The latest casualty of the greater economic downturn or 2009-2011 is the Children's Closet. Long time Village Clothing and gift store on Village Dr., the business was listed for sale most of 2010 with no buyers coming forward. This will add to the commercial space available inventory in the Village putting even more downward pressure on rents.
Recently Village Dr. businesses have asked the Improvement Agency to please do something for West Village Dr. when considering improvements for the Village.
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Economic Development, Low Income Housing and Elections
Business failures too many to mention, chronic commercial vacancies, home and business property foreclosures everywhere you look. Drive around town and that’s what you’ll see, if you’re looking. Yes, there is the slower economy, but it’s a fact our local retail economy has been in serious decline since before the end of the home building boom in 2007. Yes, there has been some new commercial development in the past decade, but no economic growth in retail and with all the private home rentals, the lodging sector is a mess. There is unlimited potential for improvement of our tourism based local economy.
The success of our community is measurable by the quality of life we can offer residents and the vitality of our local businesses, the level of permanent, year-round employment in good pay jobs and the level of income local employment provides. Whether you’re a skilled tradesman, line cook, hospitality worker, day care giver, mechanic, shop keeper or accountant, we are all connected to and reliant on our local economy.
I applaud the City Council for recent action through the City’s Redevelopment Agency implementing our Façade and Sign Improvement Program. The Program grants Redevelopment Agency funds for qualifying Commercial Property Improvements. This is long overdue and is a good example of the things we can do and are at long last, getting done. Spending some of the millions of dollars in our Redevelopment Agency Fund incentivizing property owners to update storefronts is one reason the taxpayers voted to form the agency more than 20 years ago. However, this and the other programs recently put into place to aid small business will not by themselves bring about a more robust local economy. Our redevelopment goals need to be part of a greater economic development plan. We can improve our economic reality in a meaningful way, and maintain our environment and lifestyle standards, for the long term.
Absence of a clear vision for the future and the lack of community economic development goals allow us to be endlessly engaged in every issue that would be addressed in a good plan. Hopefully, a good plan and excellent communication would minimize the endless debates or at least make some development less contentious. The absence of a plan allows us to become engaged to distraction with hot-button issues like low income housing, private home rentals, and other development and quality of life issues instead of focusing on needed improvements and meeting goals that would benefit the entire community.
Economic development will require focus. Results will mean meeting clear goals we set for underpinning a vibrant small business community, creating good pay jobs for those struggling to provide for families, and creating opportunity for our young people that will allow them to contribute and earn a good living in the community they grew up in. This plan needs to reflect our local values and should be crafted by those with concerns and experience in business, finance and the environment. A citizen led plan, not one stamped out by bureaucrats and administrators.
A comprehensive plan for the future is the key to any real success. Our plan needs to be led by economic development goals, dovetailed with our environmental needs, aesthetic and lifestyle values and governed by our available resources and ultimate capacity.
To force low income housing development in advance of a comprehensive plan that includes clear goals for economic development seems to me a mistake and a symptom of our failure to adequately plan. This can be corrected.
Continued piecemeal rezoning and placement of low income housing to meet State housing law in lieu of fitting housing into a well thought out master plan will be detrimental to our future success. Big Bear Lake has very limited and finite land available for critical uses. Low income housing is just one need. No rezoning of commercial land should be considered without equal rezoning to replace the commercial zoned inventory.
Before the City Council election in November I would like to hear clearly, from each candidate, that they have the ability and the will to state and uphold a policy that favors the community by committing to economic development. I believe most all folks will be able to understand the need to plan our future. The City Council can put economic development and comprehensive planning for the future on the fast track, and empower our citizens to take part in their own futures with the establishment of an Economic Development Commission made up of non-elected individuals that don’t serve on other commissions or agencies.
The success of our community is measurable by the quality of life we can offer residents and the vitality of our local businesses, the level of permanent, year-round employment in good pay jobs and the level of income local employment provides. Whether you’re a skilled tradesman, line cook, hospitality worker, day care giver, mechanic, shop keeper or accountant, we are all connected to and reliant on our local economy.
