Bank honored by White House, USDA

LIMA — Kettle Creations, a manufacturer of mashed potatoes and side dishes, and First Financial Bank were recognized by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at a recent event in Washington, D.C.

John Klausing, CFO of Kettle Creations and Kent Phares, commercial relationship manager for First Financial Bank, attended the event held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House.  Judith A. Canales, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business and Cooperative Service, recognized Kettle Creations among 46 other rural manufacturers representing 30 states for their success and contributions to the economy and job sustainability in their communities.

The businesses honored at the event have been supported by USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, which helps provide capital and technical assistance to create jobs and spur economic development.

“These companies demonstrate that U.S. manufacturing — through innovation, dedication and tireless hard work — will continue to create jobs that keep Americans working and our rural communities thriving,” said USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager.

“It was quite an honor to be invited to this USDA event in Washington,” Klausing said. “We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in west central Ohio with our new manufacturing facility.”

Formed in 2008, Kettle Creations is a second-generation business that is focused on innovation and quality products that provide value and convenience to consumers.  “Made from scratch” products include mashed potatoes and side dishes including macaroni and cheese, pasta, rice and vegetables.  Kettle Creations provides their products to food service organizations, the institutional market as well as to consumers through retail channels.

To make the company’s vision a reality, Klausing worked with Phares at First Financial Bank to review financing programs and options to expedite construction of Kettle Creations’ new 100,000 square foot, state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Lima.

Kettle Creations secured funding from the bank with a guarantee provided through the USDA Guaranteed Loan Program, as well as a loan from the Small Business Administration, to get the necessary start-up capital.

“We are grateful for the success our company has enjoyed over the past several years especially during the economic downturn,” Klausing added. “First Financial played a pivotal role in helping us get the start-up capital that we needed.  We feel good about creating employment in the Lima area and providing a high-quality product to our customers.”

Phares agreed.

“First Financial continues make commercial loans and help businesses with capital for start-ups as well as growth and expansion of their business,” he said. “We have a great relationship with Kettle Creations, and we are pleased that we could help them achieve their vision and be a part of their success.”