Dear Editor:

We own and operate two hotels here in Midcoast Maine; one is seasonal and the other is open all year. The PPP loans championed by Senator Susan Collins have allowed us to keep both of our hotels open, even though operating at these reduced occupancy levels are not profitable. Absent the PPP assistance, we surely would have had to shutter both properties.

With the PPP funds, we’ve kept our team employed, allowing us to staff appropriately throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining our staffing level is critical in delivering the high level of customer care, service and cleanliness that our guests deserve. In addition, it’s allowed us to continue our facility maintenance and improvement programs.

The funds also provided the opportunity to fully train our staff in safety and sanitation protocols, and the resources to invest in PPE equipment and fixtures to ensure the safe operation of our properties.

Some of the PPP benefits are far-reaching. For example, at one of our properties, we host traveling doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists who work rotations at our local hospital. We’re the closest hotel to the hospital. Had we been forced to close our doors, hospital personnel would have had to travel an additional 15–20 miles to find suitable and open accommodations.  

The PPP program, along with EIDL loans and mortgage deferrals by First National Bank and the SBA have seen us through the darkest days and put us on a sustainable path forward. Thank you, Sen. Collins!

Ted and Jill Hugger

Edgecomb