Joco Today

SHAWNEE, KS – On May 2, 2023, Representative Sharice Davids held a “Main Street Stroll” in Downtown Shawnee to celebrate National Small Business Week, visiting four small businesses and hosting the owners for a roundtable discussion. During the roundtable, they discussed current challenges facing Kansas small business owners, including workforce issues, access to capital, and inflationary pressures.

Businesses that participated in today’s stroll include McLain's Market, J.C. Barbershop, Transport Brewery, and Aztec Shawnee Theater. Representatives from additional local businesses, including Complete Construction Service, KS Estate & Elder Law, and Calkins Electric Supply, participated in the roundtable discussion.

“Kansas small businesses are often at the heart of our communities, but they’ve had a tough few years recovering from the pandemic and dealing with higher costs on goods and materials,” said Davids. “Visiting with and learning from some of our fantastic local business owners today was incredibly insightful. As I told them - whether it’s National Small Business Week or not, I’m going to stand up for their businesses through my role on the House Small Business Committee and ensure they can support our economy, their families, and their employees.”

“We had Sharice Davids come by McLaine’s today where we showed her around and talked about how she can help us in Congress, with the Small Business Association, to figure out some of the unemployment and rising cost issues associated with running a business,” said Jeff Hirleman, McLaine’s Market. “I didn’t expect anyone would ever come here from Congress, so it was awesome to see her and meet her.”

“The local business community is the pillar of support for the residents of our community,” said Michael K. McVey, Transport Brewery. “It not only provides most jobs, but also provides the goods and services our community relies upon to function. The recognition of this status is appreciated.”

“Small business not only contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and paying taxes, it also gives members of the community a sense of pride,” said Jeff E. Calkins, Aztec Shawnee Theatre and Calkins Electric. “There are plenty of small towns, but the addition of small business makes these small towns into strong and proud communities. It was always our goal to help build an even stronger community here in Downtown Shawnee.”

“Small business is the heart of most communities and Shawnee is no exception,” said Kristen Shelley-Chapin, JD. “Friends and neighbors don’t meet at big box stores, but they do meet for coffee at McClains, the local bakery, or for lunch at Pegah’s or drinks at Transport Brewery. I feel connected and cared for I walk into a business like Donovan’s Service and am greeted by name. The connections that are built in small businesses create community and downtown Shawnee and beyond are thriving because of it.”

As a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, Davids has pushed for oversight of relief programs and urged the Small Business Administration to address fraud and protect small business owners in need. As a member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, she has chaired hearings focused on shoring up supply chains for small- and medium-sized manufacturers here at home, and passed legislation to support women entrepreneurs.

Original source can be found here.