tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59061688491399909402024-03-05T03:45:19.746-08:00Just BusinessVBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-56360401395590448402011-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:002011-01-15T14:38:45.421-08:00We've Moved!<span class="Apple-style-span" >On Friday January 14th the Vancouver Business Journal launched a newly designed website. We are happy to announce that vbjusa.com now hosts the <a href="http://www.vbjusa.com/category/blogs/just-business/">Just Business blog</a>. We'll see you there and don't forget to update your bookmark!</span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-70946301413377346002011-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:002011-01-12T17:03:26.706-08:00Meet Your Neighbors<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Barre3 Vancouver </span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;">With its unique combination of yoga, pilates & ballet, Barre3 is not your average exercise studio. We visited Carrie Caldroney, owner of Barre3 Vancouver, to get a better idea of what they're all about. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Caldroney talks about the challenges of competing with larger gyms and what she hopes to ultimately bring to the Vancouver community.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vimeo.com/18728324"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCuSOuUwUYwTryz2jpZUIGLVQ_8J1o4f_vF9kOjJrokdy8mIbPz2n2txy7mEyPAq5hCkVcGl2DMg6bPUgGRTHpspfufJ8W3GqqBrckvfv5Rrbb8GfI6MXSkUxWcm5TWT01CVACsjB_M0/s320/barr3+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561469723241179554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-52983241269375617502011-01-12T16:06:00.000-08:002011-01-12T17:01:35.580-08:00► On the Record<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">“Now more than ever, the people of Washington demand access and accountability from their government—and I’m happy to support the Constitutional Transparency Amendment as one important way to give it to them,” </span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />-- Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna, in support of the Washington Policy Center’s recent proposal for a constitutional amendment to improve legislative transparency.</span></span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-38524556372490773392011-01-12T16:05:00.000-08:002011-01-12T17:01:23.435-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9KMT4IG0.htm">WA state lawmakers want better oil spill response</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, Bloomberg Business Week<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jan/12/gregoires-optimism-met-with-caution/">Gregoire’s optimism met with caution</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, The Spokesman-Review</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/01/12/1323633/pesticide-dispute-has-farmers.html">Worried farmers take pesticide fight to Olympia</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, TriCity Herald </span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-83288384963784303342011-01-07T15:56:00.002-08:002011-01-07T15:59:44.322-08:00Reporter's Notebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/johnmcdonagh-07083003b.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/johnmcdonagh-07083003b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">John McDonagh can be reached at </span><a style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;" href="mailto:jmcdonagh@vbjusa.com">jmcdonagh@vbjusa.com</a><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It’s time for building business not rule making</span><br /></p><span style="font-family: arial;">In slack economies it’s important to focus on customers and core competencies. In many cases, it’s the time to grab market share by better serving local customers. In other cases, it’s by taking your product or service to similar customers in adjacent markets. In either instance, success comes from businesses working with the products and services they know best.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">With that in mind, you might understand my disgust when hearing of two government agencies that see it as the time to implement new and onerous rules that, on the surface, serve no purpose whatsoever. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">At the Legislative Forecast Breakfast last month, Representative Ed Orcutt reminded the room that as early as last summer he petitioned the governor in a letter to suspend any new rule making at the state level until the economy regained some stability statewide. He went on to say that the Department of Ecology for the state of Washington sees no reason to hold back as it continues to advance new rules affecting everything from development to agriculture.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a few days letter, I read that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has suggested a new regulation that has no apparent urgency, other than to let the unions know who the new members of the NLRB are.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The rule would require most employers to let employees know (through the posting of information in break rooms and the like) of their right to organize and collectively bargain. While I support that right of workers and believe it should be preserved, I don’t believe it is incumbent on employers to communicate that to employees. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Let’s look at the facts.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Just 7.2 percent of the private sector workforce is currently covered by collective bargaining agreements. In addition, there were no specific cases mentioned in support of the new regulation that suggested workers are being somehow oppressed or otherwise shielded from the right to organize.