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 funding through the Phillips County Economic Development Office.
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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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Dear PCED Board Members and Staff:
Can you believe that The Doctor’s Office is celebrating our one year anniversary this October? This past year has flown by. As you can imagine, there is a lot to do when you first open a business, especially in the health care industry. We started with one doctor, one nurse, and one office personnel. We hit the floor running every day. It was an exciting time for all of us. We are proud that the Phillips County Community is happy that we are here to provide medical care for them. We are grateful for their support.
All this could not have come about without the assistance of your board members approving us for a grant that is issued through PCED for new businesses. The staff was instrumental in helping us to prepare our business plan and financial reports to present to the board. The made the process a little easier to maneuver. We are truly grateful.
We have now added an additional nurse to our staff. We are also looking for potential real estate to continue to expand our medical practice. We are very excited about what the future may hold.
Thank you again for believing in The Doctor’s Office.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom and Michelle Plumeri
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