The newly formed Far Northeast Small Business Association met recently at Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub.
The guest speaker at the July 11 gathering was to be state Sen. Jimmy Dillon, but he was in Harrisburg as lawmakers were finalizing the budget. Dillon’s chief of staff, Matt Darragh, addressed the group, as did Dan Lodise, a Bustleton resident and director of internal and external affairs for City Councilman Isaiah Thomas.
The business group is led by president Joe Kennedy, vice president Missy Murray, treasurer D.J. Jones and secretary Patrick O’Brien and has 10 committees. Boundaries go from Fishtown north to the city line, along with neighboring suburbs such as Bensalem, Feasterville and Rockledge.
The group will be pursuing initiatives such as security cameras, storefront improvements, financial literacy and potential tax breaks, specifically a decrease in the city business income and receipts tax (BIRT). Members plan to network among one another, seek any help available from the city and state and work with the city and state Departments of Commerce and Revenue.
The group plans to meet again on Aug. 22 at Paddy Whacks and offer an educational seminar in October. Workshops and seminars will be held quarterly.
For more information, visit fnesba.org. ••
