Today's "Member Minute" was provided by long-time member Kevin Keenan. Kevin recounted how he became a professional volunteer after suffering a stroke at the young age of 46. The lingering after-effects of this injury made it impossible for him to return to his demanding law career so he turned to volunteerism as a way to help others while keeping himself occupied. The list of organizations he has given time to is long: Rotary, Ramsey County School Patrol, Ramsey County Sheriff's Foundation, Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus and the Consumer Advisory Council for the Twin Cities Post Offices. Kevin and his wife live in Arden Hills. They are parents to 3 adult children, all doing well in challenging careers.
Our speaker was Debby Gustafson, Chief Loan Officer for the Twin Cities Metro Certified Development Company (CDC). CDC is an arm of the Small Business Association and provides loans to provide fixed asset financing for small businesses. This is an attractive form of financing because it requires only 10% down, vs. the traditional 25% from other lending institutions, and interest rates are also very favorable. As a result, business has been booming, even through the pandemic. Debbie has been with the CDC for 34 years. Their office is in Vadnais Heights. She and Mike Spellman met while both were serving on the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Council.