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Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Wolcott: The independent spirit is home for the holidays

By Jack Wolcott
columnist, Corvallis Gazette-Times

The past few years have demonstrated the value and dedication to our community of locally owned, independent businesses. If you look at recent renovations, expansions and new business openings, I think you will get a very positive picture of the commitment local individuals are willing to make to the long-term vitality of Corvallis. The empty buildings downtown are being filled up again by local owners who want to invest in their community.

Most of these efforts have been by members of the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance. Footwise did a beautiful renovation, Gracewinds Music, Quiltwork Patches, The Book Bin, Peak Sports and The Inkwell all expanded and fixed up empty buildings, and Riverside Window & Door helped open up the south end of Second Street for retail.

As evidenced by recent public comments, our community cares deeply about the quality of life in Corvallis. Those who have moved here from larger cities have been passionate about pointing out how they have seen a constant downward spiral in their former downtowns, city character and diversity when national retailers start overwhelming the original local businesses.

This is why CIBA is involved with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Corvallis Association in their series of public surveys and workshops to identify priorities and develop workable solutions for the gaps in our retail mix.

It is always difficult to satisfy everyone, and that is why we are focusing our efforts on education. We believe we should help our community understand the big picture and the long-term effects of where you choose to spend, save or invest your money. Then the choices will be clearer and we can make an informed decision together. The chamber and the DCA have the ability and resources to identify the problem areas and potential resolutions, while CIBA has the passion and commitment to look for local solutions.

We don't believe a quick fix is necessarily the best solution. Sometimes a national vendor will offer the best option. But once a local source is gone, it is very difficult for someone else to start a new business against the national competition. An economy should grow from stable industries with good wages that can support local vendors. The industries we want are attracted to Corvallis because of our quality of life. We don't need the large vendors before the stable wage base, as has been promoted.

If we had seriously pursued this dialogue five to 10 years ago, perhaps we would not feel such a sense of urgency now. Realistically, however, there was not much response from the community at the time, and it is only now that the local business are being challenged by two proposed "category killer" home improvement centers that the discussion has taken a more personal and long-range view. It may take longer, but if we can fill our gaps locally or regionally and maintain the quality of life we want our children to inherit, then Corvallis will continue to be the Heart of the Valley and attract the businesses, cultural events and shoppers that we say we want.

So, from all of us who have the very real pleasure of serving you regularly, thank you for supporting local ownership. We hope you and your family have a happy and fulfilling holiday season.

Jack Wolcott is a co-owner of Grass Roots Books & Music and sits on the board of directors of the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance. His column appears on the fourth Monday of the month.