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Daniel Kuennen, Director Rural Development Center Richard A. Henson Center Room 2147, UMES Princess Anne, MD 21853 410/651-6183 · 410/651-6207 fax E-mail: Daniel S. Kuennen |
One year ago, Environmental Care Center received a $5,000 grant from the Rural Development Center. Approximately $2,500 was invested in a direct mailer to 5,500 facilities, netting less than a 1% response.
Simultaneously, $2,500 was invested in a one-fourth page ad in Nursing Home Long-term Care Magazine for six months that produced a 300% increase in sales. Consequently, Environmental Care Center is projecting a 150% increase in sales at the peak of a new ad campaign.Environmental Care Center, Inc. is a minority-owned business in Berlin, MD. They have created and patented the De-odor Rod, a product which removes odor and moisture from the air using environmentally safe means. Originally, the product was marketed to the pet industry with success. A loan and grant from the RDC allowed the company to develop test markets in the health care, gun industry, wastewater and laboratory animal markets.