Plimhimmon Group launches Smith Island Baking Company in Ewell, Smith Island, MD

Hopes to build niche national gift dessert brand, create 20 new jobs by December 2009

Ewell, Maryland, June 2, 2009 – The Plimhimmon Group, LLC, a principal investment firm headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has announced the formation of the Smith Island Baking Company, Inc., located in Ewell, Smith Island, Maryland.

The purpose of the Smith Island Baking Company, known to its employees as “the SIBC”, is to produce, market, and distribute Authentic Smith Island Cakes throughout Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic Region, and the United States. In doing so, the company will promote economic vitality on Smith Island.

“As our first transaction, this captures the spirit of what we are trying to do with Plimhimmon. For more than 400 years, Smith Island has been a wonderful place to live. But the decline of the fishing industry has made it almost impossible for island residents to stay on the island. The Smith Island Baking Company will create 10 jobs on the island by the end of August, and our intent is to create 20 jobs by the end of 2009. We expect the SIBC will provide a meaningful improvement to the local economy and quality of life on the island,” said Brian Murphy, President, Plimhimmon Group.

Smith Island is Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island, located 12 miles off the coast of Crisfield in the Chesapeake Bay. The island comprises three villages, with a total of 250 residents. The Smith Island Cake, a Maryland icon which is also the Maryland State Dessert, is a ten layer yellow cake with a fudge frosting. The company intends to sell Authentic Smith Island Cakes and select SIBC merchandise through a store-front on Smith Island, as well on-line at SmithIslandBakingCo.com.

“Our goal is to have the Smith Island Cake occupy a significant portion of Maryland on-line and seasonal gift markets. Several high profile companies have committed to sending our cakes this holiday season, as well as throughout the year. We also expect our cakes and related merchandise to have a substantial draw on the retail level,” continued Murphy. “People love the product, the people, and the story of the island. This company represents a great opportunity for its stakeholders, its employees, and the island itself. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”