Testimonies

Testimonies on this page are from Phillips County businesses, organizations and non-profits which have utilized the Entrepreneurial Business Enhancement Program or Special Request Program funded through the Phillips County Economic Development Office.
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I would like to thank Phillips County Economic Development for assisting my business make essential upgrades to our meat coolers through the Entrepreneurial Business Enhancement ‘grant’ program.  The financial and technical assistance given to me was very beneficial to our business.  We are fortunate to have this program available inPhillipsCounty.

Randy Elder
Phillipsburg Lockers
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Thank you PCED board for your financial assistance with the heating unit. With the monetary help it will allow me to purchase a new makeup table in the next few months. I am also very happy to report that because business is picking up I am hoping to add another part time position soon.

Janice Patterson
The Chubby Pickle
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The New Peoples Store is a community owned grocery store in Agra that began in 1999 after a fire destroyed the old store.  The community rallied together, sold shares to the store, held fund raisers, and opened a grocery store.  In this economy it is a continual struggle to keep a business going in a small community.  With the help of the PCED and the Hansen Foundation, we were able to secure grants that would pay for the repair and new coating on the roof of the store.  The building also houses the Agra Post Office, so the leaking roof was a problem to two businesses in town.  We appreciate the grants and the help from the PCED to get this money.  It will help us to continue to have a grocery store in the small town of Agra. It was a wonderful opportunity to see how the PCED contributes to the area communities! (October 2011)

-Sherri Baker
Board member of the New Peoples Store in Agra
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In 2008, I applied for and received an EBEP Matching Grant through Phillips County Economic Development.  The money received allowed me to improve my greenhouse structure, insuring a more viable facility.

The actual application process seemed a bit daunting at first, but with the help of the knowledgeable PCED staff, I was able to complete the application process with reasonable amount of time and effort.  One of my major concerns: the amount of financial data required, was alleviated by complete confidentiality with the PCED director and chairman of the board.

I would encourage other area businesses seeking to expand their operation to contact the PCED office and enquire about EBEP grants.  I believe the best enticement for a new business looking to locate into our community is a solid base of existing businesses.  The EBEG grant is a way to insure the sustainability of those businesses.

Sherry S Robinson
Robinson Greenhouse
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When we were looking to purchase the stations from my family’s estate and operate them as a sole proprietor, we worked with our bank and PCED to line up seven funding sources.  PCED staff gave us the grant guidelines, and we completed a new business plan and other documentation which was required.  We could not have done it all with regular financing.  Having the local grant program via PCED and access to the low-interest loan options through the Phillips County E-community, Network Kansas loans and our bank made the purchase possible and more attractive to cash flow in the long term.  I know that we would not have completed the purchase without these funds.

Bob Yates, owner KKAN 1490AM and KQMA 92.5 FM radio stations
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A huge THANK YOU for supporting our mission to reintroduce the Gingerbread House Preschool to Phillipsburg and our surrounding community. Your grant and expeditious follow thru allowed us to finalize the sale of the preschool the last week of July and to open our doors on August 21 for our first day of school. Without your contribution this would not have been possible.

Julie Fischer
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