Zelie small businesses attract state attention
ZELIENOPLE — In recognition of Small Business Week, the state’s economic development secretary toured Zelienople’s Main Street and noted the “sense of community” present within the borough’s small businesses.
“There’s really a sense of community. You don’t get that everywhere,” said Acting Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development Neil Weaver. “It’s great that they’ve pulled together through everything that’s happened.”
Weaver, along with Zelienople Mayor Tom Oliviero, Council President Mary Hess, Council Vice President Drew Mathews and manager Don Pepe, visited four family-owned stores Friday as part of Weaver’s statewide tour of small businesses.
“It was a real honor to be able to have him here,” Pepe said. “When his office asked us to consider having us be part of his itinerary, I said, ‘Why not?’ (Weaver was) able to see what we are and who we are and some of our unique small businesses.”
The walking tour began at the Kaufman Tavern, where Weaver had the opportunity to see how the business community banded together to rebuild the former hotel after the building was ravaged by a 2011 fire. He also viewed the artwork scattered throughout the tavern, noting, “you guys have to be so proud.”
Weaver heard, on the second stop of the tour at Eva Bryn Shoetique, about how the borough worked with the businesses to keep the small stores thriving during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was great when ZABA — the business association — and the borough helped support us in doing these open-air markets,” said Kelly Carney, the shoe store’s owner. “In Zelie, everybody banded together.”
Other stops on the tour featured Elluinger’s Meats & Deli, where Weaver purchased flowers, and the Little Green Bookstore, where Oliviero, Hess and Weaver spoke on the importance of small businesses.
“I can’t think of a better place to end my trip this week. It’s great,” Weaver said. “Such a sense of community here, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be here.”
Following the trio’s remarks, Mathews said in an interview that Weaver’s trip to Zelienople is just a sign of the interest those from outside the community have in local businesses in the area.
“It’s surprising what we do. A store moves out, another moves in. That’s the greatest, isn’t it” Mathews said. “People want to come to Zelie. They just want to come.”
Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, said it is no surprise why Weaver chose Zelienople and Butler County. This week alone, Cohen said, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources visited the county, and on Thursday the tourism bureau disbursed $100,000 in grant funds for small businesses.
“And why wouldn’t they want to be here?” Cohen said. “Look around at what we have to offer in our backyard.”
