Lakes Region Cupcakes, located on 285 Main Street in Tilton, recently re-opened under new ownership. Melody Hanks, of Mel’s Creative Cakes, acquired Lakes Region Cupcakes in May 2016 with financing help from Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) and Belknap County Economic Development Council.
Lakes Region Cupcakes, featuring Mel’s Creative Cakes, re-opened on June 4th.
Hanks is a self-taught Cake Artist who specializes in designing and decorating edible works of art. “I’m incredibly fortunate to have found such a lovely space and well maintained facility thanks to Shelli Shumway, the previous owner of Lakes Region Cupcakes,” said Hanks. “Shelli was invaluable when it came to helping us get established in this new space. She spent countless hours training us and was even present for our opening day.”
“Even though I came into this transaction well prepared, we still faced a few challenges during the purchase. It’s wonderful to have such a great team of local resources, like Gracie Cilley from MVSB and Sally Holder and Ken Wilson at Belknap EDC. Sally, who put me in touch with Ken, had incredible knowledge. Her expertise made the process smooth by assisting us with our documentation. She even helped us set up our books!”
Ken Wilson, Loan Officer for Belknap EDC, added “We are very pleased and proud of our role in assisting with the financing for the purchase of Lakes Region Cupcakes. New and longtime customers alike will be delighted by all of Melody’s hand-crafted cupcakes and desserts.”
“It’s been such a pleasure to work with Melody as she pursued the purchase of Lakes Region Cupcakes,” said Gracie Cilley, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for Meredith Village Savings Bank. “We believe in her talent and ability and wish her so much success in this new venture.”
Stacy Trites, Branch Services Supervisor at the MVSB Laconia Office worked with Hanks on other banking services that the shop will need. “The services that the MVSB offers are so convenient. We can easily bank remotely at times that are most convenient for us,” added Hanks. “Stacy was responsive and excellent at getting us set up and the relationship has been hassle-free.”
Located in the center of historic downtown Tilton, NH, Lakes Region Cupcakes offers exceptional specialty cakes, cupcakes and desserts that were previously available through special order only from Mel’s Creative Cakes. Products are made with fresh ingredients like Callebaut chocolate, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, Bensdorp cocoa, fresh bananas, carrots, real raspberries, natural citrus zests, real buttercream and meringue frostings. Cupcake flavors change daily. For more information, visit lakesregioncupcakes.com.
Belknap EDC was founded in 1992 with the mission of promoting economic vitality in Belknap County and the Greater Lakes Region. One of ten non-profit regional development corporations in New Hampshire, Belknap EDC aims to attract and retain young talent, support creative entrepreneurs, enhance workforce development programs and remain a pro-active catalyst, partner and investor in property development that enhances economic opportunity in Belknap County. For more information, visit belknapedc.org.
Photo caption (left to right): Ken Wilson, Loan Officer for Belknap EDC, Gracie Cilley, VP and Commercial Loan Officer for MVSB, Melody Hanks, Owner of Lakes Region Cupcakes, Stacy Trites, Branch Services Supervisor for MVSB and Hanks’ Daughter and Assistant, Katrina.
