Strictly Business feature: Three thoughts on changes in the local business community
| Thursday, Mar 18 2010 12:38 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Mar 18 2010 12:40 PM
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Debbie Moreno
Ali Morris, president of the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, listens during an entrepreneur training class. The classes are run in conjunction with the chamber.
Ramona Herrera
Be it a blessing or a curse, now is an interesting time to be in business.
This week's stock market gains notwithstanding, the nation's economic recovery has been tentative. Financial losses have diminished but employment levels remain well off recent years past.
But we knew all this. What we wanted to know was how things are looking locally. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Our question: What sort of changes do you expect to see in the local business community this year?
There still is much uncertainty in the local business community for 2010. That being said, many economists say California's economy has finally hit bottom. But the "now what" is still a big question mark for the state and for our region.
The recovery will be ongoing and with some bumps along the way this year. The business community will respond with continued concentration on being efficient and effective in their operations. As companies start to rebound and grow, they won't soon forget the recent past and they will carefully weigh decisions on growth.
Some industries are predicted to have a better 2010. Oil service-related companies should be strong. Residential construction/commercial/industrial activity is starting to pick up. Greener business practices should lead to creation of more small businesses, and downtown buzz from the strong Padre opening could impact downtown business growth.
Also expect to see a continuing trend of small business startups as company downsizing and resulting unemployment has created the impetus for many to decide now is the time to follow their dream.
-- Debbie Moreno, president and CEO, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
I must relate that expectations are not very high for the next year. We are still in a downward slump overall, and while things are starting to improve in some areas, I believe that it will be more than a year before we see measurable improvement. Unemployment is still much higher than usual and job creation is running at a very slow pace.
There is, however, increased activity with regard to small business and business start-ups. Many individuals are redirecting there efforts from job search to business development. The state as a whole, as well as the nation, has launched a major effort to stimulate the economy through small business. There are indications that this movement is catching on at the local level.
This could be just what Kern County needs to pull itself back from a down economic climate.
-- Ali Morris, president and CEO, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce
On a much-needed positive note for local businesses this quarter, the newest Wal-Mart located on Gosford Road opened its doors this week and hired approximately 500 employees, a welcome reduction to the unemployment rate in Bakersfield.
Some small businesses have made changes to help manage expenses by downsizing employee hours or office space. Even with these economic challenges, the chamber's membership continues to grow. We are seeing increased attendance at monthly mixers; members see the value in networking opportunities. The chamber's 2011 business mixer calendar is on its way to a great start with scheduled mixers, and we continue to receive weekly calls regarding small business startup questions, a positive sign that the entrepreneur spirit continues.
The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce had four successful events in 2009; we expect that to continue this year. April 30 is Casino Night, hosted by Golden West Casino; the Menudo Cook-Off is June 6 at the Kern County Fairgrounds; the Business Trade Show and Business Expo is coming Aug. 15; our golf tournament is in October. We greatly appreciate our members and community for their continued support.
-- Ramona Herrera, chairwoman, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
