Every Friday, we will deliver a concise and engaging round up of our week’s activities, milestones, new initiatives and even staff birthdays – you’ll hear all about it in one quick read. Our weekly blog “Just Saying…” will transition to a periodic posting as part of The JP UP date. Happy Friday! and Happy Reading!
Justine PETERSEN Total Lending Nears $100MM Milestone
Wow! With 21 years under our belt, we ended 2018 with $99,032,915 deployed in lending through the origination of 11,559 loans. This figure reflects our spectrum of lending, from small dollar credit builder loans to small business loans through the SBA Community Advantage program. JP staffers advance on a daily basis our mission of access to safe and affordable capital. Here’s to 2019 and beyond!
JP Launches “Buy Local” Office Supply Audit
The first step in supporting small businesses is to purchase their products and services. To that end, JP is conducting an audit of our office supplies and identifying purchasing opportunities for local businesses. As a result, we have switched to Switch Coffee, a St. Louis-based social enterprise that partners with Mission: St. Louis to provide employment opportunities for individuals who are enrolled in their job and leadership training program. Switch Coffee is roasted just a few blocks north of the JP office on N. Grand Blvd. JP credits staffer Ramona Scott on spearheading this initiative. Thanks Ramona!
Like Mother, Like Son
Justine PETERSEN is truly a family affair. Joining his mother, Ankica, a 20-year veteran of JP, Ivo Vukomanovic began his tenure this week as a Small Business Loan Counselor, focusing on the JP’s growing Community Advantage small business loan program. Welcome to the family Ivo!