The region is once again beginning to hum to the tune of “Hi-ho, hi-ho it’s off to work we go,” and it’s showing up in a variety of ways and places.
For a couple of years, when encountering business acquaintances and friends on the street the inevitable question was, “is everything okay? Will you make it?” referring to, of course, the consequences of the suffocating slow economy.
Within the last couple of months it has been interesting to notice that many are actually taking time to answer the above question. When they do, it sounds like this, “busy, we’re really busy.”
That is exactly what we need, for all of us to be busy.
We’ve been on this stump before and this time isn’t likely to be the last. Whatever degree of recovery we experience, it will be created by ourselves. And there is example after example in our region of companies who have done just that. Some pared overhead and improved efficiencies to the point they could ride out the storm until their customers returned. Others looked for open market niches and unmet needs in the marketplace, making the necessary changes to meet those needs and to capture open markets.
We’ve attempted to bring these stories to you as we’ve learned of them to show that even in down markets there is business to be won and money to be made. Our April 29 edition that showcased Business Growth Award finalists featured 13 companies who grew during 2010 by making structural and market changes.
Now, the murmur is more widespread and already includes more sectors than what we saw at the end of 2010. Most companies report being busy and optimistic with a hint of caution. None want the “wild west” growth we had in the mid-2000s. Rather a steady, paced and predictable growth is what businesses tell us they would most like to see.
Let’s take a look at the evidence of our recovering market. Manufacturers across the county report banner years in 2010 and strong demand has continued into the first half of 2011. The ports of the region (Camas-Washougal, Kalama, Longview, Ridgefield and Vancouver) all report significant activity – activity that means jobs. Fisher Investment is completing their new building in Camas. Developments in the Vancouver downtown are now submitting for plan and design review.
You don’t have to look very far to find stories of success as we enter this recovery. In fact, you’ll find some starting on the front page of this edition. So if you haven’t familiarized yourself with the tune of “Hi-ho, hi-ho it’s off to work we go,” now is a good time.
