To the editor:

Well I have to tell you that I’m not a big contributor to letters to the editor in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. I do like to read them, but this will be only the second time I’ve written a letter to the editor.

When COVID-19 first became included in our everyday lives here in Saranac Lake, I started getting emails from the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce regarding what programs were becoming available to help small businesses in town get through this pandemic. This information was coming to me as the legislation was being discussed in Congress. It was extremely vital information, as it told me what things I would need, not just to complete the application but to provide all the necessary, additional documentation the application required. Again, extremely vital, helpful information. I want to thank the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for providing me with this.

As I started to collect this information, I contacted my bank and talked to my local bank branch manager. Her name is Tami Donaldson. She informed me that her bank, Community Bank NA, was not plugged in yet for Paycheck Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration. She did, however, put me on a list of people inquiring, and when the time was right, she would call me. The SBA did eventually connect with Community Bank NA, and the next day, Tami called. She provided me with all the necessary information the bank required to file my PPP loan application. Ten days later, I was approved for the loan. I have to say that without the help and expertise of my bank branch manager, my end result might have been different. I believe that she had a lot to do with the fluidity of my application from start to finish. Even to this day, she is in constant contact with me as to the things I need to be doing to make the final result of my loan even better.

In this unprecedented pandemic, my hometown HERO is Tami Donaldson. Her knowledge, professionalism and expertise has helped my business immeasurably. Without it, I don’t know where I would be now. Thank you, Tami Donaldson, for your expert banking skills and your sincere help. I feel you have my best interests at heart. You are my hometown HERO.

Sincerely,

Mark Palyswiat

Casier Furniture

Saranac Lake