UVA Community Credit Union is first to make SBA Loan

UVA Community Credit Union has the distinction of being the first credit union in Virginia to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan guaranty programs that help entrepreneurs gain access to commercial financing.

UVA Community Credit Union submitted its first SBA loan request late last month seeking a guaranty on a $75,000 loan to assist a startup business in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. SBA quickly approved the loan for guaranty.

Credit Unions have been eligible to participate in the SBA lending programs since 2000. UVA Community Credit Union was approved to participate with SBA in January 2006, at which time the lending staff received an orientation and training on the SBA’s financial assistance programs.

As of September 30, 2006 there were 128 lenders enrolled to participate in the SBA financial assistance programs in Virginia. These lenders include banks, non-bank lenders, certified development companies, and now, credit unions. In Fiscal Year 2006, which ended September 30, 2006, the Richmond District Office approved 1,248 small business loans, valued at over $238 million.

City Again Ranked as One of Top Ten Digital Cities in America

For the third year in a row, the Center for Digital Government has ranked the City of Charlottesville as one of the Top Ten Digital Cities in America. The ranking is based on the 2006 Digital Cities Survey and examines how city governments utilize digital technologies to better service their citizens and streamline operations.

“We received another record number of survey responses this year from city governments around the country,” said Janet Grenslitt, Director of Surveys and Awards for the group. “The city entries were simply more impressive this year. As new technology and services move to digital, I except today’s winners to be at the forefront of this technology tomorrow.”

“Our number one goal is to serve the residents of Charlottesville the best way that we can, and online is just one of the ways we are making progress” said City Manager Gary O’Connell.

Charlottesville was ranked third in its population category (30,000-74,999), while Delray Beach, Florida took the top honor. For large cities, Corpus Christi, Texas was once again number one.

Moore’s Electrical & Mechanical Construction Win Award

Moore's Electrical & Mechanical Construction, Inc. was awarded the “Gold Award” for the Best Overall Safety Program of Subcontractors in the VACO group for 2006 by Thomas Rutherfoord/VACO. Moore's Safety Director Steve Rogers accepted this award at the annual Rutherfoord/VACO meeting on October 26th, at the Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville. This is the fourth year in a row Moore's Electrical & Mechanical Construction, Inc. has been recognized by Rutherfoord/VACO for its outstanding safety program.

Rutherfoord/VACO represents approximately 200 businesses across the region.

WVPT Debuts Online Auction

BuyVMall.com is WVPT—Virginia’s Public Television’s new online auction. Businesses, organizations and individuals have generously donated their products and services for WVPT to sell online to benefit the station’s programs and education services.

“Our research shows that it will be more cost-effective to sell general merchandise items online and that an online auction is one of the best fund-raising tools presently used,” said WVPT President and General Manager Bert Schmidt. “Online, there is a potential for millions of bidders, many more than through our broadcast auctions. Donors to the online auction get worldwide exposure, far beyond the scope of WVPT’s viewing area.”

Visitors to “buyVMall.com” can bid on tickets to area events; collectibles; celebrity items; clothing; toys; coins; antiques; and gift certificates donated by hotels, motels, wineries, restaurants and bed ‘n breakfasts in North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia. A donation to WVPT’s online auction will continue to be a tax deduction for the donor. Schmidt concluded, “We appreciate the many generous donors who are participating with us in ‘buyVMall.com.’”