May_2011

Client Feature – CounterTek

DIRTY WORK, FABRICATING AND MANUFACTURING COUNTERTOPS, IS WHAT RAY ROUX KNOWS AND LOVES BEST. After working for nearly two decades, the company Ray and many of his employees had worked for was sold, and its operations relocated. Unwilling to move and miss watching their granddaughter grow up, Ray and Kim Roux invested everything they had

in a fresh start.

CounterTek was born from the goal of producing a quality product at an economically affordable price, accompanied by excellent customer service. The visions paying

off and since receiving a loan for start-up working capital from Community First, CounterTeks sales have risen. But CounterTek isnt just successful in sales; it has saved jobs, creating a close-knit community of employees.

CounterTek doesnt just offer its workers jobs to support their families, it offers a work environment that fosters collaboration, where each individual has a say. The quality of the hands-on craftsmanship is evidence of CounterTeks family values. As Ray puts it, theyre a crazy bunch, but theyre œthe best in the business.

Upcoming Events at Women’s Business Center

The Speaker Series is happening again in Lancaster! The event will be held on May 12th at 4:30. Our topic this month is œMission Driven Budgeting: Using Strategic Planning and Budgeting to Achieve Your Goals. Our speaker is Doris Cross, owner of Organizational Change and Development Company.

We are also starting the Speaker Series in Reading! Our next Reading event will be held on June 2nd at 4:00 at the Berks County Community Foundation. The topic will be œUtilizing Social Media to Build Your Business. The speakers are Kae Kohl of Kiwi Marketing Group and Kim Woerle of EVOKE by Design.

For more information please feel free to contact the Womens Business Center at (717) 393-2351, or by email at mcullison@commfirstfund.org.

Celebrating Small Business Week, May 16-20

Since 1963, National Small Business Week has celebrated the contributions of small businesses to the American economy. Community First Fund is proud to celebrate and support the courage and determination of our small business clients.

Opportunity Available to Small Business Clients

Community First Fund and the SBA are committed to expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities and help drive economic growth and job creation. The SBA 7(a) program is one way Community First Fund does this. Funds may be used to establish a new business or assist in the acquisition, operation or expansion of an existing business. Contact a Community First Fund lender to find out if this program is a good fit for you.