The Corvallis Independent Business Alliance is very fortunate to have the opportunity each month to present our perspective and help educate our community. Our goal is to stimulate constructive discussion in a positive manner.

Last month's column was a near-perfect example of this. The letters section of the Gazette-Times received a prolonged discussion of my column, the comments were practical in nature, and I received a large number of helpful comments.

We believe the best way to promote a vigorous economy and diverse community is to have a healthy exchange of ideas prior to decisions being made, not through appeals or dissent. CIBA wants to identify local needs and seek to fulfill them with businesses owned by people who live here and raise their children here.

We do not presume to believe that all needs can be fulfilled by local retailers. There are some markets that are so driven by brand name consciousness that an independent merchant simply cannot produce the perceived product — even though the local products may be identical or superior. The local business can complement the chain store by providing a product carefully selected for our unique market.

There are definitely other businesses that can be locally owned with the same or better selection and quality. Almost all new businesses that have opened here in the last few years are locally owned. Last week, the G-T reported three new "boutique-style" businesses opening with local or Oregon owners.

Corvallis has apparently been trying (unsuccessfully) to induce a popular Italian restaurant to open another outlet here. Why not put the effort into encouraging a local entrepreneur to fulfill that perceived need?

The main point is that Corvallis has no real influence on what the national chains decide: They will come if they want, and they will leave when they no longer find it profitable to be here.

We have some very well-intentioned and motivated organizations that are working very hard to bring new businesses here; it is not through any lack of effort that we don't have more national outlets. Several stores have announced plans only to change their minds and back out.

If we fill our needs with locally owned businesses, then we have a more realistic assurance that they will stay through any slow times, adapt their business to the particular desires of their patrons, and invest their money in the well-being of our community.

Another win-win aspect of a grassroots movement to address perceived gaps in retail markets is that it demonstrates the viability of the marketplace. This in turn may lead to a national retailer moving in to capitalize on the proven niche.

We are learning that they will not come on their own, but will wait for us to prove that a market exists. If it is of sufficient vitality, then they will come and try to take it away from the local retailers.

While CIBA may not be delighted with a national competitor in a niche that we developed, we are confident in the support of our community and the quality of the product our members offer.

We are not anti-growth; we are for locally owned, independently operated businesses. Sometimes the two ideas may be mutually exclusive, but they will often work together if the local option is given a realistic opportunity to compete and a first opportunity to fulfill local needs.