In 2007, Jim Glenn, president of Titan Spring, Inc. relocated his company from Southern California to Hayden, Idaho. What prompted the move and how is life today? We sat down with Glenn as he shared his thoughts on doing business in the Inland Northwest - and on his relocation experience.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Regional interdependence brings opportunity for innovation
It’s been said that with great struggle comes great opportunity.
According to Public Management, our current economic strategists are following this “glass half-full” anthem, and creating new approaches to overcome the lack of industrial expansion that has threatened each citizen’s livelihood in the past few years. Innovative new pathways, including talent development and utilization, are promoting growth and opportunity.
“What had been an almost exclusive focus on marketing and industrial recruitment is being augmented by approaches that emphasize homegrown sources of economic activity—efforts that develop entrepreneurial skills, creativity and talent, and promote innovation,” Public Management wrote.
Economic emphasis is now being reorganized to focus on the development of trades and skills that will contribute to the health of each region. This, in turn, will create employment opportunities for those looking to try their hand at a new, highly-specialized occupation.
Additionally, continued globalization is furthering the process of state, local, and regional interdependence. Reliance upon one another is becoming vital to survival and good for business. A high-level of community knowledge and skills ensures a healthy, thriving and stable economy that can equally support economic expansion of the others.
Boat builders in Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Wash. are a great example of the partnership potential. The region’s consortium of welded-aluminum jet boat manufacturers has formed the Snake River Boat Builders Export Program to develop viable foreign markets.
Regional performance, according to Public Management, is no longer based solely on company recruitment and populated commercial buildings. Under the “half-full” methodology, communities that collectively embrace varying skill sets and innovative occupational possibilities have a lot clearer outlook.
According to Public Management, our current economic strategists are following this “glass half-full” anthem, and creating new approaches to overcome the lack of industrial expansion that has threatened each citizen’s livelihood in the past few years. Innovative new pathways, including talent development and utilization, are promoting growth and opportunity.
“What had been an almost exclusive focus on marketing and industrial recruitment is being augmented by approaches that emphasize homegrown sources of economic activity—efforts that develop entrepreneurial skills, creativity and talent, and promote innovation,” Public Management wrote.
Economic emphasis is now being reorganized to focus on the development of trades and skills that will contribute to the health of each region. This, in turn, will create employment opportunities for those looking to try their hand at a new, highly-specialized occupation.
Additionally, continued globalization is furthering the process of state, local, and regional interdependence. Reliance upon one another is becoming vital to survival and good for business. A high-level of community knowledge and skills ensures a healthy, thriving and stable economy that can equally support economic expansion of the others.
Boat builders in Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Wash. are a great example of the partnership potential. The region’s consortium of welded-aluminum jet boat manufacturers has formed the Snake River Boat Builders Export Program to develop viable foreign markets.
Regional performance, according to Public Management, is no longer based solely on company recruitment and populated commercial buildings. Under the “half-full” methodology, communities that collectively embrace varying skill sets and innovative occupational possibilities have a lot clearer outlook.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Study advises entrepreneurs to look to Washington state
In a time of economic uncertainty, many aspiring professionals are no longer looking for a company to belong to, but rather searching for a place to create one.
According to a recent study by economists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research and Department of Economics, Washington state ranks second for entrepreneurial activity.
The State Entrepreneurship Index, a compilation and analysis of each state’s entrepreneurial activity, took into consideration a number of vital components when pinpointing performance, including “a state’s percentage growth and per capita growth in business establishments, its business formation rate, the number of patents per thousand residents, and gross receipts of sole proprietorships and partnerships per capita,” according to an Albany Business Journal story.
Washington fell directly behind New York, and led Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon. According to the survey, South Carolina fell in last place.
The rankings were based on “states performance compared to the nationwide average,” the Albany Business Journal wrote.
According to a recent study by economists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research and Department of Economics, Washington state ranks second for entrepreneurial activity.
