Cord Camera Centers Inc., Columbus, Ohio, has cleared up its judgement with Huntington Bancshares Inc. and is moving forward, says Steve Cordle, president, Cord Camera. The company is pursuing new lines of credit and is committed to expanding in Ohio and in Indiana.

  The dispute began earlier this year when unexpectedly Huntington called Cord Camera's $8.7 million loan and was taken to court. Cordle maintains the move was more of an indication of the bank's health than Cord Camera's: "We never missed a payment. I was what I consider a great customer."

  According to Huntington's website, the bank's stock declined 50 percent in the year (March 2007 to March 2008) prior to the loan dispute with Cord Camera. Today, the stock price lingers at less than $9 a share.

  As for Cord Camera, Cordle says the 29-store firm will continue its expansion plans as a regional power in the photo, custom framing, and scrapbook markets. In July, the company opened a store in Cleveland, Ohio, he said. In some cities, Cord closed smaller stores and replaced them with a single large location. "We are continually evaluating locations for profitability," Cordle explains.

-- By Gary Pageau

PMA Publisher