Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am.  Hugh Haffner led the flag salute.  Guests included Hugh, Gabe Rygaard, John Halberg, John Alger and Mathew Rainwater.

Peggy read the four purposes of PABA and reminded non-members that dues are now half-price and that being a member allows you to ask questions of the speakers.

Announcements:

Board Meeting, Monday June 13 @ 7:30am.  Let Phil know if you can’t make it.

Andrew May said June 14 will feature the four candidates running for County Commissioner: Randy Johnson, Ron Richards, Maggie Roth and Gabe Rygaard.

June 21st meeting will feature State Legislative candidates.

Marc Abshire invited all to the joint PABA / Chamber meeting on Tuesday the 28th, from 7:30am to 9:00am, at the Red Lion Inn.  Makes RSVP to Jackie Riley or call her at 360.943.1600.  Please give her your name, email address and that you will be attending the Port Angeles meeting.

Edna said the PADA is working on Arts & Draughts scheduled for September 24 & 25.  Red Lion Inn.  Free Vendor tables, food court, rock painting, cake walk, music, BBQ and political booths will be featured.  Thanks to added funds from the Port there will also be “the biggest and best fireworks display”.  The parade will follow its usual route.  Events start at 11:00am and go until 11:00pm.

Minutes:

Edna Petersen moved and Dick Pilling seconded the acceptance of the minutes.  Motion carried.

Program

Andrew May in welcoming everyone to another beautiful day in Port Angeles reminded us of the importance of small business in Port Angeles.  Small businesses drive the economy, account for the majority of jobs and financing in the County.  He introduced Kevin Hoult from the North Peninsula Small Business Development Center.  Kevin then gave a brief history of his association with the Olympic Peninsula and with the Center.  He pointed out that the Center is one of a national network that not only provides services to small business, it meets people face to face, does mentoring, holds workshops, answers questions over the phone and by email.  Many of his calls are for those who are too timid to call for help on their own.  He said 95% of consumers live outside of the United States, so import/export knowledge and help is very important.  Many of the International Trade Specialists that he can call upon are graduate students with an International Trade background.  He said many times business owners who have reached the retirement age or just want to get out of business close their business and thus leave a service undone and/or a building empty.  The Center jumps in with what he calls the “Tsunami of Transition” by trying to find those who might be interested in that business or in that building.  The Center also encourages those who due to past experience with the recession are leery of branching out.  This is especially true on the West End which is now having a micro-enterprise boom.

Kevin works with the EDC – which puts out valuable reports, with WorkSource and its advisors Mark Hannah and Mike McCarty; with funding such as Craft3 and with a new website clallam.org.

Kevin said the Olympic Peninsula suffers from banks who want to make short term (3 – 5 year) loans and not long term (15 – 20 year) loans as does the SBA.   Kevin said he is hoping that other groups, like PABA, will be able to help put on small business showcases that can help put those needing help and financing, in touch with those that can help.

Q & A Period

Import/export help?  How can small business compete with Amazon? (Kevin suggested doing what Edna Petersen is doing with her business:  Be Open. Be Found. Be Present. Staffing? Training? Technology? Education?

Meeting adjourned at 8:28am.