to help small businesses access credit.

“I certainly appreciated having the opportunity to hear from several small business owners and their employees today. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is pivotal if we are to have a lasting economic recovery.  I will continue to advocate for policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship on Main Street in Reading and across the country,” said Congressman John Tierney.

"We are very pleased that Congressman Tierney is taking time to visit the town of Reading. This is a great opportunity for our businesspeople to interact with a sitting Congressman and speak with him about their experiences in the current economic environment and the things they need to continue to prosper," said Julie Higgins, Executive Director, Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce. 

“As far as my SBA loan is concerned, I wouldn’t have been able to purchase this business without it and at the time, it was a program that was geared towards women in business and it made it possible for me to purchase this business.  I think it’s wonderful that the Congressman came to Reading.  I think it’s important to show his support for local business and his support for independent businesses as well.  It just makes a huge difference I think to the whole morale of the community to know that our government officials are interested,” said Leslie Leahy, Owner of the gift shop.

While in Reading, Congressman, Tierney stopped to visit patrons and business owners at several shops and restaurants downtown, including , , and .  The Congressman discussed national and local issues facing our businesses, including legislation that created or extended 17 small business tax cuts and credits since January of 2009. He also presented a congressional citation at the Hitching Post gift shop in honor of their 50th year of business.

Tierney’s lending bill, H.R. 5851, would extend for an additional year successful government loan programs that make capital more easily available to small businesses through local banks by increasing SBA guarantee levels and waiving certain loan fees.