Expansion of wholesale distribution business to create 30 quality jobs in rural community of Whitley County, a Persistent Poverty County, of which 75% will be filled by low-income individuals. - Kentucky Highlands Community Development Corporation (KHCDC) will use $800,000 in CED funds to provide a below market rate working capital loan and employee coaching services to an expanding local business. Renfro Supply Company (Renfro), a century old wholesale distribution business, is moving into a new warehouse and expanding their product offerings to include fresh, refrigerated, and frozen food items, specifically for convenience store clientele in rural communities and food desert areas throughout eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. $755,000 in CED funds will aid Renfro in this transition and growth. The additional $45,000 will be used for a three-year contract with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) to offer employees wraparound services, including Employee Coaches, and 512 hours per year of dedicated employee assistance. The project will support business growth and economic revitalization in a rural community, as well as make fresh, healthy foods available throughout the adjacent communities. KHCDC will also partner with local workforce development entities, including the Kentucky Career Center, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and the University of the Cumberlands to offer educational and training opportunities for potential employees prior to referral for employment. This project will create 30 new jobs in the transportation, distribution, and logistics industry, of which will be filled by individuals with low incomes.
