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Recent News
Indie Business Announcements
Announcement from Christine at Sweet Yoga:
For 5 Saturdays beginning February 20, there will be a yoga class from 9:30–10:45 am. The series is designed for beginners, but I’m letting anyone drop-in ($14) if they’d like to. If you or someone you know would like to do some simple poses, please come and join us. I’ll be interweaving yoga philosophy into class as well, to give you a better understanding of the broad tradition of yoga and what it aims to do. Simple, straightforward, blissful yoga is what it’s all about. For more information: sweetyoga@comast.net">sweetyoga@comast.net; 541-231-5992
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 1:01 PM [link]
February Spotlight On Indie Mainstay: Fitzpatrick Painting
Tim Fitzpatrick reports the following:
I founded Fitzpatrick Painting Inc. in 1994 when I was 19 years old. We specialize in both interior and exterior repaints while putting a large portion of our focus on historical repaints. We are contracted to paint the exterior of Timberline Lodge this summer!
We have set ourselves apart from the competition by providing unprecedented customer service, the highest quality workmanship and by supporting the community that supports us. We believe strongly in giving back to various non profits and other civic-minded organizations.
The one thing that I enjoy the most far above anything else about being an independent business owner is the relationships that it has allowed me to build over the years with dozens and dozens of individuals from all walks of life, each with their unique abilities and personalities.
The importance of always allowing the customer to be right even when you know they are wrong has been something that I have learned over the years. Sometimes as business owners we need to just suck it up and be the bigger person for the good of business. This can be hard for a stubborn Irish man at times! (Obviously, Tim has mastered this lesson – Fitzpatrick Painting was recently named the Celebrate Corvallis! Business of the Year! Congratulations to Tim and his staff.)
Tim Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Painting, 541-752-6320; www.fitzpatrickpainting.com
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 1:00 PM [link]
February Spotlight On Indie Mainstay: Country Vitamins
Pat Sardell and her husband Glenn opened Country Vitamins in the fall of 1982 – in the middle of a deep recession. Pat described it as opening “on a wing and prayer” with limited inventory but a lot of hope! Using her passion, commitment and growing knowledge of natural vitamin and supplement products, 28 years later Pat has turned her business into a Corvallis Indie Mainstay and she’s become a leader at the local and national level. Country Vitamins features quality vitamin and mineral dietary supplements, herbal products, homeopathic remedies, natural skincare, cosmetics and more.
Pat and Glenn are committed to being local Corvallis business people. Pat says, “I love Corvallis. My husband and I choose to live here and have the privilege of selecting a place where we really want to live and ultimately retire in. Additionally, the community support of locally-owned business is inspiring and sustaining.” Pat enjoys and appreciates being part of the local Corvallis business community and its support organizations. She’s a firm believer in how valuable networking can be for local entrepreneurs – it provides opportunities to share business practices and marketing ideas, as well as issues and concerns.
Pat has contributed to the support for independent locally-owned businesses here in Corvallis. She was a long time CIBA Board member, and has served as President of the CIBA Board. Pat’s professional interests and passion have also lead her to lobby Congress and she is now serving as the President of the Natural Products Association, a national trade industry group.
When asked what she might have done differently in opening her store, Pat replies, “Nothing, because the experiences and challenges along the way have brought me to the spot where I am today.” Pat shared the following Keys to Success: 1) Have a passion for what you want to do; 2) Be totally committed to achieving your goals; 3) Focus on customer service – it involves relationship building; 4) Have a quality product – something that will make a difference in your customers’ lives; 5) Be knowledgeable – “To sustain your business’s credibility, you have to know your products and what they can do for your customer.”
Pat Sardell, Country Vitamins; 919E NW Circle Blvd; www.countryvitamins.com; 541-757-3170.
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 12:43 PM [link]
CIBA Newsletter - February 2010
£ CONGRATULATIONS are in order for three CIBA members who were recently singled out for Celebrate Corvallis! Awards. Check out their websites to find out more about their businesses!
Business Person of the Year: Nancy Kneisel, Second Glance; www.glanceagain.com
Business of the Year: Fitzpatrick Painting; www.fitzpatrickpainting.com
Entrepreneur of the Year: Chris Vitello & Paul Nash, EcNow Tech/The Earth Smart Store; www.EcNowTech.com
CIBA is proud of all of our members, and delighted that these three independent local businesses were honored this year!
