Senator Vin Gopal hosted the first of two Small Business Roundtable Discussions Friday, May 4 at Red Bank Borough Hall.
Over 75 local businesses attended the roundtable to share their concerns with the Senator and learn more about his new small business initiative, www.ReportRedTape.com. The Senator was also joined by Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who graciously served as the guest speaker.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities like Red Bank. Throughout Monmouth County, mom and pops drive our local economy. It is essential that these business owners know they have a voice in their local and state government and that their legislators are here to support them. I am grateful to Senate President Sweeney for joining me today in reaching out to this community and encouraging our business owners to speak out about the challenges they are facing,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
“At the Small Business Roundtable today, I had the chance to connect with so many inspiring and innovative local business owners. As a small business owner myself, I understand what they are up against. Hearing some of the challenges these small business owners have endured here in Monmouth County motivates me to work even harder to find new ways to support our local business community.”
Tom Fishkin, owner of Readies in Red Bank, was one of many local business owners to attend the roundtable.
“What a great event the other day at your Red Bank Town Hall gathering,” Mr. Fishkin said.
“The panel showed a down to earth demeanor in all of their responses to both the questions and audience questions/rebuttals. Vin, you were well spoken as always and it’s obvious you are going to be a great advocate for people in the small business environment!”
Senator Gopal is hosting Small Business Roundtable Discussions this month, Small Business Month, to learn more about the challenges facing local small business owners and engage them in his new initiative, www.ReportRedTape.com. Small business owners are encouraged to visit this new site to tell the Senator about their business and submit written comments about the issues they have encountered. All submissions will be reviewed and feedback will be utilized to effect change within the small business community.
“Through our Report Red Tape initiative, we are empowering small business owners to cut through the red tape. With your feedback, we will work to introduce legislation to reduce the gridlock and support local businesses. Once you submit your concerns, we will investigate ways the State can help, work with State Departments on your behalf, or see if the problem needs a legislative solution,” Senator Gopal said.
Senator Gopal will host a second Small Business Roundtable Discussion on Wednesday, May 30 at 12 p.m. at Freehold Borough Hall, 51 West Main Street, Freehold. The Senator will be joined by NJBIA President Michele Siekerka as the guest speaker.
Please RSVP to Camilla Kofod at camillasonnekofod@gmail.com or 732-383-7720 to attend a Small Business Roundtable Discussion near you. Please be sure to include the name of your business as well as a contact number and email address in your RSVP.