Community Investment Corporation

01/23/2024

Love a great gift shop? Say no more... Eclectic Energy is the place for you! Offering a variety of goods and gifts from more than 200+ designers, Eclectic Energy provides shoppers in South Kingstown and beyond with an “eclectic” shopping experience. In 1995, owner Pam Davis established Eclectic Energy in New York City after graduating college. However, after the unfortunate events that transpired on 9/11, Eclectic Energy closed its doors and Pam opted to pursue other career interests. After spending 31 years in the City, Pam decided to move back to her home state of Rhode Island and relaunched Eclectic Energy.

Pam’s vision for Eclectic’s relaunch required the perfect space to showcase her offerings. Through the use of SBA’s 504 loan program, Pam partnered with CIC’s Buck Harris and Shannon Melchione of Westerly Community Credit Union to acquire a 123 year-old property to serve as the business’s new home. The loan program provided financing for the acquisition and renovation of the property, as well furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Pam’s perfect space was made possible through a perfect loan program and CIC is delighted to have assisted Pam in the launch of this new chapter in Eclectic Energy’s story.

12/04/2023

Meet Michelle Mezzi
CPA, Vice President / Controller
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While earning her degree at Quinnipiac University, Michelle began working in public accounting. She stayed in public accounting for 24 years, gaining diversified experience. Prior to joining CIC, Michelle worked for 22 years with Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger. She also has hands-on knowledge of the workings of a company as a Controller. Michelle previously served as the treasurer for Artspace and as secretary of the PTA.
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Michelle is highly-knowledgeable and familiar with all aspects of corporate finance, forecasting, budgeting and taxation—disciplined with proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
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Fact #1
On the weekends you can find Michelle in the mountains—skiing in the winter and hiking the rest of the year.
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Fact #2
Michelle loves to travel. France is her favorite place…so far!
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Fact #3
Michelle and her husband (an avid musician) used to co-own Cafe 9 in New Haven.

09/06/2023

Join us on September 12th at the Ridgefield Library for “Simple Steps Part 1: Are You Ready To Start Your Own Business? Make Your Case.” This free event is being held by our friends SCORE Fairfield County and is meant to accurately portray the risk and reward of starting a business in today’s competitive marketplace, including the traits that lead to success. Learn more and register today: https://www.score.org/fairfieldcounty/event/simple-steps-starting-your-business-part-1

07/01/2022

Please join CIC in congratulating Bridget Marshall, owner of Ohfudgeandmore, on opening her first brick-and-mortar location at 1588 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT. Oh Fudge! and More has been creating tasty treats since 2018, and experienced tremendous growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. This growth resulted in the opportunity to expand into the surrounding community by establishing a retail presence.

Oh Fudge! and More will hold their grand opening this Saturday, July 2nd, from 12pm – 9pm at their new location. Stop by and enjoy homemade fudge, chocolate treats, ice cream, and much more! There will also be live music, kids activities, and plenty of giveaways!

CIC would also like to thank Dawn Sandvoss with Chelsea Groton Bank for a great partnership! We look forward to seeing you at Oh Fudge! and More’s grand opening. If you’re unable to attend and are interested in shopping local to support small businesses, check out their homemade treats via their website: https://www.ohfudgeandmore.com/

06/29/2022

TONIGHT AT 6:00 PM!

A Free Workshop from the Black Chamber of Commerce and SCORE - Match Your Funding Needs to Available Options

There are many approaches to securing additional money to support your business. This workshop will focus on what your financing needs are and how to finance them. Is it for operations or equipment or hiring more people, etc.? Our panel of experts will show you how to navigate the various sources of funding based on how the money will be used.

CIC Business Advisor, Joe McCaffrey, will be joining a panel of experts to share insight and best practices for getting funding for your small business. Join us from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in , Connecticut.

Register here: https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000005rNl5

06/23/2022

504 loan rates for June are here. Contact one of our 504 loan officers to talk loan structure, eligibility, and benefits for your growing business. There are so many pros to this powerful SBA program, but without the expertise of a team that knows its way around it, there's much to be left on the table.

Send us a message to find out more, or visit our website: www.ciclending.com.

06/09/2022

Some great press for some great businesses! CIC clients The Stackhouse and KIN Southern Table in will delight you with their excellent food and friendly service!

June 2022

06/08/2022

The 2021 Annual Report is here!

We are pleased to share the digital version of Community Investment Corporation’s 2021 Annual Report. This year’s report features borrower businesses that leveraged CIC’s unique Lending Power to not only survive the COVID economy, but to thrive in it. Plus, we have news to share about some exciting changes and additions to the CIC team.

We are pleased to share the digital version of Community Investment Corporation’s 2021 Annual Report. This year’s report features borrower businesses that leveraged CIC’s unique …

05/26/2022

What a delight to help launch another small business in Connecticut! Please join us in congratulating Leah Fleeting, owner of Creative Hearts Learning Academy, on the grand opening of her daycare center in , CT.

In 2020, Leah left the corporate world and used a to finance the startup of Creative Hearts, out of rented space in her church. With an eye toward purchasing a building for her rapidly expanding business, Leah came back to CIC.

Through a partnership with Connecticut Economic Development Fund (CEDF), our team helped bring Leah's dream to life. Using funds from the EDA loan program, we helped Leah purchase the building and make all the necessary renovations to welcome these adorable kids!

05/10/2022

SBA 504 Rates for May are here.

To make the most of this powerful, commercial loan program, you need the help of a team that knows SBA lending inside and out. That team is Community Investment Corporation. Find out more about what we do at http://ciclending.com.

04/29/2022

JOIN US for a WEBINAR" CAPITAL ACCESS - Power of the SBA

Presented by Marcum LLP Accountants & Advisors, featuring CIC President Louis Silva, and VP Richard Evans.

When: TUESDAY, May 3rd at 2:00 pm EDT

To register: https://marcumllp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YYepQNpoTJaYxjDrtaJF3Q