As Peters Kicks Off Annual Motorcycle Tour, Senator & Local Businesses Emphasize Importance of Federal Relief in Staying Afloat

FLINT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) yesterday kicked off Day One of his annual motorcycle tour, highlighting how the historic American Rescue Plan has delivered critical federal relief to local small businesses.

Peters launched his Hell to Paradise motorcycle tour in Hell, Michigan. Peters visited Screams Souvenirs, a small business that benefited from the Paycheck Protection Program. 

“There is no better way to see everything that Michigan has to offer than while riding a motorcycle. I was proud to kick off this year’s tour in Hell, Michigan – and even be named honorary Mayor for the day,” said Senator Peters. “These stops allowed me to see and hear firsthand how the American Recue Plan that I helped pass has enabled local small businesses and our communities to stay afloat and recover during this pandemic. I will keep fighting to make sure Michiganders have the support they need to emerge from this pandemic even stronger.”

“It was an honor to welcome Senator Peters to Hell and name him Mayor of our town for today,” said Mayor of Hell John Colone and Owner of Screams Souvenirs. “Thanks to Senator Peters’ work helping pass the American Rescue Plan small businesses – like mine – were able to receive critical federal resources to keep employees on payroll and our doors open.” 

“As a Certified Nurse-Midwife, and avid motorcycle rider, I'm excited to ride with Senator Peters on his motorcycle tour again,” said Jessie Tinglan who again joined Senator Peters’ annual motorcycle tour. “Watching him meet folks where they are in our beautiful state and truly listen to what they are going through is a testament to his leadership. There is no question that he is focused on delivering results for Michiganders and working to address the challenges facing people across our state." 

Afterward, Peters rode with a group of riders to Flint, where he heard how the American Rescue Plan has been vital to the local economy. He visited 501 Bar & Grill, which received support through the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This federal relief allowed them to keep workers on payroll and heard how the federal relief funding has helped local businesses.  

“I appreciated hearing how the American Rescue Plan is at work in Flint, helping keep restaurants and small businesses in this community afloat,” said Senator Peters. “Now that our communities are recovering with the help of the American Rescue Plan – it’s critical we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus, so that we can continue building upon the progress we’ve made.”

“This past year has been incredibly challenging – especially for restaurants. We’ve been proud to be part of Downtown Flint’s revitalization since opening more than a decade ago – but we’ve never had the challenges like the ones we’ve had the past year,” said Manal Saab, a part-owner of 501 Bar & Grill. “We were able to receive a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Funds that allowed us to retain jobs and keep the lights on. We’re thankful for Senator Peters’ work to pass the American Rescue Plan.” 

“Over the past year, businesses have had a difficult time, yet during this extraordinarily challenging time we’ve seen our business owners and workers really step up. We’ve seen their entrepreneurship, innovation and new ideas adapt to the needs of our community and to keeping the doors open at their businesses,” said Tim Herman, CEO of Flint & Genesee Group. “Without question, though, there was still a need for financial support, and that’s why the American Rescue Plan was so important. We’ve been proud to help Flint and Genesee County secure federal funding relief through this package and are grateful for Senator Peters’ leadership and partnership.” 

Throughout the motorcycle tour, Peters will continue to highlight how the American Rescue Plan is making a difference and allowing Michiganders to build back better. Tomorrow, Peters will head to Alpena and Mackinaw City before concluding the tour in Paradise.

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