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In support of this new regulation, the NLRB said it believes many employees protected by the National Labor Relations Act are not aware of this right. Wouldn’t a more prudent approach be to determine if their belief has any substance before mandating such an action by employers? And should the responsibility lie with employers to communicate that right? Isn’t that the responsibility of the NLRB or the unions? Employers are already required to allow dissemination of union information at the workplace and during work time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In my opinion, this appears to be a politically motivated rule for the purposes of advancing unions in the private sector workplace. At a time when businesses are doing everything possible to remain in business, is it really the right time to require us to promote unions? As employers we should strive to create a workplace that respects our employees, clearly lays out expectations and competitively rewards them for their efforts. If we don’t do these things, our employees have a right to organize in an effort to improve their lot. However, educating them about that right should not fall on employers. Rather, business owners should focus on the things within their control to make the need to organize irrelevant. </span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-22228476084681690452011-01-07T15:56:00.001-08:002011-01-07T15:56:56.209-08:00► On the Record<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">“With a national unemployment rate now at 9.4 percent – the lowest rate since May 2009 – this is an indication that the labor market is improving reasonably quickly. However, this does not seem to be the case with the construction industry as today’s numbers may be a reflection of numerous factors in the economy including still subdued confidence among business owners and decision-makers.” </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">-- Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu following a report by the U.S. Labor Department that said the construction industry ended 2010 with a jobless rate of 20.7 percent.</span></span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-55592692363947387252011-01-07T14:53:00.000-08:002011-01-07T15:56:10.661-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9KIUM8O0.htm">Montana, Washington governors discuss coal exports</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, Associated Press via Business Week</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/business/25666211-41/question-property-really-master-project.csp">MASTERING HIS FIELD: Self-educated Eugene developer Steve Master calls himself an “opportunist” and credits persistence for much of his success</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, Eugene Register Guard</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704739504576068170230339348.html?mod=rss_whats_news_technology">Verizon to Finally Get iPhone</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, The Wall Street Journal</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.gangreen.org/images/Ducks-Mascott.gif">A special link</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> from the editor</span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-53542707314740059502011-01-05T17:02:00.000-08:002011-01-07T14:43:51.220-08:00Meet Your Neighbors<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Tim Miller, regional business banking manager for Wells Fargo</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Are banks truly in a lending mood in this economic climate? How are lenders evaluating the health of various businesses as we climb out of recession? We sat down with Tim Miller, regional business banking manager for Wells Fargo, to get those questions answered.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vimeo.com/18480803"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLlL41Dq8dM1HTfiDTKPcOaSbkwMEZfvEFaZPyUmT7CHfdGgTqu_Uzl5_Lt1VFxWoV_gjbYyr2Wrc6JGwq54i4K3IxWTUNlautnTAZrS_VP5ovD_-M6j_gKRLLwfQ-b5D6D5oVmLtteU/s320/meet+your+neighbors+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558873007288409554" border="0" /></a>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-48906784451006725172011-01-05T17:01:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:02:29.734-08:00► On the Record<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">"For the last six years, Robert has been a close friend, one of my closest advisers and an effective advocate from the podium. I think it's natural for him to want to step back, reflect and retool." </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">--President Obama on Press Secretary Robert Gibbs’ announcement today that he will step down from his post early next month.</span></span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-47597895358255416652011-01-05T15:59:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:01:29.857-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://blogs.forbes.com/nathanvardi/2011/01/05/feds-quietly-freeze-online-poker-cash-in-washington/?boxes=businesschannelsections">Feds Quietly Freeze Online Poker Cash in Washington</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, Forbes</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.seattlepi.com/local/432756_Gregoire04.html?source=mypi">Gregoire: Cut unemployment tax for biz by $300 mil</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, Seattle PI</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1902998&more=0">Tacoma City Council pushes to save Wash. State History Museum</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, Tacoma Daily Index</span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-64914697633200801302010-12-22T15:59:00.002-08:002011-01-07T14:44:11.053-08:00Meet Your Neighbors<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >IMS Electronic Recycling </span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />This morning, we sat down with David Palenshus, operations manager for IMS Electronics Recycling, for a discussion about how IMS can benefit local businesses. We also got a behind-the-scenes look at the recycling facility.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjLpbtBz99Ncrpz7N6oTIn5hCW6njfwK65ULr4qcjO7f1U9ixOOETyuHsw0WHUJk_IUwFZ6sPU_dObU1BeokkPWOGVeDmCmjjx2JIwfWfFUXy2NnnyfjY-b89SkLbuK2aH1zSle6Jcg/s1600/IMS+video+pic.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5906168849139990940&postID=6491469763320080130"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EjLpbtBz99Ncrpz7N6oTIn5hCW6njfwK65ULr4qcjO7f1U9ixOOETyuHsw0WHUJk_IUwFZ6sPU_dObU1BeokkPWOGVeDmCmjjx2JIwfWfFUXy2NnnyfjY-b89SkLbuK2aH1zSle6Jcg/s320/IMS+video+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553663433799342626" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/18102512"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Click Here to View Video</span></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Editor’s Note: Due to Christmas and New Year’s, Just Business will resume on January 5th, 2011. Happy holidays everyone!