[Vision2020] Dispel the anti-growth myth

[Jeff Harkins]

The list provided by Brandy Sullivan is indeed good news, but as has 
been noted in all of the economic development forums the past couple 
of years, including last weeks' venue, (while providing more consumer 
choice) does little if anything to add "high paying" jobs to the 
area.  It appears that all of the businesses named are retail stores 
(I am not sure about Bio-Tracking) which do help to keep local 
dollars here, but they must compete with neighboring retail shops to do that.

The expansion of NW River Supplies does count, but remember, that was 
a "dark store" that was put to use.  It is unclear as to whether Bill 
would have expanded if it weren't for the abandoned Tidyman's.

It is very helpful to have Alturis Analytics expand their 
operation.  Their ability to survive the early years and make it to 
expansion is a credit to the management.  And this is how a research 
park is supposed to function - help a firm get started and nurture 
them through the early years.

The most efficient and effective form of economic development is to 
expand our exporting capacity - thereby bringing new dollars into the 
community.  That means we need to encourage the production of 
something (goods and/or services) that can be sold outside of our community.

New retail doesn't hurt us - in fact it may make the community more 
attractive to potential residents, but it doesn't really mitigate our 
need for new economic development.

In any case, congrats to all those retail entrepreneurs - good luck to you!!!


>"Dispel the anti-growth myth
>
>I agree that having the "perception" of being anti-growth/anti-business is
>harmful to the city of Moscow, and I was driven to find out why that
>perception exists when Wayne Krauss expressed concerns and asked, "Why do we
>have this perception?" at a recent forum.
>
>Since the most recently elected council came into office in January 2006,
>more than 35 new businesses have opened in Moscow, including Old Navy, Bed,
>Bath and Beyond, Cramer's Furniture, Dad's Diner, Marco Polo, Nectar,
>Lilliput, Sisters Brew Coffeehouse, West of Paris, Palouse Scoots, Moscow
>Bagel and Deli, Anytime Fitness, San Miguels, Sure Shot Sporting Goods,
>Subway, and BioTracking just to name a few. Many businesses have expanded
>and moved into larger spaces during this time. Only two businesses were
>denied by the city and these were both handled in the way that Walter Steed
>states he would address a pig farm wanting to locate behind his property;
>they were denied in the specific proposed locations in accordance with
>zoning regulations. Never did city officials say they were not wanted in
>Moscow.
>
>Back to the question posed by Krauss: "Why do we have this perception?" For
>the answer, I would look to recent advertisements in the Moscow-Pullman
>Daily News for Krauss, Steed and Carscallen in which the headline calls the
>current city leadership "anti-growth politicians." I would pay attention to
>who is repeating this anti-growth message over and over.
>
>I believe Dan Carscallen is concerned when he says, "Changing the perception
>is the thing that needs to happen," and if we can all agree that this is
>harmful, we should all agree to stop, to dispel this myth and to promote
>Moscow.
>
>Brandy Sullivan, Moscow"
>
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