Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf Urged to Protect Digital Tools for Small Business
PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 15, 2020) – Business leaders in Pennsylvania today sent a letter to Governor Wolf urging continued support for online tools and digital platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by more than 300 Pennsylvania-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including The Fire in Philadelphia.
“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and Pennsylvania small businesses of all types,” wrote Pennsylvania business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the Pennsylvanians they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”
Small business advocates also cautioned against ill-timed regulations and legal challenges that could disrupt technology options that have proven critical during the downturn.
“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 Wolf who understand what it takes for Pennsylvania 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.”
“Without tools like YouTube, there’s no way we could have continued showcasing the talented artists that perform at independent music venues like mine,” said Karen Lauria Saillant, owner of The Fire in Philadelphia.
“We’re fortunate to have access to so many free and low-cost digital platforms that help the independent music industry stay connected, keep performing, and support our staffs and families. As we work toward reopening the economy, it’s important that elected leaders understand the role technology is now playing and avoid policy mistakes that could slow our recovery.”
A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.
