Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Wrong question - Right answer
We’ve done it again. Duluth has asked the wrong question. But, thankfully, it stumbled upon the right answer. Last night, the city council approved our first JOBZ program, essentially granting a local skateboard company tax free status as the result of business expansion for several years. And thank goodness it did.
Unfortunately, we always ask those willing to risk their own time, money and reputations the wrong question. For the most part, the question is: What is in it for us? Perhaps the Public Employees Union has been so successful at conveying its message of “plentiful but pitiful jobs” in our community that our elected officials think it is their role to ensure all employers pay “living wages.” Their message transcends into the community and automatically assumes the entrepreneur will take advantage of the unsuspecting employee. Essentially, we scare away those willing to start a business even before they hire their first employee by asking, “How much will you pay?”
Perhaps the right question ought to be: “How can we make the Northland entrepreneur friendly?” When we ask this question, the dynamic within our community will change from one of confrontation and blame to one wherein we embrace risk and failure. This paradigm shift is important because without risk, nothing will happen; and without failure, we never learn. Risk always drives innovation, and failure allows us the opportunity to risk again. When we crucify those who risk and fail, we infuse rigidity and cast an aspersion of doubt over the whole idea of creating versus importing jobs into our region. And we cannot possibly win the find and bring companies to our region game. Therefore, it is imperative that we build our own economy through entrepreneurship. We need to ask: How can we help?
Back to TrueRide. Tony Ciardelli and the Benson brothers should be complimented for choosing to build their business in our area. Further, we should not only ask how we can help them succeed, we should help tell their story to as many potential customers as possible. Not only did they start a business from an idea, they have expanded that business into other areas. They, given time, will be an economic market force with which to be reckoned.
If it was up to me, I would not ask: How much will you pay? I would ask: How I could help you succeed? I only hope TrueRide and their future employees make millions here in the Northland. We’ll all be better off if they do.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Election 2004 - In Review
Business always has a stake in an election. We have watched this election with great suspense and anticipation. Now that it’s over, it’s time for a few observations:
Bush versus Kerry:
Bush is celebrating a razor thin victory. Expect a good year in the stock market. However, we can all count on record deficits and the expansion of the role of the federal government. If all goes well with the war in Iraq, business can expect a few good years. If the war continues to go badly or oil prices jump, expect the second, third, and final years of the Bush presidency to bring hard times for business. Regardless of the outcome in Iraq, businesses should be concerned with Bush’s success at record deficits.
The Smoking Ban:
The defeat of the ban was a big surprise in Duluth. While the Chamber remained officially neutral regarding this issue, we salute the grass roots efforts of former State Representative Dale Swapinski, who single handedly lead the fight against the American Lung Association. Our respect for Swapinski does not mean that we endorse the outcome of the referendum. Rather, Mr. Swapinski was able to capitalize on Pat McCoen’s poor public image. Furthermore, Duluthians may have viewed the Lung Association as too well financed and heavy handed.
State Representative 7B:
Jaros versus Marczak: No surprise here. Jaros will represent this district until he decides to retire or is involved in a scandal.
State Representative 7A:
Huntley versus Peterson: Initial returns favored Peterson, but in the end Huntley crushed Peterson. Huntley deserved to be re-elected. He is likely the most respected health care policy expert in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Further, people assumed Peterson’s leadership of the Ten Commandments movement would carry him to victory over Huntley. At the end of the day, Huntley stuck to his policies and was affirmed by his district.
County Commissioner District 1:
Fink versus VanVactor: VanVactor ran a great race but was unable to unseat Fink. Fink’s tenacity and work ethic led him to victory. Fink is seen as hard working and straight forward. Expect to see Fink as a long term commissioner.
County Commissioner District 2:
Fay versus O’Neil: O’Neil outworked Fay, plain and simple. Fay was also hurt by her recent campaign for Duluth Mayor. Too bad she took that gamble. Fay was a hard working policy analyst who worked to keep the county budget in line. O’Neil, who ran in some respects as a moderate, has the potential to be a good commissioner.
County Commissioner District 3:
Kron - unopposed. Congratulations Mr. Kron.
County Commissioner District 5:
Sweeny versus Landstrom: No surprise. Last year, Sweeny was opposed by Kay Knight. Many believed that Sweeny was in trouble. Yet, Sweeny crushed Knight - and she did it again this year when she crushed Landstrom. We are happy that Commissioner Sweeny is involved in the Chamber and has committed to work on issues that concern business owners and operators.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
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Tuesday, November 02, 2004
The taste of twisted political truths
My grandmother told me to never discuss religion or politics in polite company. Even though she died several years ago, her advice becomes more meaningful everyday. Let me explain.
Politics, like religion, evoke strong reactions. In my opinion, this heightened response is because of the emotionally loaded nature of these political subjects. Specifically, we have all been bombarded with negative political commercials. These commercials, while serving to represent free speech, actually are intended to make one’s political opponents look bad. This leaves a bad taste in our mouths. And, nobody likes the taste of twisted political truths.
My point is this: if we could get away from twisting the truth and work to bring about real dialogue, we would all be better served. Further, if we could determine what our collective goals might be, we might even work past our differences and figure out how we can really solve problems in our society.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
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