Brilliant Beginnings Recognized by County CIC

Versailles Village Administrator Randy Gump (left) stands with the Brilliant Beginnings ownership team following the presentation of the Business-of-the-Quarter award. Pictured left to right after Gump are owners Cassandra Lochtefeld, Director of Child Care Operations, Business Administrator Jill Brewer, and Shawn Brewer. Not pictured is the fourth co-owner, Mark Lochtefeld

DARKE COUNTY- Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center in Versailles has been recognized by the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) as its Business-of-the-Quarter award winner. The recognition came at the June 29 Partnering for Progress (P4P) meeting at The Andersons Marathon Ethanol facility in Greenville. Brilliant Beginnings, which offers learning and development services for children in addition to child care, opened its doors in October 2010 and is located by the Versailles School at 380 Marker Road.

“Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center has been a very valuable addition to the Versailles community by having increased opportunities for parents that are seeking quality child care services,” explained Randy Gump, Versailles Village Administrator

Accepting the award for the company were owners Cassandra Lochtefeld, Director of Child Care Operations, Business Administrator Jill Brewer, and Shawn Brewer. The ownership team was then given the chance to update the crowd of about 60 P4P investors on the company’s progress in the 10 months since it’s opening. Brewer and Lochtefeld thanked the group for recognition of their fledgling efforts and discussed future plans. Gump discussed the impact they have already had.

“In establishing their presence in the community, Brilliant Beginnings made a capital investment of $700,000 in building the new child care facility, coupled with creating 16 new jobs for Versailles and Darke County,” Gump stated, “We are very grateful for Brilliant Beginnings choosing Versailles”

Conveniently located adjacent to Versailles Schools, Brilliant Beginnings’ building is equipped with nine classrooms containing age-appropriate sized equipment, a full service kitchen, and a computer lab. The facility also features a therapy area where children can receive speech, physical, or occupational therapies to help each child reach their potential. The campus is situated on 2.5 acres, with ample room for multiple outdoor activities. More information on the company can be viewed at: http://www.brilliantbeginningslc.com/

Brilliant Beginnings is the second company to review the Business-of-the-Quarter award from the Darke County CIC. Specialized Castings in Greenville received the initial award earlier this year in May. Awards will be given each year quarterly at Partnering for Progress investor meetings. Anyone wishing to nominate a company can do so by calling the Economic Development Office at 548-3250.