Perryville businesses receive financial help from the city
Published 5:40 pm Thursday, March 25, 2021
- From left, Barbara Brummet of Perryville Furniture, Mary Lou Mayes and Lisa Bottom of Chaplin River Catering, Sandy Wiley of Hair Sensations, Mimi Iverson of Salted Honey, Tabith Blackwell of Perryville Massage Center, Amber Noakes of S&A Furniture, Stephanie Gilpin of Bargain Barn Consignment adn JoNell Wilder of Wilder Flower basket, are all smiles after receiving checks for $1,240 from the city of Perryville. Back row is Councilmember Tim Lanham, Mayor Brian Caldwell, and Councilmember Steve Bailey. Photo by Robin Hart
Ten Perryville businesses that suffered financial strain because they were forced to close during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic received some support from the city.
During an informal presentation at City Hall on Wednesday, Mayor Brian Caldwell told the group of mostly women business owners, that the city had $12,400 left over from its COVID relief funds.
“We had some left over, and through some digging that (City Clerk) Mary (Sleet) had done, found out that we could give it back to the brick and mortar businesses.
We know it’s tough on you guys that had to shut down during the pandemic.”
Caldwell added that each business received a check from the city for $1,240. “It’s not a lot, but it’s what we’ve got left. … We’re just glad that we could.”
“Mary has done a lot of work on this. It came down from the governor’s executive order and funneled through the Department of Local Government, where we initially got our COVID relief payments,” Caldwell said.
After receiving their checks, the group, along with the mayor and council members Tim Lanham and Steve Bailey, gathered for a group photo. Someone said,
“We’ve all struggled through it,” which was answered by others agreeing and saying how grateful they were for the help.
Amber Noakes, with S&A Furniture, said, “We’re very, very grateful. It’s been definitely a hard year. This will help.”
Stephanie Gilpin who owns Bargain Barn Consignment said she was very grateful as well, and has plans for the extra money. She said, “It’s going toward rent and utilities!”
