e should be proud that Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Bob Casey stopped by Lock Haven’s business district earlier this week to talk to entrepreneurs to tout the success of new businesses filling storefronts here.

In our book, Lock Haven and Clinton County are a leader in new business generation.

While admitting that we’ve not been formally tracking the number of startups in the county over say the last 18 months, we’d venture to say based on our coverage of ribbon cuttings and stories that it’s in the dozens.

Nationally, new business statistics from 2022 show that over 3.8 million new business applications were filed in the first three quarters.

That marks a 7.56 percent annual decrease but is 17.91 percent more than the number of new business applications received in the same period in 2020.

We attribute the growth to people’s entrepreneurial spirit — the American spirit.

And if there’s any positive from the pandemic, it’s that more people took the leap to fullfill a dream.

Wrought with risk, starting a new business can be the most exhiliarating yet stressful event in one’s lifetime.

The rewards, however, can bring a lifetime of satisfaction and fullfillment.

But a community has a critical role to play.

There must be an environment for businesses to thrive.

That includes having a vibrant business or merchant association supported by local government and other institutions.

It also includes — and very importantly — strong partnerships where ideas are many, and communication, coordination and cooperation — the three C’s — are essential.

Those involved in supporting and nurturing small businesses — of course including elected officials — must always see the bigger picture… understanding that they are part of something much bigger than themselves.

So here’s to our entrepreneurs!