By Scott Bergmann
As a second-generation member of my family to work in our local Juneau business, I am extremely grateful to Juneau residents who have supported us through these trying times. Our family business, the Alaskan Fudge Company, has been serving customers in Juneau for almost 40 years.
Today, while we also serve a mix of local patrons and mail order customers, we rely principally on sales to visitors to the capital city — especially during the summer tourism season.
After the pandemic shut our state down, we lost the majority of our normal revenues. Our business and many other small businesses in Juneau, were facing economic disaster. If not for the efforts of Sen. Dan Sullivan and our congressional delegation, we may have been forced to close.
Specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program was a life ring that allowed us to stay open, serve our local customers and keep our employees working.
When learning that certain provisions of the PPP would exclude many of Juneau’s seasonal businesses, Dan Sullivan helped secure the maximum benefit possible. He was successful in supporting changes and flexibility provisions lowering the amount of payroll necessary to achieve forgiveness, extending benefit deadlines, and lengthening any repayment required.
The future is still uncertain, but Sen. Sullivan has pledged to fight for legislation to restore economic stability while ensuring the health and safety of Alaskans.
Now Sen. Sullivan has asked for our help on November 3.
He’s earned my vote. I hope he’s earned yours.
•Scott Bergmann is a Juneau resident. Bergmann’s family started the Alaskan Fudge Company in downtown Juneau in the Spring of 1980. He has worked there since he was 14 and hopes to continue serving fudge to tourists and locals for another 40 years.Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.
