Congresswoman Cindy Axne held a conference call on Zoom Meeting last week with local business owners, employees, and economic development organizations, to share thoughts on solutions and provide information on the current economic climate. Congresswoman Axne said during the meeting helping the local business stay afloat is a key point in her discussions in congress.

“We’ve got to look out for our small mom and pop shops, our owners of small businesses of one or two people in our smaller towns, and that’s where we really want to make sure that any policy that is put together in the future that adds money to our area, that we are in full support of, but we have to make sure it gets put in the hands of the people who need it the most. It’s not additional loans for people who have already gone after them or have an easier time to get them. We want to make sure that every person down to that sole proprietor, contractor, or small business owner that employs themselves, have the same opportunity as the next person.”

Local business owners talked about the need to help local banks serve an influx of customers and applicants, and helping rural healthcare providers with funding among other topics.