Concord woman is BCEDC's new loan fund manager

Maria Del Rio has been appointed loan fund manager for the Belknap County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) for the regional development corporation. According to Greg Goddard, chairman of the organization, Del Rio reports to Executive Director Jennifer Boulanger and assumes day-to-day responsibilities for the organization’s budgets, grant administration, and revolving loan fund (RLF).

The BCEDC established its loan fund in 1994, capitalized with loans from USDA/ Rural Development, grants, contributions, and retained revenues. Since inception, the RLF has made 37 loans to Belknap County businesses totaling over $6-million.

The BCEC was recognized in 2000 as the Financial Advocate of the Year by the NH Small Business Administration, and, in 2006, USDA Rural Development named the economic development organization its Business Partner of the Year.

Prior to joining the BCEDC, Del Rio was the principal of Real Solutions, a real estate portfolio management firm in Concord. She has an extensive assets management background with more than 10 years in finance in both the non-profit and private sectors. Del Rio’s experience also includes legal counseling. She is a volunteer with the Capital Center for the Arts and is a volunteer arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau. For six years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Concord Cooperative Market.

Del Rio earned her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Economics at Smith College and furthered her studies at Brooklyn Law School from which she holds a Juris Doctor degree. A published author, she resides in Concord.

The BCEDC serves businesses and organizations throughout the 11 municipalities in Belknap County. It offers a range of support and technical services, in addition, to the Revolving Loan Fund. Council offices are located at the Lakes Venture Resource Center at Southern New Hampshire University – Laconia Center, 2 Airport Road, Gilford. Contact 603-524-3057 or www.bcedc.org for more information about the organization’s services. Visit www.liveworkandplaynh.com for more information about the region.