FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Tim Jones (315) 477-6436

<timothy.jones@ny.usda.gov>

**USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND RISING STARS**

**SOCCER CLUB OFFICIALLY DEDICATE NEW EXPANSION**

WESTMORELAND, N.Y., January 9, 2009 -- U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development State Director Patrick H. Brennan joined several
federal, state and local officials this evening for the dedication and
grand opening of Rising Stars Soccer Club's new expansion.

The expansion adds 12,000 square feet to the existing 46,500 square-foot
indoor sports facility, which offers youth and adult leagues in soccer,
lacrosse and field hockey and provides training support for other
sports. The expansion features a multi-purpose field with a running
track and volleyball and tennis courts. The expansion also will include
two batting cages for softball and baseball, a store room and a changing
room for referees, as well as a paved parking lot and exterior lights.

The project's funding was provided by GPO Federal Credit Union of New
Hartford and Visions Federal Credit Union of Binghamton and guaranteed
by USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Loan Guarantee
Program, which supports businesses and economic development efforts in
rural communities.

GPO and Visions provided a \$700,000 loan for the expansion in September
2008 and a \$1.75 million loan, which also was guaranteed by USDA Rural
Development, in September 2006 to construct the original facility.

"I have been to many of my daughter\'s soccer games right here at this
facility, and as a proud father, I know how important places like the
Rising Stars Center are for our children and our whole community," said
Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24). "Economic development comes in many forms,
but at the end of the day it means expanding opportunity for local
families. This grant does just that and I am thrilled to congratulate
Rising Stars and thank the USDA."

"Our mission at USDA Rural Development is to improve economic conditions
and the quality of life in rural communities and the Rising Stars Sports
Center has accomplished both of those goals," said State Director
Brennan. "I'm especially pleased that we were able to use our Business
and Industry loan guarantee program, since it enables us to support
worthwhile community projects at a minimal cost to the taxpayer."

"GPO is proud to be a part of this very worthwhile project," said John
Prumo, GPO's Chief Executive Officer. "The Rising Stars Sports Center
offers a first-class facility for our youth to play and practice in,
while providing a great economic stimulus for the community."

"The development of our facility was done in an effort to provide the
children of our area an opportunity to learn, to communicate and to
share ideas and friendships through sports, while instilling the concept
of teamwork," said Frank Conestabile, President, Rising Stars Soccer
Club of Central New York. "Our Board of Directors is proud of being able
to bring communities together for the love of a game. We thank USDA
Rural Development, the GPO and Vision Federal Credit Unions, and
everyone who has supported our efforts."

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and
improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2008,
USDA Rural Development invested more than \$273 million in New York,
raising its total investment in the state to more than \$1.7 billion
since 2001. Further information on rural programs is available by
contacting the State Office at (315) 477-6400 or by visiting USDA\'s web
site at <http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny>.

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