I applaud the City Council for recent action through the City’s Redevelopment Agency implementing our Façade and Sign Improvement Program. The Program grants Redevelopment Agency funds for qualifying Commercial Property Improvements. This is long overdue and is a good example of the things we can do and are at long last, getting done. Spending some of the millions of dollars in our Redevelopment Agency Fund incentivizing property owners to update storefronts is one reason the taxpayers voted to form the agency more than 20 years ago. However, this and the other programs recently put into place to aid small business will not by themselves bring about a more robust local economy. Our redevelopment goals need to be part of a greater economic development plan. We can improve our economic reality in a meaningful way, and maintain our environment and lifestyle standards, for the long term.
Absence of a clear vision for the future and the lack of community economic development goals allow us to be endlessly engaged in every issue that would be addressed in a good plan. Hopefully, a good plan and excellent communication would minimize the endless debates or at least make some development less contentious. The absence of a plan allows us to become engaged to distraction with hot-button issues like low income housing, private home rentals, and other development and quality of life issues instead of focusing on needed improvements and meeting goals that would benefit the entire community.
Economic development will require focus. Results will mean meeting clear goals we set for underpinning a vibrant small business community, creating good pay jobs for those struggling to provide for families, and creating opportunity for our young people that will allow them to contribute and earn a good living in the community they grew up in. This plan needs to reflect our local values and should be crafted by those with concerns and experience in business, finance and the environment. A citizen led plan, not one stamped out by bureaucrats and administrators.
A comprehensive plan for the future is the key to any real success. Our plan needs to be led by economic development goals, dovetailed with our environmental needs, aesthetic and lifestyle values and governed by our available resources and ultimate capacity.
To force low income housing development in advance of a comprehensive plan that includes clear goals for economic development seems to me a mistake and a symptom of our failure to adequately plan. This can be corrected.
Continued piecemeal rezoning and placement of low income housing to meet State housing law in lieu of fitting housing into a well thought out master plan will be detrimental to our future success. Big Bear Lake has very limited and finite land available for critical uses. Low income housing is just one need. No rezoning of commercial land should be considered without equal rezoning to replace the commercial zoned inventory.
Before the City Council election in November I would like to hear clearly, from each candidate, that they have the ability and the will to state and uphold a policy that favors the community by committing to economic development. I believe most all folks will be able to understand the need to plan our future. The City Council can put economic development and comprehensive planning for the future on the fast track, and empower our citizens to take part in their own futures with the establishment of an Economic Development Commission made up of non-elected individuals that don’t serve on other commissions or agencies.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Why Big Bear's Economic Development needs to be a Citizen Led Model
The Redevelopment Wheels are turning in Big Bear Lake and the opportunity for local businesses to prosper and grow are real. More and better jobs are key but growth must be balanced on our meeting economic goals reached for the folks who live and work in our community.
What might make sense for Big Bear might not be attractive to corporate developers and investors. What we need to avoid at any cost is repeating the same strategies other Resort Communities have implemented with negative results in categories other than bottom line results.
More on Vail's Public Relations Problems with it's locals from the Denver Post's Steve Raabe:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14857508
What might make sense for Big Bear might not be attractive to corporate developers and investors. What we need to avoid at any cost is repeating the same strategies other Resort Communities have implemented with negative results in categories other than bottom line results.
More on Vail's Public Relations Problems with it's locals from the Denver Post's Steve Raabe:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14857508
Friday, March 26, 2010
Public Transit: A Monorail from the Village to the Ski Resorts
As City Planners look to the future of Big Bear Lake, a not so new idea keeps minds whirling with visions of some sort of train/tram ride between the Village and the Ski Resorts (maybe as far as Bear Mountain). It's not a great distance so costs won't likely be on the scale of Health Reform, and on busy weekends it would certainly make sense to get folks out of their cars (Big Bear Boulevard) and from here to there much more quickly than the 20-50 minutes it might take you to get from Northwoods Resort to Bear Mountain to pick up kids. And then back again. This one example equates to one Esclade on our streets for almost 2 hours to accommodate 1 or 2 snowboarders. You do the math. We would need 5 or 6 buses to get frequency to 10 minutes on busy weekends, but the trip is still 50 minutes. It's a no-go.
