Meet Your Neighbors

Tim Miller, regional business banking manager for Wells Fargo

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.

► On the Record

"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."

--President Obama on Press Secretary Robert Gibbs’ announcement today that he will step down from his post early next month.

Business From Around the Northwest

Feds Quietly Freeze Online Poker Cash in Washington, Forbes

Gregoire: Cut unemployment tax for biz by $300 mil, Seattle PI

Tacoma City Council pushes to save Wash. State History Museum, Tacoma Daily Index

Meet Your Neighbors

IMS Electronic Recycling

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.


Click Here to View Video

Editor’s Note: Due to Christmas and New Year’s, Just Business will resume on January 5th, 2011. Happy holidays everyone!

► On the Record

“Our expectations are not unrealistic and we offer our partnership in working with the 2011 Legislature toward solutions to brighten our economic future.”

--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.

Business From Around the Northwest

Growth and its discontents: Looking inside the census, The Seattle Times


Farmington State Bank thrives by sticking to its rural roots, The Spokesman Review


Tourism is up in Southern Oregon, Mail Tribune

Reporter's Notebook

Steve McDonagh can be reached at smcdonagh@vbjusa.com

Breakfast Notes

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.

Now comes the hard part.

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).

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.

Friday Fish Wrap (with the usual homage to Herb Caen)

Scott Firstenberg enjoying the coffee cake but ducking out early… Ryan Golze extolling the sun and fun of Cabo… Rep. Jim Moeller leaving no doubt about where he stands on the CRC… Troy Van Dinter still lamenting the demise of the Cowboys… John Bockmier doing his Will Ferrell in ELF imitation (minus the goofy shoes)… The big Duck Wayne Clementson proudly wearing the Green and Yellow and Gray and Black and… Steve Kizer pushing ‘em to the limit in the weight room… Kim Capeloto back on the circuit as one of the paying public… Kelly Love auditioning for dialing for dollars while corralling a passel of politicos… Hal Dengerink hiding in the back of the room… Sharon Pesut questioning (or pointing out?) the age of a certain writer… Mike True agreeing to lunch… Bob Durgan promising pints… The Fastest Banker in the World wearing a sweater, because after all, it is Friday! Have a great weekend, a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!