Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Urged to Protect E-Commerce Tools for Small Business
WARREN, Ohio – Business leaders in Ohio today sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine urging continued support for online tools and e-commerce platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by over 150 Ohio- based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Campana’s Music Studio in Warren.
“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and Ohio small businesses of all types,” wrote Ohio business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Ohioans they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”
The letter also warned Governor DeWine that controversial campaigns against U.S. tech companies like Google threaten to block access to vital online tools for small business and short-circuit any economic recovery.
“With storefronts closed across the country, the tools offered by companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have become vital economic lifelines for countless small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “We’re fortunate to have leaders like Governor DeWine who understand what it takes for Ohio to compete in the digital economy, but we continue to see misguided anti-tech campaigns that create needless uncertainty for small businesses just working to stay afloat.”
“The ability to use online tools such as Google Duo have helped my studio stay open, safe, and profitable during the pandemic. Without these, I would have lost all of my weekly recurring students: 100% of my clientele and profits. Although I have yet to fully recover from those that the studio has lost because of COVID, these tools have opened doors and given me access to teach students across the state.” said Joe Campana, owner of Campana’s Music Studio in Warren, Ohio.
A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.
