Othello explores business incubator
Othello explores business incubator
Critical Data gathering more entrepreneur feedback
OTHELLO — Several business-minded citizens gathered Tuesday evening to consider a business incubator, but those present want more.
The meeting was held to collect and discuss information for a study by Spokane-based Critical Data, Inc., to consider the feasibility of locating a small business development center in Othello. The company was hired by the City of Othello, the Port of Othello and Adams County Economic Development Council to conduct the study.
Port manager Maxine Taylor said the port district is limited in the type of businesses it can assist with tax dollars. Many of the tax breaks available in the state are available to manufacturers of a product and not to retail or service industries, she said.
"But we can develop a small business development facility, if we get enough support," she said.
During a roundtable discussion, William Hockett of Critical Data asked the 17 people in attendance why they had come and if they had any aspirations to create a business in Othello.
The majority of audience members were present in leadership capacity, and connected to the Othello City Council, the ACEDC and the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce, but several respondents were present because they were interested in bringing in a commercial kitchen and a community center private facility for functions and celebrations.
Hockett shared with the audience the results of a survey of several Othello business leaders, or managers, general managers and owners of area businesses. Those people surveyed said Othello's largest non-retail needs included computer services, tradespeople like electricians and plumbers, a trucking company and a non-retail bakery to supply restaurants and grocery stores. According to the survey, retail needs included restaurants, 24-hour restaurants, office supplies, sporting goods and Starbucks.
Hockett's survey also said Othello's strengths included its great and friendly people, agricultural base, small town mentality, close proximity to Moses Lake, diversity, climate, recreation, central location for trucking, low-cost utilities and inexpensive land. Survey limitations included lack of fiber-optics, lack of building space, no restaurants, lack of arts and culture, the perception of isolation and the presence of Wal-Mart, with which some of those in attendance disagreed.
City administrator Ehman Sheldon noted that Othello had previously had a reputation as being difficult to deal with, with a long list of fees and conditions that proved difficult to meet, but the city has since streamlined its permitting process, which he said is a strength.
Hockett said he would like another meeting to gather more input, one with more entrepreneurs and a more representative showing of the city's Hispanic population.
"We got great input from community leaders and government officials, but I wish we would have had more people who were entrepreneurs who were actually looking to start a business," he said, recommending that interested people contact Maxine Taylor at the port. "We know that this community is 70 percent Hispanic, and we would like to have that kind of representation from that community here."
Tim Fought came to find out what was going on and because he is working to open a community center. While still in the development stages, he said he made several contacts at the meeting.
"You have to start some place and grow from there," Othello city council and ACEDC board member Dale Wyman said, adding he was present to help build the community rather than a business. "But if you're going to build a community, you have to be able to help build those individual businesses and help provide space from them."
"I think it would be great for our community if we could have this and give people a foot in the door that don't have all the financing that they need, less start-up and then they'll be viable in two years," city council and ACEDC board member Eleanor Brodahl said.
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