2008 Archives
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC Announces Economic Development Assistance Provided to Expressly Yours Catering
HARRISBURG , PA (January 7, 2008) - The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC (HRC/CREDC) announced today that it provided financing to Dawn Ferguson, the owner of Expressly Yours Catering. The loan provided, helps to purchase and renovate a new production facility in Swatara Township, Dauphin County. The new location is much larger and more efficient than their previous building. The new space will help the company grow.
"With the exceptional loan program CREDC offered to me, I was able to purchase my new business location, complete renovations and add some much needed equipment to support the growth we were experiencing," stated Ferguson. "CREDC presented a plan, worked with my lending institution and guided me through the entire process. I could not have done it without them! I will definitely contact CREDC if the need arises for future projects, and I encourage others to do the same. Their commitment to economical growth and job creation is an asset to our region. Thank you to all the very helpful and knowledgeable staff at CREDC!"
Expressly Yours Catering was founded 25 years ago by Sarah and Nancy McDonald. The company had operated in Lower Paxton Township from inception until this relocation. Dawn Ferguson purchased the business in November of 2004. Since that time she has worked hard to establish relationships and retain existing customers. She also focused on bringing her own approach and promises to the quality of services and food. These efforts attracted new customers and resulted in 114% sales growth in her first year.
HRC/CREDC provided a Small Business First (SBF) loan of $87,500 in conjunction with additional financing from Graystone Bank and equity contributions from the owner. Total project costs were $202,500. The project is expected to retain 3 full-time jobs and create 2 full-time jobs at this location within 3 years.
The SBF loan program is designed to stimulate the expansion and assist in the retention of small business for the purpose of creating new jobs and retaining existing jobs in Pennsylvania. This important program is administered by the Commonwealth's Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded with the ongoing support of the Administration and the General Assembly.
The Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), is the economic development arm of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, and is the leading organization for promoting and performing economic development activities in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. The group offers a variety of programs and resources to help attract, retain and expand business in the region.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. Over the past 6 years, the Chamber & CREDC has provided assistance that has created over $200M in economic impact and created or retained over 9,000 jobs. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.
