Area Development
Diversified Packaging Products, Inc., an Eastern Shore wholesale distributor that supplies barware and beverage accessories, received a $20,000 loan from the state Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program to upgrade its Queen Anne’s County facility in Grasonville, Maryland.

Loan funding will help the company finance equipment upgrades, including a new server, information management system, and desktop computers. ???

Diversified Products was founded by James McCrea, a former captain in the United States Air Force, and Mary Ellen McCrea. For nearly 30 years, the company has sold its original products, beer and wine gift boxes, to thousands of customers throughout the United States and internationally.

“We are grateful to Maryland for supporting our company. This loan has allowed us to upgrade our computer network, which will increase our efficiency and help us grow,” said James McCrea, President of Diversified Products. “It is gratifying to know that our state supports veterans and small businesses. We would like to offer a special thank you to Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs for helping us with the loan application process.”

“Queen Anne’s County is excited that Diversified Packaging Products is the recipient of a veteran-owned company loan from the state,” said Dr. Faith Elliott Rossing, Director of Economic Development for Queen Anne’s County. “The company does tremendous business from its Grasonville location and the new technology systems will support its commitment to supplying customers with competitively priced products.”

“DBED is pleased to assist this promising veteran-owned company upgrade its equipment, which will help grow its customer base,” said DBED Secretary Dominick Murray. “Maryland offers a number of programs and resources to support veterans, including Governor Martin O’Malley’s recent 100 day veteran hiring initiative, Operation Hire. We look forward to working with more veteran-owned companies like Diversified Packaging to ensure their success and continued growth in our State.”