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkNZdsBEg8k2LA4DPhVDpE-JbyZZsvwMdlh6n5aHT8qASgORPI9bB51pCmFE_noVUUzVT5P5aor22KK2Vc7Y4_tIQCqxeF9FF9A53Pf6QOtKHPZ1ndrflP3k4derqArDZdiRCMjqnpUM/s1600/vbjcard.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkNZdsBEg8k2LA4DPhVDpE-JbyZZsvwMdlh6n5aHT8qASgORPI9bB51pCmFE_noVUUzVT5P5aor22KK2Vc7Y4_tIQCqxeF9FF9A53Pf6QOtKHPZ1ndrflP3k4derqArDZdiRCMjqnpUM/s320/vbjcard.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553663920512884754" border="0" /></a>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-4088728684737702702010-12-22T15:59:00.001-08:002010-12-22T15:59:49.642-08:00► On the Record<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">“Our expectations are not unrealistic and we offer our partnership in working with the 2011 Legislature toward solutions to brighten our economic future.” </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">--Ginger Metcalf, executive director of Identity Clark County, upon presenting her organization’s legislative agenda (partnered with the Columbia River Economic Development Council) to the southwest Washington Legislative Delegation.</span></span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-27764375957660409712010-12-22T15:09:00.000-08:002010-12-22T15:59:17.619-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundeconomywithjontalton/2013738784_post_6.html">Growth and its discontents: Looking inside the census</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, The Seattle Times</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/dec/22/hometown-success/">Farmington State Bank thrives by sticking to its rural roots</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, The Spokesman Review</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101221/BIZ/12210306">Tourism is up in Southern Oregon</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, Mail Tribune</span>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-85956377184467258222010-12-17T14:49:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:54:40.746-08:00Reporter's Notebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/stevemcdonagh-07083003b.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/stevemcdonagh-07083003b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Steve McDonagh can be reached at <a style="font-style: italic;" href="mailto:smcdonagh@vbjusa.com">smcdonagh@vbjusa.com</a></span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>Breakfast Notes</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Several weeks ago, I wrote about the cuts that were going to have to be made at the state level if we are to keep Washington from going the way of California, Michigan, New York and other bankrupt or nearly bankrupt states. At this morning’s legislative breakfast, we heard from our local state representatives who will be charged with that very mission. In fact, they have already started a dialogue with an agreement last week between the legislature and the governor to an initial round of cuts. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Now comes the hard part. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">While the tone was mostly somber (yet hopeful) that the cuts can be made, it was also clear that some will stand on their ideological positions even in a time of few choices. I applaud those who do not surrender their ideals and values in the face of tough times. However, I hope all our representatives know that now is not the time to insist on “my way or the highway” (we have seen where that gets the US Congress). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This morning’s legislative breakfast also made it abundantly clear that we have a smart, capable and dedicated delegation representing the people of Southwest Washington and Clark County. Let’s hope they can work with the representatives from the rest of the state to keep Washington solvent and ready to move back into the black.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Friday Fish Wrap (with the usual homage to Herb Caen)</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Scott Firstenberg</b> enjoying the coffee cake but ducking out early… <b>Ryan Golze</b> extolling the sun and fun of Cabo… <b>Rep. Jim Moeller</b> leaving no doubt about where he stands on the CRC…<b> Troy Van Dinter</b> still lamenting the demise of the Cowboys… <b>John Bockmier</b> doing his Will Ferrell in ELF imitation (minus the goofy shoes)… The big Duck <b>Wayne Clementson</b> proudly wearing the Green and Yellow and Gray and Black and… <b>Steve Kizer</b> pushing ‘em to the limit in the weight room… <b>Kim Capeloto</b> back on the circuit as one of the paying public… <b>Kelly Love</b> auditioning for dialing for dollars while corralling a passel of politicos… <b>Hal Dengerink</b> hiding in the back of the room… <b>Sharon Pesut</b> questioning (or pointing out?) the age of a certain writer… <b>Mike True</b> agreeing to lunch… <b>Bob Durgan</b> promising pints… T<b>he Fastest Banker in the World</b> wearing a sweater, because after all, it is Friday! Have a great weekend, a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!</span></div></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-6598095878547205362010-12-17T14:47:00.001-08:002010-12-17T14:54:58.055-08:00► On the Record<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i>“Today’s consumers, investors and business partners want to put their money where their values are, and employees want to apply their talents and energy where they know they will be valued…” </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">-- Choose People Founder Kris Boesch, upon recognizing the Neenan Company this week as the first Choose People Company – a highly discerning and scientifically validated certification that identifies companies where employees feel good about coming to work. </span></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-55898530934186751422010-12-17T14:36:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:47:01.900-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://crosscut.com/2010/12/17/econ-finance/20458/Washington-s-economy:-Best-on-the-coast,-for-what-that-s-worth/">Washington's economy: Best on the coast, for what that's worth</a>, Crosscut.