For Immediate release                                                          

October 7, 2003

Class 15 Graduates from Metropolitan Micro-Lending Program

Washington, October 6- Metropolitan Housing and CDC Inc. of Washington NC is proud to announce the certification of their fifteenth Micro-enterprise Peer Lending Class.   Six (6) members of the class were awarded certificates on Monday, October 6th , at the Metropolitan Business Development Center and Community Credit Union.   All members were recognized for having taken a small business course and complying with NC Rural Center’s training requirements as a Peer Lending Site.  

Following the completion of the last of six required instructional classes, site director Ross Steckley, with the help of Reverend Melinda Moore, gave certificates to Marcus D. Jones, Lewanda Keyes Jones, David Boyd, Jr., Jimmy Boyd, Edward Burrus and Tyesha B. Credle. Special recognition was given to the newly elected Chairperson, Mr. David Boyd; Secretary, Ms. Lewanda Jones; and Treasurer, Mr. Ed Burrus, of the self-named “Successful Development Group.”  

The entrepreneurs will be starting businesses involving real estate, non-profit and community services, transportation, and cosmetology. They will continue to work together as an organized body following their approval of the by-laws, which are designed to assist the success of the members.  

Support for the Business Development Center has been given from the City of Washington, The Rural Center, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) of Washington DC and the NC Department of Commerce.  

New applications are being accepted at the Center for the purpose of establishing a Micro Lending class to be held on Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 starting October 9th; this time frame should more easily accommodate those who work at night.   Those interested in establishing a new business are encouraged to call the center at 252-947-1500. Entrepreneurs should call 252-946-8007.

back row (l-r): Marcus D Jones, Edward Burrus, David Boyd, Jimmy Boyd

front row (l-r): Reverend Melinda Moore, Tyesha B. Credle, Lewanda Keyes Jones