Mon Valley Alliance Foundation and Senator Camera Bartolotta Host Small Business Roundtable
- Madison Codeluppi
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
MONONGAHELA, PA – September 2, 2025 – The Mon Valley Alliance Foundation Business Resource Center hosted a legislative roundtable featuring Senator Camera Bartolotta (PA-46), bringing together local small business owners and advocates to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the Mid-Mon Valley.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency and PA American Water.
Jamie Colecchi, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance, opened the conversation by acknowledging Senator Bartolotta’s longstanding support for the region. “I can say firsthand, whether it’s advocating for small business, creating jobs, workforce development, or community revitalization, the Senator has consistently prioritized the Mid-Mon Valley,” Colecchi said.
Senator Bartolotta shared her motivation for running for office, citing the decline of small-town America and the lack of career opportunities for young people. She recalled the magic of life in rural communities and the heartbreak of watching it fade due to industry closures and limited opportunities.
Bartolotta emphasized her ongoing commitment to strengthening communities across the 46th District, “I’ll continue working to bring tax dollars back to our neighborhoods and main streets, while also attracting new industry. There are so many great things coming down the pike that will bring generational change.”
Roundtable participants raised critical challenges for small businesses, including staffing shortages, rising energy costs, and difficulty accessing capital. The group discussed the need for soft skills training for young workers and support for programs such as dual enrollment and pre-apprenticeships.
Attendees also highlighted the pressures of managing social media, noting how quickly negative comments can spread and damage reputations, while positive stories are often forgotten. Many business owners stressed the difficulty of balancing this customer engagement, marketing, and operations with limited time and resources.
The roundtable concluded with optimism about the Mid-Mon Valley’s potential and a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration. Senator Bartolotta reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring the region remains well positioned for growth and revitalization.
This event marked the kickoff of the Fall Workshop Series hosted at the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation Business Resource Center. Upcoming workshops will cover Washington County grant funds, government contracting, water permitting, and tax credit programs. For more information, visit mvabrc.org.
