Memo 7/23/07

SBA offering Patriot Express loans for vets

Veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand a small business are eligible for loans of up to $500,000 guaranteed by taxpayers, the Small Business Administration has announced. The loans, with an 85 percent guarantee for loans of $150,000 or less and 75 percent for loans of $150,000 to $500,000, are available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty military participating in the Transition Assistance Program, reservists and National Guard members and their spouses. Called Patriot Express loans, the SBA is offering the agency's lowest interest rates -- 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent over the prime rate -- depending on the size and maturity of the loan. The loans are available through Bank of Missouri offices in Perryville, Mo., Cape Girardeau and Jackson and the money may be used for starting or expanding a business, purchase of land or buildings and surety bond guarantees for construction contractors.

Leadership Cape event set for Thursday

The graduation and awards reception for this year's Leadership Cape class will be held Thursday at the Saint Francis Conference Center. Four groups worked on proposals this year, with one seeking to expand bicycle trails through the city and another developing a bicycle rental program. The other two initiatives would encourage the community to buy goods locally and to educate people about the area's history. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce at 335-3312.

Cement plant starts hiring process

Workforce Employment Solutions is starting the hiring process for people interested in working for the Holcim Cement Plant in north Ste. Genevieve County. "The process will be staged in a very organized manner during the entire recruiting period, which will cover 24 to 30 months. Each potential applicant will follow a very distinct application and evaluation plan," Marlene Brockmiller, president of Workforce Employment Solutions, said in a prepared statement. Power and control technicians will be hired in the first stage, the company said. Prospective applicants can visit the company's Web site, visitworkforce.com, or call the Ste. Genevieve location at (573) 883-9900.

-- From staff reports