Pappas visits Winnipesaukee Playhouse to discuss Shuttered Venue Operator Grants

MEREDITH — Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a small business owner, and a Co-Chair of the bipartisan House Small Business Caucus, recently visited Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith to hear about the positive impacts that the Shuttered Venue Operator Grants program and other small business relief efforts that Rep. Pappas supported and voted to pass had on their business.

Pappas met with members of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and toured the theater. Following the tour, the participants discussed the impact that the Shuttered Venue Operator Grants, Paycheck Protection Program, and the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan program had in supporting and maintaining their operations.

Pappas was joined by Thom Beaulieu, the director of finance and fundraising; and Neil Pankhurst, the co-founder of the Playhouse and producing artistic director.

“Shuttered Venue Operators Grants provided a vital lifeline to help our live venues, independent movie theaters, and other cultural spaces, and they also ensured a strong recovery for our local economies,” said Congressman Pappas. “I heard from countless venues in New Hampshire, like the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, about the need for help. That’s why I was a proud co-sponsor of the underlying legislation in the House and worked to pass this in the emergency COVID-19 relief package in December 2020 that created this program. I remain committed to ensuring New Hampshire small businesses continue to get the resources they need to not only recover but thrive.”

At least 100 New Hampshire venues have been awarded a total of $39,227,430 from the SVOG program.