FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TWO-DAY LENDING WORKSHOP FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

BROOKLYN, NY-May 11, 2001-Brooklyn Economic Development Corp. (BEDC) is presenting A Lending Overview, a two-day workshop for technical assistance providers, on Thursday, May 31, and Friday, June 1, from 9 am. to 4 p.m.

The workshop costs $30 and will be held at BEDC's offices at 175 Remsen Street, Suite 350, Brooklyn Heights. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

"The two-day workshop has been developed for staff members of economic and community development organizations, local development corporations, and other community-based organizations that serve businesses and entrepreneurs and currently do not operate loan funds or are planning to operate loan funds in the near future," said Michael Sharp, of BEDC.

The course will be presented by Nate Dickerson and Lionel Knight, of the Dickerson Knight Group. Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in the design, development, and the delivery of financial services training programs.

Participants will be introduced to the various types of financial products and services offered in the community development market, the underwriting process, evaluation process, preliminary considerations of loan structuring, negotiating points, and issues of loan documentation.

Participants will gain a broad understanding of the credit process and their role in soliciting, screening, evaluating, structuring, and collecting loans. In addition, the course will introduce participants to techniques used in assessing and managing risk and the various causes and means of detecting problem loans. Case studies and class exercises will be included in the workshop.

The workshop is being presented through BEDC's Community Credit Institute, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration. The goal of BEDC's Community Credit Institute is to teach the managers of community development organizations and operating loan funds how to make loans, analyze loans, and manage a loan portfolio. The Community Credit Institute also offers financial management assistance (classes and intensive one-on-one counseling) to loan recipients.

BEDC, a private, nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 to stimulate Brooklyn's economy and create job opportunities for the borough and its residents. BEDC has evolved into a multi-service, business-consulting agency, serving more than 1,000 clients annually and offering comprehensive economic development services. BEDC also offers a number of loan programs to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

To register or for more information about the workshop, please contact Mr. Sharp at (718) 522-4600, Ext. 17, or msharp@bedc.org. More information about BEDC is available at www.bedc.org.