The State Entrepreneurship Index, a compilation and analysis of each state’s entrepreneurial activity, took into consideration a number of vital components when pinpointing performance, including “a state’s percentage growth and per capita growth in business establishments, its business formation rate, the number of patents per thousand residents, and gross receipts of sole proprietorships and partnerships per capita,” according to an Albany Business Journal story.
Washington fell directly behind New York, and led Massachusetts, New Jersey and Oregon. According to the survey, South Carolina fell in last place.
The rankings were based on “states performance compared to the nationwide average,” the Albany Business Journal wrote.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Increased optimism, new business priorities
Unsteady economic conditions have forced widespread reconsideration of what matters most. Individuals and families have made tough choices relating to household expenses and lifestyle. Companies have adjusted their business practices to be competitive in today’s evolving marketplace.
All operational aspects have been scrutinized as part of that process. Everything from building design to process efficiency to facility location has been considered in the interest of gaining a competitive advantage. In some cases, that means better positioning to seize market share during tough economic times. In more extreme – and unfortunately, not uncommon – instances, companies are fighting to stay in business.
Every year, Area Development magazine surveys corporate executives about their business plans. The survey delves into how current economic pressures impact priorities. The magazine concluded from its most recent survey that, “The economy’s gradual recovery has resulted in increased business optimism, a rise in new facility plans, and some changes in site selection priorities.”
A few additional noteworthy observations from the survey:
• Focus on product. Nearly three out of four new facilities will serve a manufacturing, warehouse or distribution purpose.
• Job growth is modest. More than three quarters of new domestic facilities will create fewer than 100 jobs, although at 77 percent that number represents a slight improvement over last year’s 80 percent.
• Get goods to market. Cost effectively. Highway accessibility traded places with labor costs as the most important factor, but both are still among the three top considerations along with tax exemptions.
• Think sustainably. Sustainable development is on the rise. High numbers of executives are making energy-saving modifications to existing facilities (85 percent), recycling or reusing waste products (59 percent), changing supply and distribution methods (28 percent), and seeking LEED certification for new or existing facilities (23 percent).
• Market reactivity desired. Shovel-ready or pre-certified sites, which speed the development process, were cited as important nearly half the time.
• Clustering matters. Businesses generally want to locate near others involved in similar activities.
All operational aspects have been scrutinized as part of that process. Everything from building design to process efficiency to facility location has been considered in the interest of gaining a competitive advantage. In some cases, that means better positioning to seize market share during tough economic times. In more extreme – and unfortunately, not uncommon – instances, companies are fighting to stay in business.
Every year, Area Development magazine surveys corporate executives about their business plans. The survey delves into how current economic pressures impact priorities. The magazine concluded from its most recent survey that, “The economy’s gradual recovery has resulted in increased business optimism, a rise in new facility plans, and some changes in site selection priorities.”
A few additional noteworthy observations from the survey:
• Focus on product. Nearly three out of four new facilities will serve a manufacturing, warehouse or distribution purpose.
• Job growth is modest. More than three quarters of new domestic facilities will create fewer than 100 jobs, although at 77 percent that number represents a slight improvement over last year’s 80 percent.
• Get goods to market. Cost effectively. Highway accessibility traded places with labor costs as the most important factor, but both are still among the three top considerations along with tax exemptions.
• Think sustainably. Sustainable development is on the rise. High numbers of executives are making energy-saving modifications to existing facilities (85 percent), recycling or reusing waste products (59 percent), changing supply and distribution methods (28 percent), and seeking LEED certification for new or existing facilities (23 percent).
• Market reactivity desired. Shovel-ready or pre-certified sites, which speed the development process, were cited as important nearly half the time.
