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Bill, I was pleased to find out how many employees MaryJanesFarm and the
Food Co-op employ. Internet web sites show the Co-op at 45
employees and with 7 Board Members. There are over 50
volunteers. Does anyone one know the percentage off full time
employees? MaryJanesFarm's website showed 23 employees. Again
the same question: what are the full time equivalency profiles of
each of these outstanding companies? <br><br>
Bill, one of the challenges for a company that is growing is the
availablity of its workforce from local sources. When say
Schweitzer expands and needs another 300 employees, growth issues
such as housing become very important for out of area recruitment.
Do you think that Moscow and Pullman ought to plan growth together?
If you agree, how can we cause this to happen? Jerry<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
At 12:22 PM 10/13/06, Bill London wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><font face="arial" size=2>J-<br>
Of course, I agree that it is in Moscow's interest to retain existing
businesses and to attract appropriate new businesses. I think that
you and I agree on the big picture and find disagreement in the
details.<br>
</font> <br>
<font face="arial" size=2>For example, I have never specifically
responded to your statements that we should support the UI. Yes, I
do agree. Our daughter graduated from the UI and I was very
satisfied with her education. I annually donate to the UI.<br>
</font> <br>
<font face="arial" size=2>And in terms of growing local businesses, I
definitely believe that is the best way to economic development.
The local businesses are rooted here, and not likely to jump to
another location for a better tax deal. I am proud to note that I
have been involved in the marketing and growth of several local
businesses, specifically MaryJanesFarm (which now employs 25) and the
Moscow Food Co-op (which now employs 100)<br>
</font> <br>
<font face="arial" size=2>Too many people in Moscow toss around the label
"anti-business" in reference to those of us who want to retain
Moscow's quality of life. That kind of finger-pointing, which seems
to be the cornerstone of the new Greater Moscow Alliance, will get us
nowhere.<br>
</font> <br>
<font face="arial" size=2>I wish you would take that message back to your
fellow GMA board members.<br>
BL<br>
</font>
<dl>
<dd>----- Original Message ----- <br>
<dd>From:</b> <a href="mailto:gweitz@moscow.com">Jerry Weitz</a> <br>
<dd>To:</b> <a href="mailto:london@moscow.com">Bill London</a> ;
<a href="mailto:vision2020@moscow.com">vision2020@moscow.com</a> <br>
<dd>Sent:</b> Thursday, October 12, 2006 10:41 PM<br>
<dd>Subject:</b> Re: [Vision2020] Moscow-Pullman Highway going
commercial<br><br>
<dd>Hi Bill: The primary reasons for James Toyota move is the lack
of reasonable commercial space in Moscow, and Toyota's requirement of
bringing the present facility up to Toyota's franchise standards. It is
my understanding that the dealership did not want to move to Wn. because
of the B&O tax. Jim Hill owns a dealership in Moses Lake and
knows first hand. Further,this has been known for some time by city
officials. Our city needs to plan and help keep businesses
here. Do you agree? Jerry<br>
<dd>At 10:43 AM 10/11/06, Bill London wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">
<dd><font face="arial" size=2>According to a legal notice regarding
stormwater pollution prevention in the Daily News (page 9B, Tuesday, Oct.
10), the James Hill Toyota dealership is moving from Moscow to the
Washington side of the line.<br>
<dd>The dealership has purchased 13 acres on the Moscow-Pullman Highway,
on the south side of the highway, between the highway and the creek,
about a mile from Moscow.<br>
<dd>The present plan is to develop 6 acres as the Toyota
dealership.<br>
<dd>There goes the neighborhood.....<br>
<dd>BL<br>
</font>
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<dd>
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</blockquote>
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