PCEDA Awards Business Development Grants
October 21, 2020
The Pendleton County Economic & Community Development Authority is happy to announce the awards for its inaugural grants awards program. The EDA awarded a total of $3,000 to four local businesses: Dry Run Spirits, Country Rhodes Guest Suites, Moe Fatz / Tammy’s Sweet Treats, and Sunshine Consignment.
The Pendleton County EDA allocated funding for small business grants to provide a mechanism to award incentives to local businesses. This program’s purpose was to encourage both growth and success of small businesses located in Pendleton County. The grant award amounts were unanimously chosen and voted upon by the EDA board members at their regular October board meeting.
Dry Run Spirits received the largest amount of the grant awards. Dry Run Spirits is a micro distillery that will operate seasonally focusing on local fruit and traditional distillation methods. Dry Run Spirits is owned by Jeff and Teresa Munn and is a part of Loafers Glory (a well established resort and event venue in Franklin). “Teresa and I are honored that the EDA believes in our vision of recreating an authentic Appalachian craft distillery on the grounds of the historic Ananias Pitsenbarger homestead. With a traditional copper pot still, use of local WV apples, and by focusing on recreating authentic Appalachian applejack, (apple moonshine) we hope to add another reason for tourists to fall in love with Pendleton County. This EDA grant will help make Dry Run Spirits (Loafers Glory) a reality,” said Munn.
Country Rhodes Guest Suites provides boutique-style accommodations for short term visitors to Pendleton County. The property and structures are located at 53 South Main Street in Franklin and provides unique and comfortable lodging available on AirBNB. Jeff and Victoria Rhodes are the owners.
Moe Fatz and Tammy’s Sweet Treats is a Main Street Franklin business specializing in ice cream, smoothies and freshly baked goods. Owners, Keith and Tammy Trail, officially opened the doors in late summer.
Sunshine Consignment opened its doors in 2017. Owner, Amber Nesselrodt, strives to ensure the community has access to quality clothing, home goods, furniture and more. Her business, located in the Lovegrove Building on Main Street Franklin, also showcases local artists and displays an array of locally made items including soaps, arts, and crafts.
The EDA hopes to expand the Business Development Grants Program in 2021. For additional information please contact: Kim Ruddle, EDA Administrator at (304) 358-2074 or eda@pendletoncounty.com
About Pendleton County EDA
The Pendleton County Economic & Community Development Authority is committed to promoting and developing a thriving local economy by facilitating the expansion and retention of existing and new businesses, attracting new opportunities for local business, and preserving the uniqueness that makes Pendleton County a special place to work and live.