Open House at Expanding Childcare Business Showcases Full Community Effort
~Skowhegan Savings Mascots, Trusty Tree and Penny Pine Cone to Meet with Guests ~
SKOWHEGAN, Maine - Kelly York, a mother and entrepreneur will welcome the public to her newly expanding childcare facility, Miss Kelly's Learning Loft, on Saturday, January 30, from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at 48 South Factory Street in Skowhegan. Skowhegan Savings, one of the financing partners for the project, will have representatives and their mascots, Trusty Tree and Penny Pine Cone, on hand to greet visitors.
Miss Kelly's Learning Loft celebrated its one-year anniversary in August of 2009, and with the facility near capacity, Kelly York was on the lookout for a new location.When she saw that the building on South Factory Street was available - she knew it was the perfect spot to expand her business.
Kelly called Skowhegan Savings and with the help of her loan officer, Jack Ducharme, the expansion became a reality. A long-time customer of the bank and former employee, Kelly noted, "From financing options to working with the town for an additional small business loan, Jack and the bank helped me get the new location up and running within eight weeks."
She also commented on how the community really came together to make her vision a reality and with the assistance of local vendors, family and friends the finishing touches were accomplished. Greg Smith & Son, Inc. was the general contractor for the project, with Graf Plumbing and Heating and High Voltage Electric contributing as well. "It really was a community affair, and I have been overwhelmed by all the support from family and friends. Jack checked in after hours via Facebook to see how the project was coming along."
Kelly's facility will allow just under 50 children from 6 weeks to 12 years old for year-round care. With four classroom spaces, she and her 9 person staff, which will also grow by 2-3 individuals, provide structured activities, no television and two outdoor breaks per day (weather permitting) for the different age groups. She is dedicated to meeting the needs of working parents and offers extended hours now, which could expand to overnight care pending demand.
"This is a wonderful example of how a community bank, and an entire community can come together to support a local business," noted John Witherspoon, president and CEO of Skowhegan Savings. "We are happy to provide business owners with the resources they need to grow - and the work that was done on this facility was mostly done by local firms - providing much needed economic activity in our region."
###
Skowhegan Savings, founded in 1869, is an independent
mutual savings bank dedicated to strengthening the Maine
families, businesses and communities it serves. Named as
one of Maine's Best Places to Work in 2009, Skowhegan Savings'
team of friendly, committed employees takes pride in delivering
personalized, competitive banking services with integrity
and putting the needs of their customers first. An innovative
and progressive approach to banking ensures their customers
enjoy a banking experience that is quick, easy and convenient.
Skowhegan Savings' nine Maine branches include two locations
in Skowhegan, as well as locations in Belgrade, Bingham,
Dexter, Fairfield, Madison, Norridgewock, and Pittsfield. For more information, visit www.skowsavings.com or contact Customer Service
at 800.303.9511
