The Bayard Firm announced today that Douglas M. Hershman, a Director with the Firm and head of its real estate practice, will serve as a Board Member to the Wilmington Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) and the Delaware Community Development Corporation (DCDC) with immediate effect.

"Small businesses, the pillars of a healthy economy, require reasonable and accessible financial resources for their growth and expansion.  The programs offered to area businesses and entrepreneurs through WEDCO and DCDC seek to further economic development, for the benefit of the City of Wilmington, the State of Delaware and all who work and live in our communities," said Doug.  "I'm pleased to work together with my esteemed colleagues on the Board in support of small businesses throughout the State of Delaware and look forward to our achievements."

Doug focuses his practice on real estate, land use and zoning, business transactions and commercial law, representing clients throughout Delaware and its surrounding states. He represents both buyers and sellers of commercial and residential properties, as well as borrowers in financing transactions.  He also represents lenders making commercial real estate loans.  Doug is currently serving a second term as Secretary of the Home Builders Association of Delaware and continues as a member of the Association's Executive Committee and 2007 Board of Directors.

WEDCO is a non-profit corporation that provides financial assistance to small-businesses entrepreneurs.  Through the Wilmington Partnership Loan Program, WEDCO can either partner with a bank to provide a portion of the total funds needed or work directly with the borrower and provide the total funds needed.  DCDC is a certified development company that utilizes the SBA 504 Loan Program to facilitate business partnerships with participating banks, which will provide a loan for 50% of the total cost of an expansion or acquisition project.