County Economic Development Board Discusses Revolving Loan Request

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Published on May 5 2021 3:19 pm
Last Updated on May 5 2021 3:19 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Members of the Effingham County Economic Development Board met this week with Erik Pike of Country Haven Event Center over a loan request.

Pike is seeking a $20,000 revolving loan fund request from the County. He's planning to add a kitchen and a regular menu to the establishment on the south side of Lake Sara.

Pike said his bar business has been good, but said, "You gotta have food to make (an establishment) go". He has acquired some of the equipment used at Witt's when it was operating northwest of Effingham. He also wants an area for the families that visit the establishment, saying parents don't want to bring their children to a bar.

The Development Board voted to take the proposal to the full County Board for approval.

Development Board Chairman Dave Campbell said that even if the proposal is approved, $15,000 would remain in the fund.

New Effingham County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lucinda Hart was on hand to introduce herself to the Board, along with recently-retired Mt. Vernon School Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch, who is going to work with the Chamber on Foundation work. Fritchtnitch served as Altamont school superintendent for several years before heading to Mt. Vernon.