£ CIBA needs YOU! We have two volunteer requests:
1) We are collaborating with the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition for their 2010 Sustainability Fair & Town Hall Meeting on March 11. Such a large event needs volunteers to help out. Put the date on your calendar and check in with our office to find a volunteer job perfect for you! Call 541-752-0047 or email info@corvallisiba.org">info@corvallisiba.org.
2) If you love the Buy Local First Breakfast series, we could use your help on the planning committee to make the 2010 series better than ever! Planners will meet March 3 at 5:00 pm and April 20 at 6:00 pm; additional duties may be assigned. Contact CIBA Board members Evelyn Hall (evelyn@firstalt.coop">evelyn@firstalt.coop; 541-452-315 x308) or Kate Lindburg (kate@animalcrackerspetsupply.com">kate@animalcrackerspetsupply.com; 54-753-4559) for more information.
£ Did you catch the first issue of the CIBA INDIE SPOTLIGHT? If you missed it, go to www.corvallisiba.org and click on “January Spotlight” in the News column. We’re looking to highlight one or two member businesses each month. That means we need volunteers to share information about your businesses. Are you an Indie Pioneer (in biz for 50+ years), and Indie Mainstay (in biz for over 5 years) or an Indie New Wave business (5 years or less)? Contact our office for suggested questions to answer for an article all about YOUR BUSINESS!
£ THANK YOU to the following businesses for RENEWING THEIR CIBA MEMBERSHIPS: American Toy, LLC; Country Vitamins; Harrison House Bed & Breakfast; and Special Occasions. Your membership support helps CIBA work for YOU!
2010 CIBA Calendar
March
3/11 – Community Sustainability Fair Display & Town Hall meeting, 5:30-9:00 pm
3/31 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
May
5/01 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
5/26 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
June
6/05 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
July
7/03 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
7/28 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
September
9/29 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
November
11/ 17 – Holiday Social, 5:30-7:00 pm
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 6:04 PM [link]
January Spotlight On Indie Mainstay: Northwest Realty Consultants
A CIBA “Indie Mainstay” is a business that’s been in town for over 5 years. It’s been 31 years for Northwest Realty Consultants! Owner Gary Rodgers shares the following:
Northwest Realty Consultants helps real estate buyers and sellers with as much or as little of the buying and selling of property as the client needs. In other words, we are not a “handle everything for a commission at closing” as our only service kind of company. We help many For Sale by Owners and landlords selling to tenants, assist listings in the MLS where property sellers help with the process (saving money by doing so), and provide hourly consultation for whatever your need.
I came to town in 1973 to go to OSU and got a job as a Realtor right out of college. My degree is in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Management, and minors in Psychology and Communications. It all relates to my work. I am very fortunate to have studied something I really enjoy, and work in a profession I truly love.
Local people really support local businesses here. Much of my work comes to me because of that. And if people here believe you are a great resource, you will get referrals because people here believe in taking care of their friends and family. You have to earn the referral, too. People don’t give them lightly. The number one benefit of getting a referral for me is emotional. It feels great helping someone who has been referred to me.
The biggest thing I know now that I wish I knew 30 years ago is what I really think about all the aspects of the real estate profession that I’ve learned. There is so much to real estate that knowing everything is nearly impossible – but I am much better at telling things like I believe they are and more able to tell them with knowledge and conviction behind me. So the lesson here is to act like a puppy and be excited to get out there and learn your profession, yourself and how others respond to things.
My business deals with divorce, marriage, death, births of children, fires, and people making what is usually the largest financial decision of their lives. It is important. I treat it that way, and try to keep it as fun as possible.
Gary Rodgers, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Consultants; Gary@visitNRC.com">Gary@visitNRC.com; 541-753-4567
Your Business could be spotlighted next!
Are you an Indie Pioneer (over 50 years in business), an Indie Mainstay (over 5 years in business) or an Indie New Wave Business (in biz for less than 5 years)? Contact the CIBA office for some suggestions on how to provide information for a future CIBA Indie Spotlight! (541-752-0047; info@Corvallisiba.org">info@Corvallisiba.org).
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 9:08 AM [link]
CIBA Newsletter - January 2010
£ It’s time for another CIBA MEMBERSHIP MEETING! Kick off the New Year in CIBA-fashion, by joining other independent local business owners at our first Membership Meeting of 2010! We’ll be gathering at The Earth Smart Store, 160 NW Jackson, at 5:30 p.m. The EcNow Tech folks will give a brief presentation about their products and their Earth Smart Store. We’ll have plenty of time for networking and nibbling yummy goodies. See y’all there!
