For Immediate Release
August 31, 2006
Contact: Raquel Valdez 1-888-385-1975
512-912-9885

New Sears Retail Store to Generate Economic and Area Growth

Austin, Texas:   Sears, Roebuck and Co., the nation's third largest brand retailer, will hold a ground breaking ceremony at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 1705 IH 35 South, in San Marcos, Texas.  A few of the organizations who will attend the ceremony will be the Mayor of San Marcos, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, the San Marcos Economic Development Board, BCL of Texas, and The City of Austin.

“Sears will provide San Marcos and the surrounding communities premier service and powerful brand assortments. Sears dealers are part of an elite group of small business owners who are bringing Sears back to small communities around the country.” says Jaime Ayala, owner and operator of the San Marcos Sears, an authorized retail store.

Over a year ago, Mr. Ayala attended The City of Austin’s “Meet the Lender” event and met Business & Community Lenders of Texas, a not-for-profit business lender.  BCL of Texas worked with Mr. Ayala on securing business development capital which helped bring Sears to the growing community.

By working with the City of San Marcos Economic Development Office, Mr. Ayala will utilize local San Marcos contractors in the development of the 12,000 square feet facility.  The project will create a variety of construction jobs over the next 6 months and about 6 permanent jobs after the store opens.  The Sears Authorized Retail Store will be completed by the Fall of 2006.

About BCL of Texas

Established in 1990 as a statewide not-for-profit Certified Development Corporation, BCL of Texas successfully promotes business and community development and provides business capital and commercial real estate loans throughout Texas. True to its mission to create jobs through business development, BCL of Texas has helped to create jobs for more than 3,000 Texans. In addition to providing businesses with counseling and technical assistance, BCL of Texas originates, underwrites, processes, closes and services business loans to healthy, growing businesses. The organization also offers homebuyer education classes, assists first-time homebuyers with the purchase of their first home and helps customers remain responsible and successful homebuyers. BCL of Texas is a member of the nationwide NeighborWorks® Network, which engages in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives.

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