Economic Advisory Board Aiming to Help New Business Begin

The Effingham County Economic Development Advisory Board is working to help another local business get started.

The Board Tuesday heard from local resident Steve Davis, who wants to open a liquor store west of Effingham and near his home. Steve's Liquor and Snacks will be located on the southwest corner of US Route 40 and Funkhouser Road.

Liquor sales will be the chief driver of the business, but Davis said they'll have coffee and donuts available in the early morning hours and various snacks including frozen pizza. There will be gaming available at the business, which will operate from 6am to midnight most nights, but until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Davis is seeking $30,000 in assistance, which the Advisory Board has available in the form of repayment of earlier loans by other businesses. Board members wanted to make sure Davis had adequate collateral to cover the loan and that question seemed to be answered during the course of conversation.

Davis is hopeful of getting started soon on the project, so the Advisory Board agreed to hold a special session at 4pm on Thursday, August 17 in hopes of finalizing a proposal ahead of the County Board meeting later in the month.

The Advisory Board also noted that the first firm loaned money by them, CW Motorsports of Effingham, has repaid its loan. The hope is to hold a mortgage-burning ceremony to mark the occasion, and will talk with owner Cody Willenborg about when the event could be held.