Monthly Meeting June 11- Two speakers

Don Spry II, the Senior Area Manager of the U.S Small Business Administration will be our guest speaker at the June Chamber of Commerce Meeting June 11 at 1:00 p.m. There are changes to the standards applied to small businesses which effect the ability to qualify for loans, and, under the stimulus bill, there are special programs available to small businesses to help in the economic downturn we find ourselves in.
Learn how small business size standards have been changed for the 7a program to mirror those required for 504 program clients. This change allows inclusion of those businesses whose retail sales levels exceeded gross sales maximums previously making them ineligible for 7a lending. This change to the size standard is effective at least thru September 30, 2009 (end of federal fiscal year).
Also, learn about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus bill package approved by Congress in February, 2009 the ARC is a centerpiece program designed to help small businesses with refinancing of existing debt and generate needed cash flow assistance.

Heather Beard, the new Director of Economic Development for Duplin County will also be at the June meeting. Heather has a strong background in economic development, and has a strong command of the issues and problems facing our county, and a fresh perspective on opportunities. Heather assumed her new position in April, and has been working to meet the chamber members throughout the county. Please be sure and join in welcoming Heather to the southern part of the county!