Concord, NH, February 26, 2008 - The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund is pleased to announce that it has filled two new positions in its Concord offices. The Loan Fund is a nonprofit organization that leverages financial, human, and civic resources to help underserved people participate more fully in New Hampshire’s economy. 

James Key-Wallace of Concord has joined the Vested for Growth program as Senior Investor. Since 2002, Vested for Growth has invested in and partnered with small businesses to ensure long-term growth and quality jobs.

"Having James onboard will help us meet the demand for the creative financing New Hampshire business people need to expand their companies," said Vested for Growth Director John Hamilton.

Key-Wallace previously served as Vice President of the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation in Keene, and as a Marketing Manager with Staff Development for Educators in Peterborough. He earned his Business Administration and Computer Science degrees from St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and his Master's of Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.  

Steve Varnum of Warner joins the Loan Fund as its Director of Communications and Marketing. Varnum directed the PrioritiesNH campaign for Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities during the recent NH Primary. Previously, he was Policy Director for the Children’s Alliance of NH and a reporter and editor at the Concord Monitor. 

Juliana Eades, President of the Loan Fund, said, “Varnum's breadth of experience and versatility make him a great addition as we spread the word about the opportunities we’ve created for low- and moderate-income people to participate in New Hampshire’s economy.”

The Loan Fund works in several areas, including housing, economic opportunity and community facilities, and has received national recognition for its pioneering work in helping residents of manufactured housing parks purchase their communities and gain control of their neighborhoods. In 2007, the Loan Fund surpassed $100 million in cumulative loans.

For more information about the Loan Fund and its various programs, visit http://www.theloanfund.org or call Steve Varnum at (603) 224-6669, ext. 277.