► On the Record

“Smile a lot – that’s what people want to see. Make your customers’ day, and they’ll remember you.”

-Pam Easter, co-owner of La Center-based Rosemarie Photography

Reporter's Notebook

- Steve McDonagh can be contacted at smcdonagh@vbjusa.com

FRIDAY FISH WRAP – WITH APOLOGIES TO HERB CAEN

General Motors going bankrupt – might have been cheaper to save them and let some of the banks fail… Gas prices headed in the wrong direction for summer travelers… A new Beach(es)head on the way???... JReid hitting up Niner fans… Publisher sending missives - August 22nd bring your video cameras, might be some good YouTube opportunities… Wind turbine technology opening doors and filling classrooms for the International Air and Hospitality Academy – just a little different Air… JBeatty watching the waves… Oliver Connelly sharing his opinion on all things sales…. Troy Van Dinter waiting for football season to start – How ’bout them Cowboys?... John Bockmeir curiously silent for too long now… JKummer saying goodbye, you will be missed!

Jeff Waddell and his wife, Stacey, have opened their new tasting room, East Fork Cellars next to NW Best Fish Co. on 10th Avenue in Ridgefield. It’s an intriguing and relaxing space with Jeff’s penchant for rock (he has a band called The Cellar Rats) evidenced by the classic rock playing on the big screen monitor. He said every tasting room he has ever been in – and that’s a lot – always has the “cool jazz” playing.

The music there won’t put you to sleep and the wine is first rate… John Posey of Corporate Security Services Inc. advises they will be hosting the Northwest Workplace Violence seminar on June 15 and 16 at the Oregon Convention Center. You can get more info here.
….

The latest edition of North Bank magazine hit the streets today in which you’ll find plenty of local options for the beautiful weekend on tap and for the coming months – and the gas prices won’t hurt so bad if you stick close to home….

Business Around the Northwest

Regional leaders discuss high-speed rail, Portland Daily Journal of Commerce

The man who saved Washington wine, Seattle Business Monthly

Biking to work is good for health, environment, Bellingham Business Journal

► On the Record

“If (customers) are passionate about something, they’ll find a way to play.”

- Dave Lanphear, president of Vancouver-based Pacific Boatland, Motorsports and Marine

Reporter's Notebook

-Megan Patrick-Vaughn can be reached at mpatrick@vbjusa.com

DON’T FORGET ABOUT HIRING

With the turmoil many businesses find themselves in today, the idea of talking about hiring now may seem laughable. But I read an interesting Q&A with Shawn Boyer, CEO of hourly employment website SnagAJob.com, today that got me thinking.

Companies that choose to strategically hire employees during a downturn are more likely to protect their bottom line over the long term – they can sail through troubled waters by keeping their turnover low and maintaining customer loyalty, Boyer said.

Other points he made:
• Some companies may think they can save money by hiring less, but by skimping on recruitment, they may end up creating more expenses. Having three people responsible for a six-person job will quickly result in low morale and costly turnover, should any of the remaining staff choose to leave. Plus, customers who don't receive attention in a timely manner because staff is at its max will look for services elsewhere.
• Spending less on recruitment could cost the business more in the long run. The company can save thousands in turnover costs by hiring wisely – implement a recruitment plan now.
• As companies struggle in this tumultuous economy, employees are the lifeblood of any business. They are the ones who deliver the products and develop customer relationships – recruit wisely.

I want to know what the hiring situation is like at your companies. How is it affecting the business? If you’re in a freeze, how is the rest of the staff responding? If you’re hiring, why do you feel comfortable doing so?

Share your responses on the Just Business blog.

Business Around the Northwest

Providence welcomes new chief executive of Southwest Washington, South Sound Business Examiner

Oregon gets first community wind farm, Portland Daily Journal of Commerce

Eugene-based PacificSource Health to acquire Boise-based Primary Health, Idaho Business Review

► On the Record

“There is a naiveté about the unconscious biases in Clark County around people of color."

- Carol Parker Walsh, principal of Camas-based ParkerWalsh Consulting