Frequency and convenience seem to be the key for optimum usage and profitability of public transportation whether its the MARTA bus or a state of the art monorail. The goal (I'm sure, and like many other public projects) would be to recoup costs for building the system from ridership and via whatever grants (government subsidies) could be secured for getting cars off the roads, green technology and increased tourism that generates tax revenues for the State.
There is no doubt that if maximum ridership were realized, there would be plentiful quality of life benefits for valley residents and significantly improve the mobility options for year round visitors as there surely won't be any more roads built to alleviate the heavy traffic we all endure during peak visitor days.
This type of solution combined with bike/pedestrian paths connecting Retail, Lodging, the Lake and Forest along with adequate parking for the successful use of these connections, should have a place at the top of the list for our future planning.
Monorails can be found in the following places in North America:
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida - The Walt Disney World Monorail System is one of the world's best-known monorail serves over five million passengers yearly. Disneyland in Anaheim, California - The Disneyland Monorail System is known as the "First daily operating Monorail system in the Western Hemisphere." Seattle, Washington - short monorail (Seattle Center Monorail) built for the Century 21 Exposition in 1962 Hershey, Pennsylvania - amusement monorail at Hersheypark. Lancaster, Pennsylvania - amusement monorail at Dutch Wonderland . Las Vegas, Nevada - public transit Memphis, Tennessee - a short monorail connects Mud Island in the Mississippi River to Memphis. Newark International Airport in Newark, New Jersey - people mover connecting terminals, parking lots, and to Amtrak/NJ Transit Northeast Corridor rail station Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec - once part of a larger monorail systems built for Expo 67 Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota San Diego Wild Animal Park near Escondido, California. It is the only monorail system in Hawaii. This a fully-operational, homebuilt, backyard monorail was constructed by monorail enthusiast, Kim Pedersen Dallas, Texas - Amusement ride at Dallas Zoo Miami MetroZoo, in Miami, Florida - Connects major exhibits at the zoo.
Criticism and comment about the Las Vegas Tram below:
http://mtcgi.kir.com/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Las+Vegas+monorail
More on Monorails some above content sourced:
More on Monorails some above content sourced:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Commercial Real Estate Market Woes are Plenty
In a recent Park City Record article, a commercial banker states that Nationally, commercial real estate values are off more than 40% from their highs (probably a couple of years ago) and relating vacancy and reduced commercial rents as potential exposure for Community Banks holding commercial mortgages which will be coming due between right now and the next couple of years.
Big Bear Lake would seem to me to have quite a bit in common with the Resort Community of Park City, Utah including the slow economy and the effects of a recession on its Retail and Real Estate Markets.I just saw a large retail space for rent in the local paper for $.30 / sq. ft. This property could definitely qualify as a chronic vacancy (more than one year) as do many of the current available commercial vacancies in the City of Big Bear Lake.
More from the Park City Record below.Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Outlook for 2010 is Serious for Small Business
With City TOT for the 3 qtr 2009 reporting a decrease in lodging of about 7% compared to the same period in 2008, sales tax revenues will likely follow. The recession of 2009 will certainly become the recession of 2010 as Valley Merchants continue to endure the recession's pain with no relief in sight.
Columnist Jan Norman on the outlook for small business in 2010: Small Business Outlook Small businesses across the country are hunkered down and see nothing on the horizon to alter the current trends in retail sales figures and business climate.
Throwing in the towel locally late in November, Alexandra's Emporium on Village Dr and the Super Bear Arcade become the latest casualties of extreme economic condition and the cold reality of our local marketplace. Stubborn vacancies are certainly an issue, in the Village and elsewhere with thousands of square feet of commercial/retail space available.
The winter of 2010 has the makings of being a special kind of harsh for local small business.
