POUGHKEEPSIE – Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18) toured local businesses in Poughkeepsie on Friday to hear what was on their minds as the economy continues to reopen.
Together with Mayor Rob Rolison, he visited Zeus Brewing Company, The Great Studio NY, and Essie’s Restaurant.
“I’m bringing the voices of Hudson Valley’s small business owners down to Washington with me, so we can ensure our downtowns come back stronger and better,” the House member said.
Maloney and Rolison wanted to hear firsthand from the shopkeepers about how their industries are managing as the country recovers from the pandemic.
“Our small businesses are the engine of our economy here in the Hudson Valley – and they took a big hit during the pandemic,” Maloney said. “Today, we heard directly from businesses in Poughkeepsie about their reopening process and ways I can help them continue to recover now and in the future,” said Maloney.
“I think we are seeking it come together. I know there are some labor shortages out there, but what is exciting the economy is strong, people are coming out to eat and the virus is under control in the Hudson Valley, so overall, it is a pretty good picture and what I am hearing from these small business owners is they just want to keep us going and get back to normal,” he said.
Zeus Brewing managing partner Jeremy Phillips addressed the shortage of workers with Maloney. “We are struggling to find staff to work in our kitchens,” said Phillips.
In addition to Zeus, Phillips plays a role in managing Schatzi’s Pub in Poughkeepsie and its sister establishment, Schatzi’s Pub in New Paltz. “Congressman Maloney has done a tremendous amount of work for breweries like Zeus, and we are grateful. Right now, staffing is our major concern. People are receiving substantial pandemic money and there is no incentive for them to return to the workforce. It’s really putting stress on the restaurants and bars.”
Chef Brandon Walker, owner of Essie’s echoed those sentiments. Walker said he is also struggling to find staff, so he is forced to perform several different duties at the Mount Carmel restaurant. “People are responding to the help wanted ads but then don’t show up for the interviews. I think some people are still worried about the virus while others have spent time during the pandemic to re-evaluate what is important in their lives and are maybe pursuing their own vision rather than working for someone else.” With one of the state’s biggest fall tourism attractions in view of the restaurant, Walker is a bit concerned. “The fall is a very busy time for us because of the influx of tourists. I hope we have the staff to accommodate our guests.”
Rolison touted the perseverance of businesses in the city. “We have weathered the storm,” he said while standing in front of Essie’s. “Our city government worked tirelessly to assist everyone when the pandemic struck in March of 2020. With state orders changing frequently, our departments helped affected businesses in adapting to the changes, and we still are.”
Addressing the staffing issues, Maloney said, “We’re ending the additional pandemic assistance for the unemployed which will end any kind of subsidy that might make people decide to stay home rather than go back to work.”
