Republican Congressman Dan Meuser comes from the business world, and in Washington serves on subcommittees aimed at helping small business.

So when Meuser is home in the 9th Congressional District, he listens to the concerns of entrepreneurs.

“It’s where you hear the real facts, the real-world realities of business challenges as well as the positive things that are happening,” Meuser said.

On Tuesday, Meuser toured downtown Jim Thorpe, speaking with business owners, and picking up some Christmas gifts.

Business owners raised issues ranging from labor and supply chain shortages to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

At the Treasure Shop, owner Peggy Dart told Meuser her business has been blessed due to the popularity of Jim Thorpe as a destination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even during the week we’ve been busy. Usually it’s a trickle. It’s a nice surprise,” she said.

Other businesses talked about the inability to find employees, and delays and price increases brought on by supply chain problems.

Meuser said that the ongoing supply chain issues are evidence that American businesses need the opportunity to compete with firms from overseas, which means not burdening them with taxes and regulations.

He serves as the ranking Republican member on the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access for the House Small Business Committee. He said hearing from local businesses helps him as he works on their behalf in Washington.

“They’re entrepreneurs, they know all aspects of their business from collections to customer service,” Meuser said.

Meuser was joined by representatives from the office of state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, and the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.

Kathy Henderson, executive director of CCEDC, said Meuser has been responsive to the needs of constituents in Carbon County, and visits the county more than its congressional representatives have in the past.

Henderson talked with him about the recently passed infrastructure law, and the vital need for the projects it promotes - including proposed passenger rail service from New York to Scranton, investment in freight rail and bridges.

“You can’t be successful in economic development if you don’t have good infrastructure,” Henderson said.