Friday, November 20, 2009
New Retail Shops open in the Village
The Village is still losing ground with vacancies through the last quarter of 2009 with the opening of Allato Gellato on Pine Knot at the Alpine Suites and the Grizzly Mountain Gourmet an upscale food, wine and beer with a deli counter in the old Bear Mountain Coffee store next to Hunter Halls on Village Dr. On the negative side of the chart is the closing of The Pub and Big Bear Souvenir and Gift, both on Pine Knot. More bad news is the buzz that one of the larger Women's Clothing store is going to close before the still illusive Christmas Season begins.
I am certainly looking forward to the opening of the Copper Q, a kitchen and food oriented concept with coffee and pastries in the former Creative Cottage space which went dark almost one year ago. I don't think the "Q" will open before the new year. Best of luck to Kent and Linda as the site is starting to take shape!
I am certainly looking forward to the opening of the Copper Q, a kitchen and food oriented concept with coffee and pastries in the former Creative Cottage space which went dark almost one year ago. I don't think the "Q" will open before the new year. Best of luck to Kent and Linda as the site is starting to take shape!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Slippery Slope
From Fast Food, the Internet, Big Box, Big Money, Cheap Land, Economic Incentives and everything else under the capitalistic sun that warms us, the competition probably has an advantage over the Big Bear Valley.
A little late in entering the race, (OK, really late) the vision required for the Big Bear Lake Community to really compete in the regional retail marketplace will require the one ingredient that will be the key to each and every success story we will ever read about. Innovation.
Innovation, combined with natural strengths, realistic goal setting and the will to work until one's goals are achieved are the elements of any home run, smash hit, best seller or happy ending. I believe you can apply the same formula to form a successful business plan.
The reality is however, that competition has never been tougher, but the rewards of economic prosperity for families and community will always be worthy of what ever it takes to achieve. How could it not?
I recently read a great article on the cultural aspect of competition and an intangible adversary. Author Jules Pieri on how the "discount Culture" is killing our economy.
Our successful vision will recognize the slippery slope of community planning and require the imagination to incorporate the innovation required to enhance our natural strengths to overcome our adversaries might.
A little late in entering the race, (OK, really late) the vision required for the Big Bear Lake Community to really compete in the regional retail marketplace will require the one ingredient that will be the key to each and every success story we will ever read about. Innovation.
Innovation, combined with natural strengths, realistic goal setting and the will to work until one's goals are achieved are the elements of any home run, smash hit, best seller or happy ending. I believe you can apply the same formula to form a successful business plan.
The reality is however, that competition has never been tougher, but the rewards of economic prosperity for families and community will always be worthy of what ever it takes to achieve. How could it not?
I recently read a great article on the cultural aspect of competition and an intangible adversary. Author Jules Pieri on how the "discount Culture" is killing our economy.
Our successful vision will recognize the slippery slope of community planning and require the imagination to incorporate the innovation required to enhance our natural strengths to overcome our adversaries might.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 22 IA Meeting: Will the City Council Sell the Village?
On September 22. 2009 at 8:30 AM at the Northwoods Resort, the Big Bear Lake Improvement Agency and the Planning Commission will be presented 9 more Low Income Housing Developments proposed by prospective development partners. In the Meeting Agenda dated 9/15/09, the Improvement Agency states it has determined where to get the best advise on where, Low Income Housing (LIH) is constructed in our city. That advise, and proposals will be heard from the developers who will ultimately profit from the federal and city funds, tax deferments and tax credits sold off to large financial institutions for construction funds.
http://www.citybigbearlake.com/documents/IAagenda092209.pdf
I have asked around, and to date, have yet to hear of any public involvement by any citizen from any of our many neighborhoods, business groups or organizations in determining where LIH might work in our city. Apparently we are asking developers where they would like to build. While we have a zoning map, it is clear the IA will implement re-zoning to meet a quota instead working to a plan that would make best use of our limited resources, and community infrastructure.
The pitfall of this latest city agenda is that there is no plan and any decisions we make approving these Low Income Housing Projects (LIHP's) will forever limit our ability to successfully craft a plan that meets even the basic guidelines and recommendations set forth in our General Plan of 1999.
