In a recent government meeting, local business owners from Seymour and Oxford shared their harrowing experiences following a devastating flood that severely impacted their operations. The meeting, attended by state officials including Governor Lamont, aimed to address the urgent needs of these businesses as they seek assistance to recover.

Mike Abe, owner of the Route 67 Diner, expressed profound gratitude for the support received but emphasized the dire situation his establishment faces after losing nearly everything in the flood. \"We need to come back stronger,\" Abe stated, urging the governor to expedite aid from state and federal resources, including FEMA and loans.

Christopher Hayden, co-owner of the Country Card Corner Hallmark store, echoed similar sentiments, describing the overwhelming damage and the emotional toll on his family-run business, which has been a community staple for 46 years. He noted the importance of state support during this challenging time, stating, \"We're glad the state's here helping us out.\"

David Wright, co-owner of Tide Cleaners, detailed the extensive losses his business suffered, estimating damages at around $100,000. He highlighted the community's resilience, sharing how they quickly mobilized to provide free laundry services to those affected, thanks to support from Procter and Gamble.

Themis and Nicole Claritus, whose family has owned the local plaza for over a century, stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate action to help restore the businesses that form the backbone of the community. They pointed out that while resources like SBA loans and FEMA assistance are available, the immediate need for support is critical.

As the meeting concluded, the collective message from the business owners was clear: swift action is necessary to help them rebuild and recover from this unprecedented disaster. The community's future depends on the timely response from state and federal agencies to ensure these small businesses can reopen and thrive once again.