In Tacoma: Independent Stadium Thriftway plans big expansion

". . .Hargreaves gained financing for the deal through a Small Business Administration loan, said Genal Gavaldon, business loan specialist for the City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development Department.

"It's been a long time coming and I think the neighborhood deserves it," she said late Thursday afternoon. "Mike has a loyal following and I think the expansion really means additional opportunities for his customers. What makes it nice – it was taken away from the political side, because it's not a city decision. We made a referral to the National Development Council Grow America Fund."

She visited Stadium Thriftway several times with fund representatives. "They were very impressed with the store, and Mike's service," she said.

"I think it really suggests the future," said Bob Levin, private capital division manager for the city's development office. "Our future looks even brighter. We're glad to see that Mike is willing and able to make a forward capital investment. In most cases, about 70 percent of new job creation comes from existing businesses."

Hargreaves said that as the expansion progresses, he will be increasing his current staff of 60 by at least 30 percent. . ."

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