Dean Larson, president of Trails End Recovery in Warrenton, said his company was unable to find traditional financing when the company was looking to purchase two wood waste grinders with a total price tag of over $800,000.
Trails End, which started in the excavation business 16 years ago and expanded into recycling in 2000, was looking to capture some of the wood waste recycling business left from the 2007 storm.
Larson said ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia provided access to a low-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The equipment’s purchase allowed the company to expand its operations and increase its work force from 10 employees to 25.
"They were very beneficial to our company," Larson said. "We wouldn’t be in the positions we are now without their help."
Longtime relationship with restaurateurs
For Tony and Ann Kischner, owners of Bridgewater Bistro in Astoria, the relationship with SBEC started in 1998.
At the time, the Kischners were operating two restaurants in the Long Beach, Wash., area, when an earlier recession struck and they found themselves in need of financial assistance.
"Conventional banks were not being helpful," Tony Kischner said. "ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia saved our day. They were willing to look at more than the business’ bottom line."
He said SBEC was able to find alternative financing for the business.
In 2007, when the couple sold their Washington restaurants and decided to open a restaurant in Astoria, they turned again to SBEC.
Bridgewater Bistro was "an ambitious project," Tony Kischner said. SBEC was "instrumental in working out a creative approach to put a (financing) package together."
Beyond the financial assistance, Kischner said he most appreciates the support he received from SBEC’s small business experts in developing a long-term business plan.
"It’s like going to a favorite uncle and getting advice," he said.
SBEC helped business at critical time
When Doumit Marine Services LLC found itself holding the bag when a former fish processor closed unexpectedly, SBEC set up a loan program that allowed the Cathlamet-based company to pay outstanding bills.
"It was a pretty tense situation," said owner Chris Doumit. "ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia stepped in and was very helpful."
Today, Doumit Marine Services, which purchases catches from commercial fishermen for local processors, has since found a new processor.
Longtime business relationship
Peter Roscoe, owner of Fulio’s Restaurant in Astoria, has had a long business relationship with SBEC, dating back to the late 1990s.
When a location became available for the restaurant site, Roscoe approached SBEC. "They were very helpful in working with me to lay out a business plan."
The relationship has continued over the years each time Roscoe has sought a loan to expand or upgrade his business.
"They’ve been right there for me, even through these rough economic times," he said. "They’re great community partners."
Role of ‘coach, cheerleader’
When Nancy Montgomery and her husband, Tim Hurd, owners of Columbia River Coffee Roasters in Astoria, were looking to purchase and renovate the former Finnish Meat Market for their new business they approached ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia.
"They were really our support team," Montgomery said. "They made sure we were organized and that we considered all aspects" of the venture. They also helped the couple find the right resources, she said.
"They were really our coach and cheerleader," she added.