Daily News

Christopher Sikes of Common Capital to Address Rotary July 18

SPRINGFIELD — 
Christopher Sikes, executive director and founder of Common Capital (formerly the Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund) will address the Springfield Rotary Club’s luncheon meeting on Friday, July 18. His topic will be the impact of community loan funds in support of local businesses and community projects.

Common Capital is a 25-year-old loan fund which has invested millions of dollars to support the region’s economy. Located in Holyoke, it is a community-development financial institute providing financing to microenterprises, small businesses, and nonprofits since 1989.
 Sikes has taken a leading role in microenterprise and small-business development in the U.S. Before founding the fund, he owned a piano-rebuilding company.

The Springfield Rotary Club meets every Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the MassMutual Room at the Basketball Hall of Fame. The luncheon costs $17 per person and is open to the public. For more information on the Springfield Rotary or becoming a member, contact Mike Healy, membership chair, at (860) 796-1435 or visit www.springfieldmarotary.org.