Economic Development Authority Awards First Business Assistance Program Loan to Breathe Healthy

 

September 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

 

Keith A. Taylor, Secretary, Economic Development Authority

(757) 253-6607

 

Michael Vahey, Owner, Breathe Healthy

(610) 357-1026

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of James City County is pleased to announce its first recipient of business assistance through a program launched in January, 2010. The first company to receive assistance is a James City County Business and Technology Incubator client, Breathe Healthy (www.breathehealthy.com), founded by Michael Vahey.

The EDA issued a $4,000 loan to Breathe Healthy to develop and launch a social and electronic media marketing campaign. The loan will convert to a grant if conditions of a five-year performance based agreement are met.

Breathe Healthy manufactures and sells a unique line of washable breathing masks that offer protection from allergens, dust, pollen, and germs. They are made from a moisture-wicking athletic fabric and are treated with a permanent antimicrobial. Their customers range from asthma sufferers to pet groomers.

“James City County’s EDA and Office of Economic Development have been incredibly supportive of my business venture”, noted Michael Vahey, owner of Breathe Healthy. “I expect this financial assistance will significantly expand my marketing program and sales volume.” The primary purpose of the James City County EDA’s Business Assistance Program is to augment the retention, expansion, relocation and development efforts of smaller primary businesses in James City County. The program’s ultimate goals are to create and retain quality employment opportunities, retain and expand the tax base, and thereby retain and grow those preferred smaller businesses which possess the qualities and attributes set forth in the 2008 Business Climate Task Force report.

The EDA presently funds the Business Assistance Program with administrative fees earned by the EDA through its revenue bond financing program. For more information about the business assistance program, please contact the Economic Development Authority of James City County at econdev@james-city.va.us or by calling (757) 253-6607. Guidelines and applications are available online at: http://www.jccecondev.com.

 

Photo Caption: James City County EDA Chair Tom Tingle (left) presents $4,000 Business Assistance Program loan check to Michael Vahey, owner of Breathe Healthy, at the company’s office in the County’s Business and Technology Incubator.

 

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