The Economy

(Natalie Behring/The Columbian) Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportswear spoke  in Vancouver, Wednesday November 18, 2015. Washington State University Vancouver‚'s Business Growth Mentor & Analysis Program along with the CREDC's Grow Clark County hosted the event. The Grow Vancouver series evolved from five  years of Pub Talks, which began in 2009. It was the first sustained effort by the CREDC to...

Running out of steam?  Our first note is the US economic expansion continued this past summer, but only at a 1.5% increase according to a report released by the BEA last week.  Down sharply from 3.9 % growth this past spring. Second note is Congress did extend the debt ceiling as the month closed out.  This prevents another standoff between the White House and the Congress, and gives the government and...

  Here are a few themes and stories that have been the fabric of our economic and political scene in Clark County during 2015. As always it is never dull here in Southwest Washington.     Angelo’s buy Riverview Tower Blue Bird closes after 32 years – thank you Wade Coffee / Coffee / Coffee on every corner in the County Dueling Water Front Developers ? Election Day….. Please get...

  There have a been an increasing number of articles and blogs posts  written , and discussions being had about what effects rising interest rates will have on commercial real estate.   The Federal Reserve has certainly remained steadfast in their policy of keeping rates low to promote economic activity. It has paid dividends as the economy continues to keep a moderate pace (not strong, or...

Here is a recent article published in the Vancouver Business Journal about a client of ours, Bryan Shull who is opening Trap Door Brewing this summer. Bryan has laid a solid  foundation for his business by creating a  detailed    business plan and using the resources of Buck Heidrick of the Washington State Small Business Development Center.  This helped him both in negotiations with his new...

Congratulations to one of my clients, Puj, for taking this next step in their business! Puj Kickstarts 2015 with New Product, New Hires Article published in the Vancouver Business Journal Friday, 06 February 2015 - Written by Temple Lentz Since the summer of 2013, Vancouver-based design company Puj has occupied downtown’s Wolf building on 11th Street. The company, founded in 2009, has had extraordinary...

The GlamBar Babes are creating sparkle in downtown Vancouver already.  Click on the image to hear from them directly as they get ready for their grand opening. We're proud to have helped them through the steps to getting a signed lease and be able to announce their new venture. Downtown Vancouver already has built a "niche" in the Fashion and Beauty industry the past five years. Home base the past...

We've entered the economic forecast zone as 2015 gets into full swing.  Everything that I read seems to radiate optimism.  As 2014 drew to a close we had gas prices falling to their lowest level since 2009.   We had consumer confidence rising, in fact reaching levels unseen since 1998.    Wonder if those two are connected ???   For the American consumer it seems they are tightly bound, but that is a...

Tuesday the Vancouver Chamber kicked off their first public event aimed to bring more awareness, more access and more effective application of the numerous resources that are in place to support and nurture small business .  This effort actually began way back in 2013 when the GVCC and the City of Vancouver  coalesced around creating a website where entreprenuers can go to see the wide array of...

If there is one complaint common to almost all Hazel Dell or Salmon Creel residents or shoppers it is the question why aren't there more good restaurants in that part of town. For years the  myth was that the System Development Charges (SDC) by the Clark Regional Waste Water District were too expensive.  These costs are generally based on the per seat capacity of each project and were reputed to add...