Since October, Armstrong County commissioners have been meeting with local business owners as part of an outreach program through the Armstrong County Industrial Development Council with the intention to gauge how businesses are doing now that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

The council receives funding from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission via the state's Engage! Program to conduct these business visits.

A main goal of the program is to build strong relationships between business owners, local government, economic development partners and their representatives.

“We are grateful to all the local businesses that took the time to meet with us and share their experiences during this challenging time,” Armstrong County commissioner Don Myers said. “It is important for us to understand the needs of our community and support our local businesses in any way we can.”

To date the Armstrong commissioners have visited more than 50 businesses throughout the county.