News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The UCDD Executive Board approved loans for two Livingston businesses Tuesday.
The board approved some $167,000 for Dale and Melissa Barnes to purchase Bud’s Grocery and turn it into D&M Market and Deli. Loan Program Manager Mindy Tramel said the store will be purchased for a total price of some $520,000 and will function largely the same. Executive Director Mark Farley said both businesses could become staples in the Livingston community.
“In a lot of our rural communities, the convenience stores are the meeting places where people assemble day after day and they interact with each other,” Farley said. “And of course, a restaurant is a great boom to any community because it provides a place for people to gather and not only have a good meal but to fellowship with one another.”
Cornicello Italian Restaurant received a loan of some $350,000 to purchase a new building. Tramel said Cornicello’s total project cost of some $358,000.
“Especially for our rural communities, our goal is to try to improve their economies,” Farley said. “Grow their economies. Sometimes the best thing we can do is keep the doors open to existing buildings. Certainly, we want to add additional businesses, but, you know, keeping those businesses that have been there for years open and running is vital for many communities.”
He said businesses are asked to work with local banks and lending institutions before approaching the UCDD for help, but the organization is always happy to partner up and help people get projects moving.
