RESOLUTION NO. 110392

Congratulating the Clay County EDC and the Midwest Small Business Finance on being named Certified Business Development Company of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

WHEREAS, the award is presented to only two of nearly 300 CDCs nationwide and will be presented in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week, May 15-21, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Midwest Small Business Finance (“MSBF”) was honored as a CDC of the Year among those with a portfolio up to $50 million; and

WHEREAS, the criteria for the SBA recognition focuses on providing business access to long-term capital for job creation and retention, portfolio performance and efforts to reach underserved markets; and

WHEREAS, last year, MSBF’s efforts helped generate more than $18 million in development and created or retained nearly 300 jobs and since its founding in 1982, the organization has helped create or retain nearly 3,000 jobs; and

WHEREAS, one of the things that makes MSBF a success is its flexibility while working hard to serve a very diverse market with their customers including companies in urban and suburban markets in areas like Kansas City, as well as smaller rural communities; and

WHEREAS, MSBF’s success involves strong partnerships with the SBA, lenders and community leaders and working closely with both their lending partners and businesses; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby congratulate the Clay County EDC and the Midwest Small Business Finance on being named Certified Business Development Company of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Jim Hampton with the best wishes of the Mayor and Council for the continued success of Midwest Small Business Finance.

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