Business & Tech

Ives Meets With Local Business Owners

The State Senate candidate discussed local business issues Tuesdays.

A few local business owners gathered at Buono Bistro Tuesday afternoon to meet with Democratic State Senate candidate Kathleen O'Connor Ives.

The purpose of the lunch meeting was to discuss issues related to small business in North Andover and ideas on how to foster small business growth. Attendees expressed concerns about regulation, taxes, incentive for growth and competing with big business.

Lesley Carlson of Rolf's discussed the meals tax and its impact on business. Since she doesn't live in North Andover, she can attend and speak at Town Meeting but doesn't have a vote.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Maureen Sullivan of Fitness Together discussed the tightness of lending and penalties involved with borrowing money to keep a small business going during the recession.

"I want relief," Sullivan said. "The banks got it, small businesses should get it."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Buono Bistro's John Minasian sat down for a while and joined in. He exressed frustration over large businesses receiving tax incentives to employ people and then not actually hiring more people.

"There are definitely regulations and fees that don't serve a purpose," Ives said. "It's important to determine which ones those are and get to work making changes to support small business growth."

Other business leaders who attended were Andrew Buco of Monique Proulx of the Equestrian Shop, and John Minasian of Buono Bistro.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here