BCDC Offers New Fund for Entrepreneurs

The Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), with a significant investment from the Barberton Community Foundation, has established a new fund to support entrepreneurs interested in growing the big ideas into big companies in the City of Barberton. The Barberton Growth Fund offers payment-deferred, low interest loans of up to $50,000. Learn more about the Barberton Growth Fund.

BCDC/NCS Announce Cooperative Agreement

The Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) and the Neighborhood Conservation Services of Barberton, Inc. (NCS) announced an agreement calling for the two non-profits to work together to operate more efficiently and serve the community better.

The agreement will provide for the sharing of staff and equipment resources.  Anticipated cost savings will be $25,000 annually for the BCDC and $45,000 for NCS.  The bulk of the savings will be the result of staff reductions by both organizations.  The NCS recently eliminated one full-time position, and the BCDC reduced its staff by one part-timer.  Each organization now has two employees, including the directors. 

Tom Anders has been the part-time executive director of NCS since May 2010.  The BCDC has been headed by Scott Wagner since October 2010. 

Under the agreement, both will continue as separate entities with separate boards of directors.  Anders and Wagner, however, will have voting rights on each other’s boards.  A committee, to be comprised of members from both groups, will be formed to meet six times per year to explore other areas of cooperation.

The BCDC is primarily concerned with business and economic development.  “We provide low-interest loans to area businesses for expansion, equipment purchases and working capital,” said Wagner.

The mission of NCS, at 104 Third St., NW, is to help low to moderate income homeowners with renovation and repair projects.  Anders estimated NCS assists 25 homeowners annually.

Tom Anders resigns as Chairman of BCDC

(January 12, 2010) After serving more than 25 years on the Board of Directors for the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Tom Anders has decided to resign as Chairman. On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Mr. Anders announced that it would be his last board meeting as Chairman. Tom is currently the Executive Director of NCS. “To serve as a chairman for more than a quarter century is a tremendous commitment” said Scott Wagner, Executive Director of the BCDC. “The City of Barberton has truly benefited from all the time, effort and passion that Tom has committed” he said.

Tom Harnden, Vice Chairman of the BCDC will become the next Chairman. Mr. Harnden was recently recognized by the Barberton Community Foundation as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year. “Mr. Harnden has spent countless hours volunteering to make the City of Barberton a better place to live” said Scott Wagner. “The BCDC has greatly benefited from the knowledge that Mr. Harnden and Mr. Anders bring to the table” he said.

Tom Anders will remain a BCDC board member and will continue to serve on the Executive Committee. The BCDC is the Economic Development agency for the City of Barberton and provides loans for Barberton area businesses.

BCDC Loan Funds Available

(December 9, 2010) The Barberton Community Development Corporation is offering low interest loans to Barberton area businesses.  Loans are available for land acquisition, equipment purchases, image enhancement and working capital.  “We have a wide range of financing programs that can accommodate most City of Barberton businesses” said, Scott Wagner, Executive Director.

“Economic development is a business of creativeness; you must have the willingness and the ability to put together packages that allow businesses to achieve their long term goals.”  The BCDC has been offering loans to Barberton area businesses since the mid 1980’s and has acted as the Economic Development arm for the City of Barberton.  Since 1985, the BCDC has assisted more than 125 businesses with a combined employment of approximately 2,000 jobs.

“Our gap financing program makes the difference between whether a company’s expansion can move forward or not.  We’ve assisted dozens of companies in the construction of new buildings, expanding their inventories and improving their distribution logistics” Wagner said.

City of Barberton companies are encouraged to contact the BCDC offices to discuss the available programs or to schedule a meeting.  Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Phone: 330.745.3070 or email at scottwagner@bcdc.org

BCDC Names Scott Wagner Executive Director

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