(Latest post in a series about Neighborhoods and Southside)
You can watch TD Bank’s video of the Masottos at https://bit.ly/2YPijKH
Morning Call photo
Building community is what the Gadfly project is all about.
You can watch TD Bank’s video of the Masottos at https://bit.ly/2YPijKH.
“Community” is literally the first word in this video, “Community means family,” says Gina Masotto. “This is the community we can change. What we can change is right here and right now.”
“Bonn Place is a catalyst for the regrowth of this community,” says TD banker Ryan Schuck. “They’re also now helping other young entrepreneurs get started. . . . How much they are committed to the growth of Bethlehem as a whole — that’s the real story. . . . The integrity of this community is real strong. This is just the beginning.”
The video opens with an introduction to the Masottos — Sam and Gina — who own Bonn Place Brewing Co. It heads into a bit of history about south Bethlehem, where Bonn Place is based, with Ryan Schuck of TD Bank highlighting how small businesses have led the charge in revitalizing the community from what was one of America’s greatest steel towns. The short film shifts back to the Masottos, who relate how they try to give others advice about starting a business.
“This is the community we can change,” Gina says. “What we can change is right here and right now.”
That change they hope to bring is what led to TD Bank recently honoring the Masottos and their brewery in an ad campaign about companies giving back. Bonn Place was one of three small businesses recognized throughout the bank’s eastern U.S. footprint; TD, based in Canada, honored seven in total covering North America.
TD is also donating $10,000 to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley in the Masottos’ name toward a business program. . . . The money will be earmarked toward an arm of CACLV aimed at helping female-owned entrepreneurs and others who aspire to open a businesses.
Community Action, through its Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, loaned the Masottos $130,000 when they embarked on Bonn Place in 2015. That, and a boost from city officials and neighbors, they say, helped them launch the brewery in 2016. “We needed a bit of help to get this place opened … and everybody needs help,” Gina Masotto says on the video.
“I think the biggest thing that stuck out for us was their desire to help other local entrepreneurs and the transformation of Bethlehem at large,” said Orpello, senior vice president of brand channel and field marketing.
You can watch TD Bank’s video of the Masottos at https://bit.ly/2YPijKH
