OPB To Offer Low-Interest Loans to Businesses
On the heels of the decision to move forward with an economic development plan that includes a beautification project for Highway 101 from the bridge to 126 and 126 to the Casino, Oregon Pacific Bank has announced that they have developed a loan program to help businesses that want to improve their properties. The new loan program is designed to provide Florence area business and property owners with funding for improvements to the visual and historical appeal of their building or storefront. Funding from this loan program is designed to be used for improvements such as updated signage, façade and awning improvement, painting, public art and murals, historical restoration, landscaping, branding and logo design, parking lot repairs, interior design, and window displays. The Bank will consider other requests on an individual basis. Refinancing existing debt with any creditor is not eligible and funds cannot be used for seasonal operating needs.
Ron Green, President and CEO of Oregon Pacific Bank says “We wanted to find a catalyst to inspire our local business and property owners to take part in the revitalization of our community. There’s definitely an air of excitement in the city of Florence for plans of growth and renewal, and as a local community bank we are proud to be a part of that,”
The Bank has allocated $1,000,000 towards this loan program, and will partner with the Lane Council of Governments to fund up to $50,000 per applicant. The interest rate is priced at the current Wall Street Journal Prime Rate of 3.50% with no Bank fees.
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Wyden to Make Case for Potential Disaster Monies
Senator Ron Wyden was on the coast this weekend looking at several schools in the Seaside area. learning about the issues that might occur should the Oregon coast be hit by a 9.0 or greater earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Wyden says the Federal Government doesn’t understand the potential impact and is worried that budget cuts may mean not enough funding in the case of a disaster
”This is very powerful to be able to see it. and particularly now there are going to be tough choices made on the federal budget and this gives me some fresh detail in order to make the case for Oregon.”
Wyden says communities like Seaside are most vulnerable to a tsunami disaster, but the entire Oregon coast needs to be prepared, and the government needs to be informed.
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The 109th Annual Rhododendron Festival is fast approaching. If your group or family would like to participate in the annual Parade applications are available at the Chamber’s Visitor Center at 290 Highway 1091 and can also be downloaded at the Chamber’s website FlorenceChamber dot com. Applications for youth (ages 9-17) who wish to volunteer as banner carriers in the Grand Floral Parade are also available at the Visitors Center. The Chamber announced that Davis Shows Northwest will once again be providing the games and carnival for the festival. For more information you can contact the Florence Chamber office at 541-997-3128
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Applications are available for the 2016 Florence Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Natural Resources scholarship, according to Club President Ron Caputo.
The $500 scholarship is offered to a graduating high school senior residing in the Florence or Mapleton School District boundaries. The applicant must maintain a 2.8 grade point average or better and intend to pursue a career in Natural Resources.
Initial screening of applications will be done by the counselors at the high schools with up to four finalists recommended to the STEP Scholarship committee. The committee will meet with the finalists on Wednesday, May 18. The scholarship winner will be announced on Monday, May 23.