• Clustering matters. Businesses generally want to locate near others involved in similar activities.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Schweitzer Engineering Continues to Expand Operations in the Inland Northwest
Schweitzer Engineering
Laboratories (SEL), the makers of protection, monitoring and automation devices
for electric power systems are finishing up details on two major projects. The company recently opened a new $10 million facility in the Lewiston Business &
Technology Park in Lewiston, Idaho. The facility spans across 25 acres in its 105,800-square-foot
office and manufacturing building, and is expected to
employ 250 people within three years. The company also recently opened a new $7 million office building called the Solution Delivery
Center, near its headquarters in Pullman. The center will
enable customers to operate, test and configure certain equipment prior to
delivery. The company recently ranked 50th on The Top List of
Job-Creating Companies on the Inc. 500/5000 magazine annual
rankings. The firm has 183 job openings posted
currently, including engineers and manufacturing technicians. More
information is available at www.selinc.com.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Idaho companies combine efforts for better results
A leading Moscow bio-tech startup company has proven once again that “two is better than one.”
BioTracking LLC, a leader in the livestock pregnancy-testing realm, has recently joined forces with GoNano Technologies, also of Moscow, Idaho, to create more sensitive pregnancy tests for livestock.
“The more we know and the quicker we know it, the better we can manage,” said Idaho Cattle Association President Wyatt Prescott in the Idaho Business Review.
According to the Review, The Nanospring material that BioTracking is working with was invented at The University of Idaho and is being developed by spin-off company GoNano Technologies. The company received money from product-development giant 3M earlier this year to further develop the product.
Essentially, this innovative technology could lead to pregnancy detection up to eight days sooner – as well as indicate monumental economic steps for surrounding business, UI and the community.
“Helping the community to grow economically is important to the university. One of the missions of a land grant university is to help the public,” Dr. Jack McIver, UI vice president of research said in the Idaho Business Review. “We are working this area very hard.”
BioTracking LLC, a leader in the livestock pregnancy-testing realm, has recently joined forces with GoNano Technologies, also of Moscow, Idaho, to create more sensitive pregnancy tests for livestock.
“The more we know and the quicker we know it, the better we can manage,” said Idaho Cattle Association President Wyatt Prescott in the Idaho Business Review.
According to the Review, The Nanospring material that BioTracking is working with was invented at The University of Idaho and is being developed by spin-off company GoNano Technologies. The company received money from product-development giant 3M earlier this year to further develop the product.
Essentially, this innovative technology could lead to pregnancy detection up to eight days sooner – as well as indicate monumental economic steps for surrounding business, UI and the community.
“Helping the community to grow economically is important to the university. One of the missions of a land grant university is to help the public,” Dr. Jack McIver, UI vice president of research said in the Idaho Business Review. “We are working this area very hard.”
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
North Idaho recruit Titan Spring featured on Invest Northwest
Titan Spring, a manufacturer primarily supplying the aerospace industry, relocated to Hayden, Idaho from Southern California. The company sought improvements to the bottom line and quality of life for its employers and found both when it made the move four years ago, Jim Glenn, the company’s president said on KHQ-TV’s “Invest Northwest” program.
Technology allowed Titan Spring to move even though much of its customer base remains in Southern California. Glenn said the company traded traffic congestion, a high cost of living and troubling business climate for a great quality of life, reduced operational costs and welcoming business environment.
“Up here they love you,” Glenn said of the community. “In California they hate you. You’re a business, you’re all things evil associated with a business person. We’re welcomed with open arms here, and people can’t do enough for you.”
View the rest of Glenn’s comments here and watch Paul Kimmell of the Inland Northwest Economic Alliance discuss the region’s economic prospects on “Invest Northwest.”
Technology allowed Titan Spring to move even though much of its customer base remains in Southern California. Glenn said the company traded traffic congestion, a high cost of living and troubling business climate for a great quality of life, reduced operational costs and welcoming business environment.
“Up here they love you,” Glenn said of the community. “In California they hate you. You’re a business, you’re all things evil associated with a business person. We’re welcomed with open arms here, and people can’t do enough for you.”
View the rest of Glenn’s comments here and watch Paul Kimmell of the Inland Northwest Economic Alliance discuss the region’s economic prospects on “Invest Northwest.”
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