£ CIBA is starting a new e-news feature! At the end of each month, we will be publishing an INDIE SPOTLIGHT, highlighting one or two member businesses. We are looking for volunteers in the following categories to answer the questions listed below. Tell us your category and respond to the questions (info@corvallisiba.org">info@corvallisiba.org). Your business could be spotlighted! Would you be willing to include an offer of a coupon to other CIBA members in your spotlight?
Indie Pioneer (50+ years)
1) Tell us a little history about your business - How long has your business been in Corvallis and how did it get started? What does your business do or provide?
2) Why do you think your business has been successful for so long?
3) Do you have any “words of wisdom” to share with new business owners here in Corvallis?
4) Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5) Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.
Indie Mainstay (over 5 years in business)
1) Tell us a little about your business – what do you do or provide, how long have you been in town?
2) What do you enjoy most about being a local independent business owner here in Corvallis?
3) What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started your business?
4) Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5) Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.
Indie New Wave (less than 5 years in business)
1) Tell us a little about your business – what do you do or provide, why did you decide to start a business in Corvallis?
2) What excites you most about starting a local independent business here in Corvallis?
3) What challenges have you faced as a new business owner in town?
4) Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5) Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.
£ THANK YOU to the following businesses for RENEWING THEIR CIBA MEMBERSHIPS: Block 15 Brewing Co; Fitzpatrick Painting; Gathering Together Farm; Sibling Revelry; Squirrel’s; and Tobias Weiss Design. Your support through membership dues helps CIBA work for YOU!
2010 CIBA Calendar
January
1/27 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
March
3/11 – Community Sustainability Fair Display & Town Hall meeting, 5:30-9:00 pm
3/31 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
May
5/01 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
5/26 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
June
6/05 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
July
7/03 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am
7/28 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
September
9/29 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm
November
11/ 17 – Holiday Social, 5:30-7:00 pm
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 11:19 AM [link]
CIBA Newsletter - December 2009
£ PLEASE WELCOME new CIBA Business Members: ECONOW TECH/THE EARTH SMART STORE and DARKSIDE CINEMA!
£ The CIBA HOLIDAY SOCIAL was great fun, despite the out-of-the-way location and parking challenges. People enjoyed a wonderful spicy soup provided by Zia Southwest Cuisine, as well as delicious sweet treats by Ilene Anderton (A&S Accounting) and Kate Lindburg (Animal Crackers) – who could start second careers in the dessert biz! Also, many thanks to everyone who contributed terrific door prizes this year. And let’s not forget to thank Evelyn Hall (First Alternative) for organizing this great event. Pull out those 2010 calendars right now and mark November 17 in red – you won’t want to miss next year’s Holiday Social! (2010 CIBA Membership Meeting calendar below.)
£ Are you intrigued by the idea of RADIO ADVERTISING? Save money by trying a CIBA ad spot. KGAL/KSHO is offering CIBA members an exclusive radio ad campaign at special rates (Option A for 30 announcements is only $3 per commercial; other options available). Your 15 second promo will be in a 60 second spot with two other non-competitive CIBA members. Save money by joining together! Contact Mike Mason at mike@kgal.com">mike@kgal.com.
£ CIBA HOLIDAY GIFT TAG Masters are still available, in either a black & white or color version, with a CIBA logo and the phrase: This gift was thoughtfully purchased for you at a locally owned independent business in Corvallis, Oregon. Call 752-0047 or email info@corvallisiba.org">info@corvallisiba.org to have the master document emailed to you.
£ Looking for information on the MEASURES 66 & 67 issue? The following websites may be helpful:
For summaries and text:
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Oregon_Measure_66_(2010)
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Oregon_Measure_67_(2010)
For legislative summaries:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/jcomm66_67.html
For helpful flowcharts (inside the text of the article):
http://www.ocpp.org/cgi-bin/display.cgi?page=nr20091103DeTree
2010 CIBA Calendar
January 1/27 – Membership Meeting
March 3/31 – Membership Meeting
May 5/01 – Buy Local First Breakfast
5/26 – Membership Meeting
June 6/05 – Buy Local First Breakfast
July 7/03 – Buy Local First Breakfast
7/28 – Membership Meeting
September 9/29 – Membership Meeting
November 11/17 – Holiday Social
Happy Holidays to one and all!
jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerry@kristinandjerry.name">jerryheilman, 5:03 PM [link]
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