Chamber grant program expands

Palm Coast Observer
News

Flagler County businesses could get grants of up to $500 for aesthetic upgrades, such as signs.

Branching off from a Bunnell Chamber of Commerce initiative, the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates have launched a program to issue grants of up to $500 for aesthetic upgrades to local businesses.

The program is meant to help pay for minor exterior and interior improvements, such as a company’s façade, signs, landscaping and internal operations. The program will match a portion of the applicant’s expenses up to 200%; if an applicant requests $500, they must spend a minimum of $750 for the project to be eligible for the full grant amount.

Bunnell Chamber President Michael Barr announced the initiative at the June 4 Flagler County Board of County Commissioners meeting, explaining that funds from the Potato Festival would benefit this program.

“In 2011, we saw tremendous community support for renovations to Flagler Habitat for Humanity’s office and store,” said Doug Baxter, county chamber president. “It was a proud moment that demonstrated how the business community and volunteers could come together and improve the look and feel of an area with a coat of paint, some landscaping and other minor renovations.”

Participants may apply for more than one grant. All grants will be reviewed and approved by city chamber boards and preference will be given to projects that utilize local labor and products.

Applicants are responsible for securing necessary permits and any licensed contractors. Cooperation with other funding entities including donations and reduced cost contributions is encouraged.

“We hope this new program will help other local businesses make enhancements that will allow them to not only look but feel more successful,” Baxter added. “These grant improvements are expected to help bring more customers and clients to businesses.”

For more, call 437-0106.

Leadership graduation: June 22
The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates’ 20th Leadership Flagler graduation will be held Friday, June 22, at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast/Town Center, with guest speaker Eddie Creamer, Prosperity Bank CEO.

This year, the chamber will honor nine graduates, listed as follows:

• Matt Maxwell, of Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home
• Shannon Kenton, of JBirney Financial
• Jim Russell, of Flagler Chrysler Dodge Jeep
• Jerusha Logan, of Flagler County NAACP
• Catherine Groom, of Flagler County Chamber of Commerce
• Deborah Williams, of Flagler County Schools
• Harmony Henry, of Hammock Beach Resort
• Amy Kerber, of Preferred Management Services
• John Distler, of Servpro.

Leadership Flagler, which started in 1993, is a three-month program, meant to “shape high-profile community leaders.” It has graduated almost 200 professionals, with all funds from graduation luncheons benefitting local nonprofits. Last year, the chamber raised more than $7,000 for the Josh Crews Fund and www.donateyourmachine.org.