CRBJ Blog


Contemplating leadership in Clatsop County

Sunday, January 31, 2010 6:09 PM (pst)

Contemplating leadership in Clatsop County
 
Within the last 10 days I’ve attended a retirement party for Terry Finklein, longtime Columbia Memorial Hospital CEO, and a going away party for Greg Hamann, who has been Clatsop Community College’s president for the last 8 years.  These departures will result in leadership changes that will affect our county.  CMH has already chose Erik Thorsen as its new CEO, while CCC has put CFO Lindy Overton in the role of interim president while the organization works through its selection process.
 
These bon voyage events have caused me to ponder the definition of leadership in our coastal communities. I did not look to Wikipedia for my definition, for the record.
 
In my definition, a leader put his or her personal agenda aside and is a collaborator, seeking solutions that benefit the greater community good;
 
In my definition, a leader exhibits integrity, honesty, and professionalism at all times;
 
In my definition, a leader carries through on commitments made;
 
In my definition a leader respects the opinions of all others, and hears them, even if those ideas are not in concert with his or her own;
 
In my definition a leader isn’t afraid to take risks, and stands up for his or her convictions, fighting hard but respectfully on important issues;
 
In my definition a leader is creative and thinks “outside the box;”
 
In my definition a leader isn’t satisfied with status quo if it isn’t working;
 
In my definition, a leader is not afraid to “rock the boat,” even if it means being criticized for it.
 
In my definition, a leader does not criticize others for taking a stand with which he or she does not agree.
 
I respectfully ask readers to contemplate the various elected officials, business leaders and hired public staff around our county and consider which of them fits all of my definitions.  Comment here, and give credit where credit is due.  Your input is appreciated.
 
Susan M. Trabucco
Publisher/Editor


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2010 census will affect business – will yours be ready?

Thursday, January 21, 2010 10:12 AM (pst)

For nearly 10 years, businesses and government have been relying on data from the 2000 census to shape decisions. As the 2010 census approaches, reflecting on the new information we’ll have available to us is worth pondering.

 

In the Columbia-Pacific Region, real numbers reflecting the growth of the Hispanic population will be of interest to business owners. My uneducated guess is that the numbers will astound. As a business owner, will you have a plan in place to change your business to meet the needs of that growing demographic?

 

The aging population in the region has been growing steadily, as evidenced by the increased demand for senior housing, the growth of assisted living facilities and care centers, and an increase in medical services. If the census numbers we receive late this year support my statement, what re-tooling will you do in your business that will allow you to participate in this growth industry?

 

We do know student populations in some area schools are dropping, which reflects a reduction in the workforce population; i.e., their parents. How does that bode for businesses with workforce requirements? What will your business do if you can’t find the help you need to run and grow your business? This challenge is already being felt by the region’s businesses. If it gets even worse, what will you do to combat it?

 

I’m simply suggesting that as a business owner, now is the time to begin reflecting on the information the 2010 census will bring or confirm.

 

Thoughts on all this? Your comments are welcome.

 

Susan Trabucco

Publisher/Editor

 


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SeaPort Airlines is OUR airline

Thursday, January 07, 2010 9:50 AM (pst)

SeaPort Airlines was the topic of rousing discussion at my “coffee klatch” this morning. For those who haven’t heard the term, it is a regular gathering of a group of business associates who enjoy a safe forum for vetting ideas, sharing news and expressing opinion over a meal or coffee. In short, I learn a great deal from this engaged cadre of business folk each week.
 
Concern about low ridership on SeaPort’s Astoria to PDX route has been in the news of late, and coffee klatch participants provided some great input. Most agreed they hadn’t made the “math connection” about business travel to PDX for a connecting flight.
 
Mileage reimbursement for a 200 mile roundtrip drive to PDX, plus parking for say, a week, adds up to more than the cost of a roundtrip ticket on SeaPort. That basic understanding energized the group, suggesting that info needs to be more prominent in SeaPort advertising.
 
Another point brought up by a group member is the need for more information about what happens when you GET to Flightcraft at PDX. Few knew shuttle service to the terminal was provided by SeaPort, and a complaint was voiced that travelers coming in to PDX and coming to the Astoria airport via SeaPort can’t figure out how to get to the SeaPort terminal easily; again, marketing gaps that can be easily addressed by SeaPort and its supporters.
 
CEDR (Clatsop Economic Development Resources) and the area chambers have been charged up to assist SeaPort in promoting its regularly scheduled air service. Not with funding, which isn’t practical nor politically viable, but with feet on the street, and co-op advertising opportunities.
 
 I’ve heard tittering in the community that SeaPort should be the entity making the effort – it’s their airline. Au contraire say those with a real understanding of what this air service means to our area. It is OUR airline, because while SeaPort may enjoy profitability on this route because the community helps, WE will benefit even more so.
 
Regularly scheduled air service to this area elevates our status from a business perspective. More convenient, time and money-saving transportation modes in and out of the region put us on the business map, boding well for the long-term economic health for the region.
 
SeaPort IS our airline. Consider ways you or your business can assist in getting the word out. I’ll keep you posted on your opportunities, but consider something as simple as a line item on your invoices. Every little bit helps, and the timeline is short. Feel free to ask me how you can help.
 
Susan Trabucco
Publisher/Editor


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