LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The importance of supporting small businesses is paramount

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, driving innovation, nurturing job creation and fostering community cohesion. This year, National Small Business Week spanned from April 28 to May 4, symbolizing a collective tribute to those who propel our economy. For over six decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration has championed this annual celebration, recognizing the spirit and contributions of America's entrepreneurs. National Small Business Week pays homage to the courage, innovation, and perseverance of small business owners, whose endeavors embody the essence of the American Dream.

The Gaston Business Association takes pride in commemorating the impact of our local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small Business Week not only serves as a testament to their dedication but also highlights the role they play in shaping our community's economic landscape.

Our highlight of Small Business Week was the much-anticipated GBA Small Business Expo, which took place on Wednesday, May 1. With 35 diverse vendors showcasing their products and services, the expo provided a bustling marketplace for the business community. We were thrilled to see over 200 attendees, each eager to support and engage with vendors. The energy and camaraderie throughout the event underscored the resilience and vibrancy of Gaston's small business ecosystem.

"Attending the GBA's Small Business Expo was truly an inspiring experience. It was heartening to witness the dedication of the vendors, whose passion for their businesses was palpable throughout the room. I'm grateful to the sponsors whose support made this expo possible, and to the GBA for providing a platform for local businesses to thrive." – Keanu Trujillo, Alchemy Coworking, Attendee of Small Business Expo.

"As a sponsor of the GBA's Small Business Expo, we are inspired by the energy and innovation showcased by our local small business community. The sense of collaboration highlighted the role that small businesses play in supporting the community as a whole. Planning the Expo was in response to requests from other GBA Investors, and we are grateful to be able to partner with them to help other Small Businesses in Gaston County." – Josh Elliott, MBA Roofing, Signature Sponsor of Small Business Expo

The GBA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the small business owners, entrepreneurs and community members who contributed to the success of this year's Small Business Expo. Each new venture in Gaston County represents not only a business endeavor but also an act of hope and confidence in our economic future. Together, we embody the resilience, tenacity, and boundless potential that define Gaston's entrepreneurial landscape.

Patrick T. Mumford, GBA President & CEO

Janet Yellen says, “Increase tariffs!”

I saw, in the 4/28/2024 issue of the Gaston Gazette that the “Heroine of Waco,” a.k.a. Janet Yellen, favors “keeping all options open to respond to threats from China’s excess industrial capacity,” which the article says has been hurting manufacturers in numerous countries.

If you strip away the — uh — fertilizer, what she’s saying is that those manufacturers don’t want the competition, and they want government’s help by imposing import tariffs. They want to keep high prices rather than allow the consumer — that’s you and me, folks — to have the choice of buying what we judge to be the highest value for the money we pay.

Tariffs, of course, are paid by the consumer — again, that’s all of us! — not by the foreign producers.

Yellen should consider stand-up comedy, as she also says that “Fighting inflation remained Biden’s highest priority.” Is this the same Biden who proposes spending an additional $1,900,000,000,000 (yup, that’s trillion, y’all!) in federal spending? That’s gotta come either from taxes or the printing presses. The former decrease the quality of life for ourselves and unborn generations, and the latter decrease the value of any savings you’ve been prudent enough to set aside.

Do us all a favor, Ms. Yellen, retire and do us no more harm.

David Hoesly, member of the Gaston County Libertarian Party

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR