At the December meeting of the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce, Joe Graff, vice president of the Chamber, presented a membership update. We have gained seven members in the last 90 days. Year-to-date, there have been over 50,000 visits to member websites through the Chamber portal.†Our breakfast sponsor was Mr. Tim Kealy, although both the treasurer of our Chamber and a local Farmers Agent, his sponsorship was representing two of his businesses, Black Forest Cards and C2 Financial Corporation. The Black Forest Cards (https://www.facebook.com/blackforestcards/) offers an inexpensive opportunity to connect with customers and to show honest and sincere appreciation. At C2 Financial, Tim is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist. He clearly articulated the benefits of this program. He educated us on the regulatory changes to protect seniors. He also shared how this is one way for a homeowner to access his equity without losing his home.†The morningís presentation came from our guest speaker, Brian Gray. Brian is with Edge Home Finance Corporation. In his presentation, he shared the processes that bring increased speed and service to the lending process. He also focused on the needs of buyers in the following categories: first-time home buyers, self- employed borrowers and investment buyers. On that last category, he discussed fourplexes and some of the special programs offered by Edge.†Brian also educated us on the various lending programs available to families in our area. Lower income families east of Meridian may qualify for the USDA mortgage loan program. Veterans may qualify for the VA program. Other programs, like FHA and conventional, are available and one would do well to work with a professional like Brian to understand the options best suited for one’s particular situation.†The board of the Eastern Plains Chamber is honored to have members like Tim Kealy and Brain Gray to selflessly educate our membership.The chamber participated in ìToys for Tots: Stuff the Truckî on Dec. 10.The next breakfast meeting is Jan. 4. Join us as we hear from Chris Wilhelmi of Stinar, Zendejas, Burrell, and Wilhelmi.†The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly meetings at Grace Community Church at 9475 Grace Church View in Falcon the first Wednesday of the month; breakfast and coffee is from 7 a.m. to 7:30; the meeting is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30.
