Congressman Dan Meuser conducted a walking tour of numerous small businesses on West Front Street in Berwick on Tuesday, highlighting established businesses in the community, discussing the challenges they are facing, as well as getting a preview of some projects that are part of its future.

   Congressman Meuser visited:

• Berwick Innovation Center
• Georgie’s Bagels
• Kissinger’s Floor & Wall
• The site of a project planned by Community Strategies Group

   Berwick Innovation Center is owned by Greg and Jessica Martz of Martz Technologies. The building will house VZR Scada, which uses smart technology to provide a cloud-based sewer monitoring system, offering real time data that can save money and resources. “Our vision is to bring innovation to downtown Berwick,” Martz emphasized. He also plans to train high school students on the latest technology at the innovation center. The building also has space for entrepreneurs and a green room for building tenants to produce digital content. A main goal of the project is to provide a low cost, one-stop-shop space to assist small businesses to grow in Berwick.

   Georgie’s Bagels is owned by George Zappata, a former boxer. He has been in business on West Front Street for 26 years. Zappata shared his story of participating in the Paycheck Protection Program from The Small Business Administration during the pandemic to keep his business afloat. Georgie recently undertook a renovation and update to his business and has further modernized his staple business in Berwick. Georgie’s Bagels has been severely impacted by workforce shortages, as Georgie is now handling many aspects of the business personally. Despite rising costs and workforce shortages, Georgie has worked maintain consistent prices for the community he serves.

   Kissinger’s Floor & Wall is owned by Kirk Bower. The business provides a wide array of options including flooring, carpeting and window treatments. Bower also benefited from the Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic. He also discussed the inflationary pressures he has encountered recently in supplies and materials.

   Josh Nespoli of Community Strategies Group discussed some future developments that will take place on Coblentz Corner, the busiest intersection in Columbia County. Nespoli revealed The Berwick Teen Center will be part of the project at the site of a blighted property on a corner of the intersection. He was enthusiastic about what will also be part of the project and promised to reveal more details in the future.

“As a member of The House Small Business Committee, I always appreciate the opportunity to meet the small business owners of the 9th District and hear about their successes and challenges. There are a lot of good things happening in Berwick, and there are more to come,” Meuser commented. “The past two years have been particularly challenging to those in the small business community, and I was glad to support the Paycheck Protection Program, which were a lifeline for many. It’s important that we continue to address the concerns of small businesses, from rising inflation to workforce shortages, to the cost of natural gas. Berwick has some fantastic upcoming opportunities that will help students, redevelop blighted properties, and bring tech related jobs to the community,” Meuser stated. 

Photo one: Congressman Meuser with David Kovach, Columbia County commissioner and Greg Martz of Martz Technologies

Photo two: Congressman Meuser with Georgie Zappata of Georgie’s Bagels and Jaxon Zappata

Photo three: Congressman Meuser with Kirk Bower of Kissinger’s Floor & Wall

Original source can be found here.