Congressman Fred Keller visits micro-businesses in PA-12

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) this week stopped by several small businesses across Pennsylvania’s 12th District to witness how they are rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic and to gather insights from local workers and job creators on ways he can support the area workforce.

“Micro-businesses,” or firms which employ fewer than 10 employees, are the most common kind of employer firm in the United States. Keller visited three such businesses in Lycoming County earlier this week to better understand their needs and represent them effectively in Washington.

On Monday in Williamsport, Keller toured 2310 Apparel, which provides apparel decoration, screen printing and embroidery services for business uniforms, sports teams, school fundraisers, and more. During the tour, owner Robert Williams explained how coronavirus assistance programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helped them continue operating through the pandemic.

Congressman Keller (left) watches on as 2310 Apparel owner Robert Williams operates a screen printer.

On Wednesday, Keller met with Jennifer Parks, owner of Avu Goldsmiths, a handcrafted jewelry store in Williamsport. Over the last five years, Jennifer has worked with her mother and a small team of employees to build Avu into the one-of-a-kind company it is today.

Congressman Keller (left) speaks with Jennifer Parks, owner of Avu Goldsmiths.

Later that day, Keller visited Barrel 135, a restaurant in Williamsport. There, he heard from owner Josh Aucker about his restaurant, how he got started, and how business has been going during the pandemic. Born in Williamsport, Josh attended Penn Tech, where he studied culinary arts and hospitality management.

Congressman Keller on a tour of Barrel 135.

On the tours, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

“Every business, from the largest employers to those with only a handful of employees, deserve a government that allows them to grow and prosper. Having worked in private industry for more than 25 years, I know how important these jobs are to families and to our local economy. Micro-businesses continue to face unique challenges brought on by the pandemic, and I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with them locally to understand their needs and focus my efforts in Washington on helping them succeed.”

Keller returns to Washington, D.C. next week to continue his work to strengthen workforce protections, support job creators in PA-12, and reopen the American economy.

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