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New lumber store receives RLF grant

Van Wert independent

A new locally owned lumber business received a loan from the Van Wert Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund on Thursday.

Rick and Vicki Racster, owners of Van Wert Lumber, received a $35,000 loan to help provide inventory and operating expenses for the new venture, which will be based at 224 Bonnewitz Ave. in Van Wert. As part of the loan agreement, Van Wert Lumber business must create three new full-time equivalency jobs within the next six years.

Rick Racster (right) signs loan papers while Economic Development Specialist Darlene Myers explains the loan requirements and Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer looks on. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
Rick Racster (right) signs loan papers while Economic Development Specialist Darlene Myers explains the loan requirements and Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer looks on. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Rick Racster said there will be a “soft” opening of the new store, which plans to provide wood and other items for construction projects, as well as fencing and deck materials, the weekend of May 2-3, with an official opening tentatively planned for Monday, May 5.

He said the business is planned as a family venture, with the Racsters’ two sons also involved in operating the company.

“We’re going to sell construction material to build homes,” Rick Racster noted. “Stick lumber will be our primary line, but we will have windows, exterior doors, sheeting for subflooring, roofing materials, siding, treated lumber for decking, plastic decking and fencing materials.”

The new company, housed in what was formerly Total Comfort Solutions, will be open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Racster said the new company, while replacing the former Carter Lumber store, will provide, he feels, a better product for local consumers.

“The main reason I want to do it is Van Wert needs a good lumber store; Carter’s has closed,” he said, noting that the goal is to provide a product that is superior to that sold formerly by Carter Lumber. “I’m looking to support the community with a product that is may be a little bit better than what was there before.”

Members of the Revolving Loan Committee, which met after the loan signing, congratulated Racster on his new venture.

Members of the Van Wert Community Development Revolving Loan Fund look on as Mayor Don Farmer congratulates Rick Racster on his receiving a city loan for a new business, Van Wert Lumber. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
Members of the Van Wert Community Development Revolving Loan Fund look on as Mayor Don Farmer congratulates Rick Racster on his receiving a city loan for a new business, Van Wert Lumber. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

POSTED: 04/11/14 at 7:36 am. FILED UNDER: News