Reporter's Notebook

Snapshots of history

I have been struck by real-life pictures lately – everyday scenes that
remind me this is a pivotal time in history.

Yesterday I was listening to President Obama’s inaugural speech as I
approached the former Bank of Clark County for snapshots of its first
day as Umpqua Bank after the FDIC takeover. In my ears were words about
our nation’s economic woes: “Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses
shuttered. … For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.” I
entered the elaborate bank lobby and saw a statue of a bald eagle and an
American flag. A gaggle of well-dressed BOCC and Umpqua workers scurried
about, trying to make sense of their new situation. Friday afternoon, as
FDIC officials prepared for BOCC’s transition, I was in Ridgefield
interviewing Jeff Shafer, designer and chief executive officer of Agave
Jeans Co. His company’s green-built headquarters has a view of a nature
preserve and industrial complexes. The vista sums up Ridgefield’s
business climate – rapid progress next to ruralism. This has been a boon
to $10 million companies such as Agave, but could be tough on the town
of about 4,100 residents.

Which brings me to the next real-life snapshot: In downtown Ridgefield,
women’s boutique Farrell and Eddy has “store closing” signs in its
windows after serving high-end shoppers for nearly two years. Locals say
the economy is to blame. The shop was one of Ridgefield’s rich but
sparse retail offerings, and this makes me wonder how much rapid growth
small communities can sustain.

The pictures don’t lie – times are tough. But remarkable changes are
afoot that will affect business and everyday life before we know it.

Keep your eyes open.

--Charity Thompson can be reached at cthompson@vbjusa.com