Community Capital loan decisions are made around the State by a network of five volunteer loan committees. These individuals provide the perspective and local knowledge necessary to make strong loan decisions and to keep Community Capital connected to the regions it serves. This month, we highlight the Central Vermont Loan Committee, a group of individuals who come from a wide variety of backgrounds:

• Robin Chase - Owner, Maple Corner Woodworks, Community Capital Board Member and Past President
• Shane Brothers - Owner, Montpelier Village Pizza
• Carol O'Neill - Senior Paralegal, Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.
• Frank Lepore - Regional Manager Barre / Northeast Kingdom, Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chuck Karparis, Retail Officer, Vermont State Employees Credit Union

When asked what he likes most about his role as a Community Capital Loan Committee member, Frank Lepore said, "Acknowledgement that individuals continue to be our most significant resource." Shane Brothers commented, "I enjoy being part of a resource for small businesses." Another Committee member, Carol O'Neill, commented on the role that Community Capital plays in supporting start-ups: "Non-traditional financing such as that provided by Community Capital can be instrumental in the financial life of a business start- up." Thanks to the service of these five individuals, Community Capital has a vital connection to the central Vermont community as well as a diverse group with a wide variety of perspectives when it comes to whether or not to make a loan decision.

From Peter Hood, Treasurer Come join the board, staff, and other Community Capital partners and supporters from around the State to play a game of golf on September 29th. This 9-hole golf game will be played at the Northfield Country Club, with the majority of the proceeds going to benefit Community Capital's statewide expansion efforts.
Last year's winners - the Ylian Snyder team - will be back this year, looking for a rematch. Get a foursome together for $75 a person or sponsor a hole or green for $150 Sponsors can deduct 100% of their contribution. Each player can deduct $39 of their $75 fee.
Why does Community Capital need a benefit tournament? First, it takes more than interest earned on loans to fund our budget. Because we provide high-touch lending and ongoing support, our program cannot ever be fully funded by interest earned on loans. Approximately 40% of our budget is funded from earned income, with the other 60% coming from private donations and contributions and government grants. By participating in our tournament, you'll be helping us narrow our funding gap and thus indirectly helping us make loans to more than 25 entrepreneurs annually!

From Olivia Gay, Loan Officer My name is Olivia Gay and I'm the newest Loan Officer to be hired by Community Capital as part of its expansion statewide. I started in mid-July and am on board for 25 hours per week. My charge is to work with inquiries, applicants and borrowers in central Vermont (together with Chris Rottler) and in the Northeast Kingdom.
I'm a native of Calais, VT and have spent many years working and volunteering in the community economic development field both locally and statewide. I helped form the Calais Economic Development Committee, I've worked for the Vermont Community Development Program as an evaluator, and devoted decades to the Maple Corner Community Center (Yes, I had a hand in the famous Men of Maple Corner calendar!)
My work experience has varied between jobs in education (I have a Masters in Education) and community development. The two fields came together in 2000 at Central Vermont Community Action Council where I was a trainer for the Micro Business Development Program (MBDP), teaching business basics to fledgling entrepreneurs. At that time, I also collaborated with Community Capital on the founding of VINE (Vermont Information and Networking for Entrepreneurs) because I also saw that people running very small businesses need support and on-going education. In the last year and a half, I’ve worked for several small businesses, thereby gaining more hands-on training in business skills.
I’m pleased and excited to be back in the Community Economic Development field and to be part of the expansion of Community Capital. I look forward to assisting business in achieving their goals in both Central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom. I can be reached at 802-479-1053, ext. 202 or by email at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Community Capital of Vermont

email: [email protected]
phone: 802-479-1053, ext. 263