Small Business Week in Pennsylvania is set to take place from April 28th to May 4th, and local officials in New Cumberland are eagerly promoting the event by highlighting the importance of supporting main street businesses. During a tour of several businesses in the West Shore borough, including the West Shore Theater, Hanna’s Ice Cream, Oxford Hall Celtic Gift Shop and Cafe, Semoff’s Barber Shop, and iDesign Plastics, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, New Cumberland Mayor Joan Erney, and other local officials emphasized the critical role that small businesses play in the community.
Mayor Erney expressed gratitude for the administration’s support of small businesses and highlighted their importance in creating a vibrant and diverse business community in New Cumberland. She added that small businesses bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table that larger corporations cannot replicate.
President of the New Cumberland Borough Council, Don Kibler, also emphasized the significant impact that DCED has had on his town in recent years. He noted that the $25 million increase in funding for the Main Street Matters program proposed by Governor Josh Shapiro for 2024-25 would undoubtedly benefit commercial corridors across Pennsylvania. The state plans to visit other counties such as Northampton, Venango, Delaware, Luzerne, and Somerset during Small Business Week to promote similar initiatives.
Secretary Siger’s tour of downtown New Cumberland businesses showcased not only his commitment to supporting small businesses but also how they can improve communities like these by providing unique products or services. He noted that small businesses often have a more personal connection with their customers than larger corporations do. This connection allows them to better understand their customers’ needs and preferences, which can lead to more loyal customers over time.
Overall, it is clear that Pennsylvania officials recognize the importance of supporting small businesses not only during Small Business Week but throughout the year. By visiting communities like New Cumberland and promoting initiatives like Main Street Matters program increase funding for commercial corridors across Pennsylvania.
