NORWICH As 2020 comes to a close, many businesses are still struggling due to the pandemic, and they made their issues known on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce and the Norwich Community Development Corp. held their virtual legislative forum, when businesses had the opportunity to share their concerns with both local Democratic and Republican members of the state House and Senate.
Rebecca Alberts, co-owner of These Guys Brewing in Norwich, told legislators and fellow business owners about her struggles during the pandemic. She said she, along with her co-owner husband Ray Alberts, haven’t taken a paycheck in four months, and have been using up their personal savings to keep the brewpub going. Even with their sacrifices, Rebecca Alberts said they had to let go 16 of the 24 employees they had prior to the pandemic.
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.
Erica Moser
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.
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Norwich Local businesses are trying to find creative ways to get the message out that they are open for holiday shopping and beyond, and the city and local business support agencies are pledging to help them.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz hosted a Zoom news conference Wednesday featuring Norwich businesses as part of the state’s campaign to promote holiday shopping in local stores, whether it be in person or online.
“You don’t have to leave Norwich to do your holiday shopping,” Bysiewicz said, “and what a wonderful time to support the small businesses that give our towns and cities the special character that they have, and also to support the people who are supporting our Little League teams, who are supporting our nonprofits and civic organizations and people who are our community volunteers.”