As the IA has already committed it's entire 5.2 million set aside for Low Income Housing, (Knickerbocker Rd., The Crossings) the question is, where will the "funds available" advertised to the LIH development industry come from. The answer is that the IA will borrow against our future property taxes in order to make contributions equal to the Knickerbocker Development to quickly meet State mandates. All this before any City Master Development Plan can be formed with public involvement, to hell with the outcome. Big Bear Lake residents and businesses will be paying for these developments long after the City Council accountable for poor planning decisions and our top city administrators move on to greener pastures.
The threat to the Village is real with high density low income housing being proposed that would dominate the landscape and forever limit the growth of our Village Marketplace. The re-zoning and dumping hundreds of residential Low Income Housing units in the Village is poor planning on any level. The City's facilitating of these proposals is extremely risky and threatens the vitality of our retail economy. I truly regret that the city took this approach in an effort to meet current LIH quotas after 25 years of letting time pass without planning for this day.
Adding millions of dollars of debt to existing IA liabilities (that must be paid back by the year 2036) should be looked at very closely and perhaps by an independent firm, with new citizen-led oversight.
http://www.citybigbearlake.com/documents/IAagenda092209.pdf
I have asked around, and to date, have yet to hear of any public involvement by any citizen from any of our many neighborhoods, business groups or organizations in determining where LIH might work in our city. Apparently we are asking developers where they would like to build. While we have a zoning map, it is clear the IA will implement re-zoning to meet a quota instead working to a plan that would make best use of our limited resources, and community infrastructure.
The pitfall of this latest city agenda is that there is no plan and any decisions we make approving these Low Income Housing Projects (LIHP's) will forever limit our ability to successfully craft a plan that meets even the basic guidelines and recommendations set forth in our General Plan of 1999.
As the IA has already committed it's entire 5.2 million set aside for Low Income Housing, (Knickerbocker Rd., The Crossings) the question is, where will the "funds available" advertised to the LIH development industry come from. The answer is that the IA will borrow against our future property taxes in order to make contributions equal to the Knickerbocker Development to quickly meet State mandates. All this before any City Master Development Plan can be formed with public involvement, to hell with the outcome. Big Bear Lake residents and businesses will be paying for these developments long after the City Council accountable for poor planning decisions and our top city administrators move on to greener pastures.
The threat to the Village is real with high density low income housing being proposed that would dominate the landscape and forever limit the growth of our Village Marketplace. The re-zoning and dumping hundreds of residential Low Income Housing units in the Village is poor planning on any level. The City's facilitating of these proposals is extremely risky and threatens the vitality of our retail economy. I truly regret that the city took this approach in an effort to meet current LIH quotas after 25 years of letting time pass without planning for this day.
Adding millions of dollars of debt to existing IA liabilities (that must be paid back by the year 2036) should be looked at very closely and perhaps by an independent firm, with new citizen-led oversight.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Park City's Mayor Has a New Job
Can't help but be blinded by the contrast in the lifestyle differences for civic leadership in Park City and Big Bear Lake....
Jay Hamburger of the Park City Record: http://tinyurl.com/mc9hkn
Jay Hamburger of the Park City Record: http://tinyurl.com/mc9hkn
Thursday, September 3, 2009
ExploreBigBearLake in the Inland Empire Visitors Guide
Big Bear Lake Retail Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges have gotten together to get some exposure off the hill and promote Big Bear Lake as a destination worthy of consideration when it comes to Shopping, Dining or just some high quality Unwinding. The two page ad features the pristine beauty of our alpine landscape that provides an unequaled theme, year round Activities for the 39-55 demographic that seek a clean and healthy atmosphere, and wholesome Entertainment, Dining and Cultural Aspects that appeal to the Leisure Travel visitor. Many of our Fine Dining establishments are showcased on the www.explorebigbearlake.com web site as are over 100 other places in Big Bear Lake that will surely attract weekday as well as weekend visitors and staycationers.Since inception in 2008, the Primary Goal for Big Bear Lake Retail Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges is the successful promotion of Big Bear Lake as a Leisure Travel Destination and to increase the number of visitors during weekdays and weekends in the shoulder seasons, providing a more consistent demand for our many Retail Oriented Businesses.
