2008 Archives
Rillo's Benefits From State Lending Program Through The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
RILLO's BENEFITS FROM STATE LENDING PROGRAM THROUGH THE HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC
HARRISBURG, PA (September 22, 2008) - The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC (HRC/CREDC) announced today that the renovations and upgrades to Rillo's Restaurant are complete and the closing on the Small Business First Loan with the Chamber & CREDC recently closed. CREDC partnered with Orrstown Bank to provide financing to Carillo, LLC, known as Rillo's Restaurant in Carlisle. Rillo's Restaurant has been in operation since 1960 as a Rillo family enterprise. The financing helped new owners, Jeffrey Goss and Michael Cassidy, bring an old Carlisle favorite back to life.
The project included the purchase and renovation of real estate, as well as machinery and equipment upgrades. Rillo's reopened in the Fall of 2007 and while renovations and upgrades were taking place throughout the last year, the restaurant has been improving its overall operation as well. Rillo's is owned and operated by Jeffrey Goss and Michael Cassidy, who are both very involved in the daily operations and are committed to maintaining Rillo's as a Carlisle tradition of fine Italian dining. Goss and Cassidy worked hard to restore the original menu composed of Mr.and Mrs. Rillo's recipes.
"As long time customers at Rillo's, Mike and I were committed to keeping this tradition alive. When it was a special event it was always Rillo's. Some things need to stay a tradition, in fact, that's the key ingredient at Rillo's," said Goss.
HRC/CREDC packaged and provided a Small Business First (SBF) loan in the amount of $200,000 in conjunction with Orrstown Bank financing and equity contributions. Total project costs were approximately $1.4 million. The project will help retain and/or create 19 full time jobs within three 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.
"It's good to see businesses in Cumberland County benefiting from the Small Business First program," said Senator Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York). "Over the years it has helped to finance everything from restaurants to dairy farms to small manufacturing businesses that contribute to the economic growth of our county. Rillo's is a landmark in Carlisle, and I am pleased that the state through HRC/CREDC can play a role of continuing the legacy of this restaurant."
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. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.
