Business thriving due to Promise Act

To the Editor:

I want to thank Scott Unke, the owner of Marina Lodge in Fairmont, for hosting my staff recently to discuss how a law enacted in 2023 is helping his business overcome economic obstacles and not only survive, but to thrive. The meeting was nothing short of inspiring. The Marina Lodge has been directly impacted by the Promise Act, which I introduced in 2023. It was signed into law a few months later. It provides grants and loans to businesses across Minnesota who have been hindered by lack of access to capital, or if their communities lack economic diversification, population loss or have aging populations. The Act provides a needed boost to businesses who have faced many of these hurdles.

Here’s what we heard at the meeting:

The Promise Act grant that Marina Lodge received has helped the business to get through a decline in sales due to a changing economy and local demographics and it allowed it to ensure his employees are paid.

At a time when people across the state need to hear positive news, the feedback we received in Fairmont was overwhelmingly positive, and a local business is not only surviving, but thriving because of the Promise Act.

As chief author of the Promise Act, I’m proud to see this program delivering real, tangible results for communities like Fairmont and across Minnesota.

Bobby Joe Champion,

Minnesota Senate President,

Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee