RDU Terminal 2 Weekly Progress Report

This Week's Highlights:
New Program Assists Small Businesses; Restaurants Prepare for Construction

RDU Airport, NC – This week's highlights at Raleigh-Durham International Airport:

Airport Authority Launches Small Emerging Business Assistance Program
The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority this week launched the Small Emerging Business Assistance Program. The program creates opportunities for small businesses to participate, compete and grow in RDU's restaurant and retail program by providing financial and technical assistance.

When the second phase of Terminal 2 is completed in winter 2011, it will feature more than 40 restaurants and specialty retail shops. For the first time, smaller businesses are playing a large role in the program by leasing directly with the Airport Authority. In the past, most small businesses were operated at the airport through agreements with larger companies that were able to provide financial and operational assistance.

The Authority will provide $1.5 million in support of the program. The funds will act as additional collateral support during the underwriting process. First Citizens Bank has been chosen to service the loans because it is an experienced small business lender with a comprehensive loan servicing operation.

Restaurants Prepare for Construction
Restaurants and retail shops are preparing for construction in Terminal 2. Recently, the Camden Food Company and Vintage North Carolina Wine Cellar Café presented their schematic designs to the Airport Authority Board.

Camden Food Company is a gourmet market that will feature healthy foods to go, including fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and coffee.

The Vintage North Carolina Wine Cellar Café is a full service bar and restaurant showcasing wines from three of the state’s wineries: Biltmore Estate Winery, Childress Vineyards and Shelton Vineyards. The café's menu will also feature salads, sandwiches and desserts.

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