PRESS RELEASE
July 27, 2015
People Incorporated Financial Services announces the winners of the Lee & Scott County Entrepreneur Challenge at the Pioneer Center – top prize of $5,000 to Jeremiah Tomlinson, owner of Redemption Relics, and second prize to Danielle White, owner of Born Free Farm in Jonesville, VA.
Abingdon, Virginia – People Incorporated is pleased to announce that it awarded the Business Challenge’s top prize of $5,000 to Jeremiah Tomlinson, owner of Redemption Relics, “Redeemers of Antique Architecture and Wood”, in Gate City Virginia. Redemption Relics is a new architectural salvage and reclaimed lumber company operated by Robin and Jeremiah Tomlinson which they plan to open August 31, 2015. Their business will sell unique, architectural salvage, beautiful reclaimed wood products and one-of-a-kind furniture made from these same elements. The couple plans to open a central “hub” at 2306 Bristol Highway in Gate City Virginia which will act as a warehouse, shop and retail location. They plan to have a strong social media presence and will cater to homeowners, builders, artists, crafters, and tourists – those looking for unique and quality home products to be used for new construction, renovations and artwork. Jeremiah Tomlinson stated, “Redemption Relics is a company with a big vision and People Incorporated is helping us to make that vision a reality!”
Danielle White won second prize of $500 for her business plan detailing Born Free Farm, a 26-acre organic farm located on the Powell River in Jonesville Virginia. Danielle plans to expand her farm operation to include a dairy cheese-making facility. Born Free Farm will offer high quality organic goat and sheep milk cheeses to the public, encouraging the local food movement and supporting the local economy.
Jeremiah Tomlinson and Danielle White were participants in the eight week Lee and Scott Entrepreneur Challenge hosted by People Incorporated Financial Services that was held at the Pioneer Center Incubator in Duffield VA for business owners/entrepreneurs in Scott and Lee Counties. Of the 14 participants, 10 presented business plans for the Challenge. All prize money awarded is used as working capital for the businesses. “These business challenges have made a great impact within our communities by encouraging the development of small businesses, stabilizing downtown districts and creating jobs” stated Rob Goldsmith, President and CEO of People Incorporated. Workshops were facilitated by People Incorporated Financial Services and were funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission, Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission and Wells Fargo Bank.
About People Incorporated of Virginia
People Incorporated is a non-profit Community Action Agency and Community Development Corporation committed to providing opportunities for people to reach their goals in order to enhance their lives, families, and communities. People Incorporated develops programs and strategies that are designed to move people and communities into the economic mainstream. In 2014, People Incorporated provided services to more than 6,400 clients and generated an economic impact of over $59 million in communities throughout Virginia. For more information about People Incorporated’s programs and services contact the Abingdon office at 276-623-9000 or visit us at www.peopleinc.net“>http://www.peopleinc.net“>www.peopleinc.net .
About People Incorporated Financial Services
Headquartered in Abingdon, VA, People Incorporated Financial Services is a non-profit, certified Community Development Financial Institution that promotes economic self-sufficiency and access to capital for low-income residents and communities by providing business development and lending services, technical assistance, financial and credit literacy training, and marketing services to help businesses attract private investment and create jobs. Since 1992, People Incorporated Financial Services has deployed over $47.3 million in loan funds, and has helped to create and/or retain over 2,600 jobs in low-income communities.
People Incorporated Financial Services is an affiliate corporation of People Incorporated, one of the nation’s most successful and innovative Community Action Agencies. For more information about People Incorporated’s programs and services visit People Incorporated on the web at www.peopleinc.net“>http://www.peopleinc.net“>www.peopleinc.net.