The JP UP date: JP Opens Office in Champaign County, IL

Katie ArnoldThe JP UP date


Number 189                      September 23, 2022                                   St. Louis


Justine PETERSEN Opens Office at Champaign County Illinois EDC and Illinois SBDC

Justine PETERSEN is proud to announce the opening of a full-service financial asset-building office within the Champaign County Illinois Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Housed alongside the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), JP’s office will contribute synergistically to the hub of small businesses resources offered at the EDC. Staffed fulltime by JP’s Illinois Market Manager Tristan Brown, our presence in the Champaign marketplace will feature our full suite of asset-building products and services:  credit building, small business lending and home ownership counseling.  Moreover, JP is working with local governments and banking partners on capitalizing a small business microloan fund with an emphasis on BIPOC and New American small business owners.

Pictured is Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC with Tristan Brown, JP’s Illinois Market Manager.

 

 

 


Justine PETERSEN Welcomes Kelvin Melton

Justine PETERSEN is thrilled to welcome Kelvin Melton to our Business Assistance Team (BAT) based at the St. Louis HQ office. Kelvin will be supporting small business client needs in a variety of aspects to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.  Additionally, he will be assisting the Asset and Crediting Building team in cultivating clients. Coming to us from management at Icon, Kelvin was focused on fulfilling commercial contracts with Anheuser-Busch, Chaifetz Arena, City of St. Louis, and The Dome at the America’s Center. When asked what attracted him to JP, Kelvin stated that “JP gives disenfranchised people the ability to gain financial literacy and understanding…creating a pathway to being financially educated.” As we enter into the Fall season, Kelvin is looking forward to frequenting various vineyards and hoping for exceptional weather to do some outdoor cooking. Welcome aboard Kelvin!


Vercie Lark, SBA Region 7 Administrator Visits JP Operations in STL

Justine PETERSEN staff recently had the pleasure of meeting with Vercie Lark, US Small Business Administration (SBA) Region 7 Administrator at JP’s main office of operations in St. Louis.  Based in Kansas City, MO, Vercie oversees all SBA lending activities throughout Region 7.  Vercie expressed specific interest in JP’s ability to be one of the nation’s top SBA microlenders to BIPOC small business owners.  Vercie was joined by longtime JP partner, advocate and friend Maureen Brinkley, District Director of the SBA’s St. Louis District Office.

Pictured left to right, are Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, JP’s Chief Operating Officer, Maureen Brinkley, SBA St. Louis District Director, Vercie Lark, SBA Region 7 Administrator, Eddie Davis, President of JP’s Board of Directors and Rochelle Bea, JP board member and small business owner.

 

 


September Birthday Re-cap!!!!!

September 12 was just short of a national holiday here at the JP office given that both Fredrica “Cookie” Burnett and Robert Boyle both celebrated birthdays!  September 20th marked not only Tristan Brown’s birthday but also his one-year work anniversary with JP!  A two-fer!!!! And today, September 23, Linda Clark, JP’s Controller is every sense of the word, celebrates her bday!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!!!