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101215/NEWS02/12150302/-1/NEWS03">CHANGING DOWNTOWN-Downtown businesses move, expand</a>, Ashland Daily Tidings</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/12/06/f-holiday-research.html">Exploring the science of Santa, bad gifts, and Christmas trees</a>, CBCNews</span></div><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-40864662281151296262010-12-15T15:29:00.001-08:002010-12-15T15:30:05.763-08:00► On the Record<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>“We want to get development back to 40 percent of the economy here and to utilize the talented people we have living here.” </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">-- Ron Arp, of Amplify Group, during his address to the Rotary Club of Vancouver regarding the Portland-Vancouver USA, Land Here , Live Here campaign.</span></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-88498028605508452912010-12-15T15:26:00.000-08:002010-12-15T15:28:51.114-08:00Reporter's Notebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/nicholasshannonkulma-10100619b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 100px;" src="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/nicholasshannonkulma-10100619b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >Nicholas Shannon Kulmac can be reached at <a style="font-style: italic; " href="mailto:nkulmac@vbjusa.com">nkulmac@vbjusa.com</a></span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>A touch of school, without the homework</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Do you ever miss walking into a classroom and sitting down for an engaging lecture? I know many of you are probably thinking that’s a pretty silly question, but remove the stress, the grades, the deadlines and the homework. Now are you interested?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Last week, I attended my second “WSU Vancouver Chancellor’s Seminar Series.” If you’re out of the loop, these seminars consist of an in-depth conversation about a topic of current interest or concern. A guest speaker kicks off the conversation with a lunchtime presentation and participants are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas afterwards.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Last week’s seminar, called “Regaining Control of the Food System,” featured Philip Howard, assistant professor at Michigan State University. Cathy Insler, director of supply chain for Burgerville, followed Howard’s lecture with a look at how the Vancouver-based restaurant chain sources their products.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Not only was this seminar interesting, but it served as a refreshing reminder that education can and should be fun! It’s also a good opportunity to network with fellow business leaders, elected officials and community members in attendance.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >WSU Vancouver is certainly not alone in understanding that a demand for these educational, engaging conversations exists. Clark College has a quarterly “Faculty Speaker Series,” and down in Portland, OMSI has been teaming up with McMenamins (at the Bagdad and Mission Theater) to host “Science Pub.”</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Whether you’re looking for the opportunity to network, learn something new or to plan a new kind of “date night,” I encourage everyone to experience one of these seminars. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >And don’t worry; there will not be a pop quiz on Monday morning.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Upcoming lectures:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Monday, January 3rd:</b> “How to Repair a Damaged Brain: From Lumps of Sugar to Spheres of Stem Cells.” OMSI Science Pub at the Bagdad Theater in Portland (these often sell out so come early).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Tuesday, January 18th:</b> “Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Floods.” OMSI Science Pub at the Mission Theater (these often sell out so come early).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Tuesday, February 8th:</b> “International Education within and from China: Emerging Opportunities, Challenges, and Constraints.” Lectured by Professor James M. Craven, at Clark College.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Friday, March 4th:</b> “Economic Recovery and Southwest Washington.” Lectured by Scott Baily, regional economist for the Washington State Employment Security Department, at WSU Vancouver.</span></div></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-73117217092536982322010-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:002010-12-15T15:25:27.027-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/places/Forest-to-Table-is-Latest-Twist-in-Eat-Local-Movement-111942834.html">Forest-to-Table is Latest Twist in 'Eat Local' Movement</a>, VOANews.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://crosscut.com/2010/12/15/environment/20429/Should-Longview-help-China-burn-more-coal-/">Should Longview help China burn more coal?</a>, Crosscut.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9K3U3BO1.htm">NYC sues Wash. tobacco company over cig taxes</a>, Bloomberg.com</span></div><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-39893005854042991922010-12-10T15:56:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:57:41.401-08:00► On the Record<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>“When the whole supply chain comes together we have the power to bring sustainable food to scale.” </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >-- Cathy Insler, Burgerville’s supply chain director, at Friday’s WSU Vancouver Chancellor’s Seminar entitled “Regaining Control of the Food System.”</span></div><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-33257054460220606182010-12-10T15:54:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:56:32.953-08:00Reporter's Notebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/johnmcdonagh-07083003b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://www.vbjusa.com/images/staff/johnmcdonagh-07083003b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >John McDonagh can be reached at <a style="font-style: italic; " href="mailto:jmcdonagh@vbjusa.com">jmcdonaghc@vbjusa.com</a></span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Study Here, Remain Here</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >For decades, Clark County and Southwest Washington sent our best and brightest students away to get their college degrees. In fact, prior to Washington State University establishing a presence here in 1989, there was no local option for a four-year degree. