The Central Chamber Report

    Last week we concluded an eight week series highlighting the award winners from our 2014 Awards Banquet.  It truly has been a pleasure to reflect on those businesses that many thought were worthy of special recognition!  This week I would  like to do some more reflection, not on just a few award winners but on the hundreds of businesses in our community that "get after it" every single day.
    Small businesses, 1-5 employees, make up the vast majority of Central's commerce community.  Unless you've tried to run a business, it is rather difficult to understand the day in and day out struggles  that these business owners go through.  Taxes, regulations, employee issues, taxes, insurances, bills, taxes, inventory, theft and did I mention taxes all put pressure on businesses.  A lot of people have the mistaken idea that running a business is easy and that anyone can just simply start one and make a lot of money!  Over the last several years of working with the chamber and interacting with our area business owners, I can tell you that that statement is not true.  It is hard work and when push comes to shove the statement "buck stops here" is very true and lands right at their front door!  Now, in order to help balance our state's budget, it looks like businesses will be caught in the cross hairs again and have to face, you guessed it…more taxes.  
    Despite all the obstacles, day after day our local businesses open their doors, provide jobs, create revenue for our cities and schools, provide services, and keep on doing their best to stay in business.  So even though not all businesses received an award in 2014, it is an honor and a privilege to declare all of our local businesses winners and champions of perseverance!  When you get a chance, tell them how much you appreciate them and please remember to "Shop Central!"
Ron Erickson Sr.
President, Central Chamber of Commerce