| Dear Friend,
Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter; to receive issue-specific newsletters, in addition to my weekly update, click here. Also, please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina IG Live with Commissioner Hahn
Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to sit down with FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn; we discussed vaccines, the possibility of at-home testing, COVID-19 therapies, and what we are thankful for.
There are many uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, but Commissioner Hahn shared some great news about COVID-19 vaccines. He considers these vaccines to be “medical home runs,” meaning this is miraculous news that we don’t see often. He also gave assurances that these vaccines are going through the proper channels to ensure that they are well-tested and safe for everyone.
On December 10, the FDA is hosting a “Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee” hearing. They will be discussing the data submitted for a potential Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the vaccine candidate developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. The FDA grants EUAs in advance of potential full approval for products to ensure efficient access during public health emergencies like the ongoing pandemic. If you are interested in attending this virtual forum, you can sign up here.
Opportunity Zones
Last week the New York Times wrote a piece highlighting how Opportunity Zones (OZs) attract investors, capital, and jobs to communities that are often overlooked. In Baltimore, there are 42 Opportunity Zones which include substantial housing and commercial space for Black-owned businesses.
In other good OZ news, Lane College and Arizona State University (ASU) have partnered together to build community hubs in many of ASU’s satellite campuses to create jobs for students and residents in the local area. These spaces will include meeting rooms and entrepreneurial spaces, in addition to advising resources and storefront space for local businesses, providing opportunities for students to learn from others and give back to their local community.
Stay tuned this week for a very exciting look into my work with Opportunity Zones!
Small Business Saturday
On Saturday we celebrated Small Business Saturday, I am incredibly thankful for small businesses and for those of us those who have invested time, energy, and resources into supporting these economic engines, particularly during this challenging moment. Many small businesses have fallen on hard times in light of the pandemic, so it is time to show our support and buy local. I know I will be!
I remember when I was a small business owner, I felt so blessed to be serving my community and employing my neighbors. If you are interested in hearing more about what I am doing for small businesses, sign up for my business newsletter here. Our first one launches this Thursday! Sincerely, | 