As it heats up outside this weekend (finally!) a quick check with local business owners reveals that the local economy is in more of a slow simmering mode for most with a few pockets percolating a bit more than others. Local companies who export their products have reported a steady increase in sales which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the local business community as evidenced by several workshops geared to assist companies looking to export their goods, and the story in today’s Vancouver Business Journal of a new Export Development Center in Camas. Meanwhile, the Feds and so called experts seem to be squarely on the fence as to where the economy is headed. Chairman Bernanke seems to think a little inflation might help the economy pick up some steam, while other Fed presidents and talking heads on TV think the continuing European debt crises is going to stagnate our economy for quite a bit of time going forward. Meanwhile JP Morgan Chase lost $2 Billion dollars in the past six weeks. Sounds to me like all that bailout money and the supposed lessons learned didn’t really change anything on Wall Street. Remember we can change it by doing business on our Main Street(s) Okay, on to the really important stuff………
Dee Memmering putting her two cents worth right out front and being right on the money …….. Scott Firstenberg Linking In …….. Arch Miller getting em ready for the jobs in the new economy …… Kelly Parker leading the charge and herding the cats …. Steve Horenstein digging in the closet to find his dancing shoes.......Sharon Pesut looking for a new secretary…….Todd Martin where are you??……Jim Mains, will never miss a committee meeting again …... Dave Sharp still looking for lunch date….. Kelly Driscoll graciously hosting the Quinn Driscoll Foundation fundraiser, and raising thousands for the cause….. Pearson Air Museum, a really cool place to party!! ….Sharif Burdzik a new board for him to ”lend” his abilities to…. Kenny Vance anytime, anyplace, “keepers? I don’t need no keepers”……Nelson Holmberg no longer looking to impeach the Commish……Stay Cool this weekend and SHOP LOCAL……
Reporter's Notebook
Friday Fish Wrap (with the usual homage to Herb Caen) As it heats up outside this weekend (finally!) a quick check with local business owners reveals that the local economy is in more of a slow simmering mode for most with a few pockets percolating a b
- Friday, 11 May 2012 13:01
- Steve McDonagh
- Reporter's Notebook
Highlighting the BGA finalists Part 3
- Wednesday, 25 April 2012 15:06
- Nicholas Shannon Kulmac
- Reporter's Notebook
In the midst of a downright sluggish 2010, Tiffany Couch, owner of the forensic accounting and financial investigators firm Acuity Group, was faced with a tough decision: close shop and go to work for an existing firm, or dig deep and continue to see her own business through what was a very difficult period of time.
Add a commentHighlighting the BGA Finalists Part 2
- Friday, 20 April 2012 09:01
- Nicholas Shannon Kulmac
- Reporter's Notebook
Our continuing coverage of the 2011 Business Growth Awards rolls on today, as we shine the spotlight on “Fastest Growing 10+ Years” finalist MacKay & Sposito (M&S), last year’s award recipient in the same category.
Add a commentHighlighting the BGA finalists Part 1
- Wednesday, 18 April 2012 16:21
- Nicholas Shannon Kulmac
- Reporter's Notebook
This week, leading up to our April 20 edition of the Vancouver Business Journal, we are shining the spotlight on the 2011 Business Growth Awards (BGA) finalists.
While each finalist represents a unique industry, offering products or services unlike the rest, there is a common approach that many finalists take regarding growth in a downturn economy.
“Once we really realized there was a recession, our attitude was you lie down and be slaughtered or you stand up and fight harder. So we actually increased our advertising budget,” explained Amy O’Hara, who owns When the Shoe Fits along with her husband, Allan.
When the Shoe Fits is joined by Ryonet and Westby & Associates as finalists in the 2011 BGA “Fastest Growing Five-to-Ten Years” segment.
In 2011, the high-end shoe store saw total income increase nearly 9 percent over the previous year. The retailer hired five additional employees and, in October of 2011, opened its Grand Central location – the company’s third store in Clark County. With its proximity to SR-14, O’Hara said the new location allows When the Shoe Fits to better tap into the Portland market.
“We didn’t intend to open the third store,” recalled O’Hara. “The opportunity came up, the rates were good and I remember looking at Allen and saying, ‘this is that point to go for it. This is the time to grow because (the market) is going to turn around, it always does.”
Hasson Company Realtors’ Patrick Ginn, one of six finalists in the 2011 BGA “Fastest Growing One-to-Five Years” segment, also seized opportunities in 2011. Ginn completed 61 transactional sides with a total sales volume of roughly $15.4 million in 2010. With a mindset to grow, he then added two members to his team and accomplished 157 transactional sides with a total sales volume of approximately $47.6 million in 2011.
“I have awesome employees, which is obviously key to anything and you can’t state that enough,” said Ginn. “And another thing is the common traits for entrepreneurs – the hard work, the dedication, staying late and working weekends.
“It all goes back to your relationships,” he added. “As you establish yourself, you gain referrals and a reputation and that helps cement your place in the market.”
Joining Ginn’s team in the “Fastest Growing One-to-Five Years” segment are finalists Aadland Dental, Acuity Group PLLC, Pacific Perks Coffee, Pacific Energy Concepts and Premier Pump and Power LLC.
Add a commentThis is the new economy
- Wednesday, 22 February 2012 15:47
- Nicholas Shannon Kulmac
- Reporter's Notebook
Economist and speaker Alan Beaulieu took a few minutes out of his schedule today to chat about the state of the economy and his upcoming return trip to Vancouver on Friday, March 2, for an event hosted and sponsored by RSV Building Solutions.
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