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >So off they went. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Since that time, we’ve learned many of those students find opportunities in other states and don’t come back. That’s a significant fact in light of a study released last week by ECONorthwest of Portland. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The study, commissioned by five Oregon-based business groups on the health of the region’s economy, tied Clark County’s economic condition directly to the health of the Portland economy. Researchers pointed out more than half-a-dozen factors contributing to the current economic conditions from per capita income, to education and quality of life. They compared the Portland market to three benchmark communities: Seattle, Denver and Minneapolis. Other than quality of life, which the study says is insufficient on its own to sustain a recovery effort, the Portland region is significantly behind in all of the other areas. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Education (specifically, funding for primary and secondary education) was one of the factors identified in the study as a reason the region has fared so poorly during the recession compared to the benchmark communities. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >While the ECONorthwest study didn’t specifically address the percentage of the workforce with a college or higher-level education, that is another factor experts are saying relates directly to the reason Clark County is slow to recover jobs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Slightly more than one-fourth of adults 25 and older in Clark County have a four-year degree or better. In the Portland-metro area, that percentage is more than 10 percent higher (though at just over 36 percent, it is lower than the benchmark cities). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The message: the better-educated remain employed and find work sooner than those with less education. Certainly not an unfamiliar message here, in fact it’s exactly the message used by advocates for WSU Vancouver nearly 25 years ago. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what percentage of folks graduated from high school here and went off to college without returning to Clark County? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Clearly, one of the reasons for not returning is a lack of job opportunity, even in good times. However, that points to another of the study’s findings, that the region has a number of strong traded-sector industries with room to grow. That bodes well for Clark County. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Whether these industries are here and looking for growing room, or they are recruited here because of our location relative to the Pacific Rim, Clark County has the land, the transportation infrastructure, a vibrant port and a ready workforce now supported by a four-year, research university. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Clark County is well positioned to be much less dependent on the rest of the region as we recover from the past two years. As we are successful, we will create more and more reasons for the best and brightest to study here and to remain here.</span></div></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-26324783186948072032010-12-10T15:16:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:54:13.499-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013640931_session10m.html">Legislature's special budget session set for Saturday</a>, The Seattle Times</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=534585">Study finds details lacking in economic development deals</a>, Stateline.org</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.newsok.com/c.-ore.-vineyard-also-serves-as-tourist-attraction/article/feed/223432?custom_click=pod_headline_asia">C. Ore. vineyard also serves as tourist attraction</a>, The Bend Bulletin (via newsok.com)</span></div><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-23364751557129509842010-12-08T15:18:00.001-08:002010-12-08T15:18:37.109-08:00► On the Record<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>“A flat forecast requires the county to continue managing expenses at recession levels until we see more evidence of recovery in southwest Washington,” </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >--Clark County Administrator Bill Barron upon sending a new budget proposal to the Board of Clark County Commissioners. </span></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-15628661164506968452010-12-08T15:13:00.000-08:002010-12-08T15:18:12.100-08:00Meet Your Neighbors<div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>American Clean Air Systems </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We sat down with Mike Huntsinger, vice president of American Clean Air Systems, to learn how a simple duct cleaning can have a huge impact on a business’s bottom line. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">See what was hiding inside the ducts at the Vancouver Business Journal when our office was used as the guinea pig!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/17614620"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe2DCcBxXwnpRCTqZK3e7f-XPqs4zfLkK0YrYBVPWRN0X07nvwWhkDkiMrMTqzrp2Gpt1D6vLWhJalZL9iA55hp6KeyozYvhSiNDnxVmfoObX55GgvxG8n2nqAjz-fbialALPz536iJ0/s200/duct+pic.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 106px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548454422714089186" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5906168849139990940.post-40611748569862704522010-12-08T15:01:00.000-08:002010-12-08T15:13:23.261-08:00Business From Around the Northwest<div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=55&ArticleID=28275">Slow Money, local food talk of Olympic Peninsula summit</a>, ptleader.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://kbkw.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2166">Port of Grays Harbor: Building Partnerships for a Stronger Economy</a>, KBKW.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9JV7V080.htm">Multiple Listing says WA real estate remains down</a>, Bloomberg Businessweek</span></div><div><br /></div>VBJ Reporterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07654427602183217654noreply@blogger.com0