Directory and Maps USA from Redlands, CA are the publishers of the Inland Empire Visitors Guide, a full size, glossy magazine format printed piece about 100 pages. The publication is partially funded by the Inland Empire Tourism Council in partnership with the California Travel and Tourism Council.
150,000 Visitors Guides will be printed and distributed for the 12 months at SoCal California Welcome Centers, Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Trade Shows, and Mass Transit Hubs from San Diego to Bakersfield.
An online Visitors Guide will be available at www.visitinlandempire.com.
For information and to learn how you can join the move to improve, contact Tim Breunig at the United Wood Craftsmen Gallery in the Village.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Clear and Focused Goals
I was just forwarded a recent email from City Councilor Michael Karp, addressed to "Citizens" that in my opinion, punctuates the one major point that is more or less the root of most all other reasons our Retail Marketplace pales in comparison to so many communities in Southern California and the greater region (destination resort communities) that have showcased their Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges to attract shoppers and visitors from a very wide region. The increased retail activity resulting from effective marketing of the new retail offerings generate jobs, incomes, community pride and the needed sales tax revenues that provide budgetary growth allowing local governments to provide community infrastructure improvements that we all seem to desire. Some communities call this an ‘economic development plan’.
That one point Mr. Karp divulges is that 'Retail' is viewed by more than just a few, as nothing but a backdrop for our Alpine Recreation Sector and the City's bottomless residential property tax well and is not given the respect it deserves as a major source for economic growth, adding jobs and providing incomes for locals that will not require any additional impact of the forest we all enjoy.
But without a strong unified voice, and clear and focused goals for improvements to our Marketplace, Big Bear Retail Businesses can only expect that the status quo will surely prevail and not much will ever change. If we simply leave it to the City Council, City Employees and those that many of us think are 'in charge' of such decisions and policy that could successfully enhance a retail business climate and allow prosperity and growth for our many struggling shops and restaurants, we can expect no more than we currently have.
Like Mr. Karp, I too urge Retail Business and Property Owners, their employees and families to attend the visioning meeting on Aug 31, and speak up for our ailing Marketplace. We should all seek to make real improvements that will truly benefit our community. Don’t allow our goals to be bogged down with a lot of new and restrictive ordinances that have been the source of so much disinvestment and disappointment over the past 20 some years of slow, painful and inadequate retail development in our commercial districts. Business and property owners must join forces and lend their collective experience to the efforts at hand that can shape our future, and see that well intended politicians understand what elements actually drive a retail marketplace and to set, and meet, clear and focused goals.
That one point Mr. Karp divulges is that 'Retail' is viewed by more than just a few, as nothing but a backdrop for our Alpine Recreation Sector and the City's bottomless residential property tax well and is not given the respect it deserves as a major source for economic growth, adding jobs and providing incomes for locals that will not require any additional impact of the forest we all enjoy.
But without a strong unified voice, and clear and focused goals for improvements to our Marketplace, Big Bear Retail Businesses can only expect that the status quo will surely prevail and not much will ever change. If we simply leave it to the City Council, City Employees and those that many of us think are 'in charge' of such decisions and policy that could successfully enhance a retail business climate and allow prosperity and growth for our many struggling shops and restaurants, we can expect no more than we currently have.
Like Mr. Karp, I too urge Retail Business and Property Owners, their employees and families to attend the visioning meeting on Aug 31, and speak up for our ailing Marketplace. We should all seek to make real improvements that will truly benefit our community. Don’t allow our goals to be bogged down with a lot of new and restrictive ordinances that have been the source of so much disinvestment and disappointment over the past 20 some years of slow, painful and inadequate retail development in our commercial districts. Business and property owners must join forces and lend their collective experience to the efforts at hand that can shape our future, and see that well intended politicians understand what elements actually drive a retail marketplace and to set, and meet, clear and focused goals.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Updating the Village Specific Plan 2009
The City of Big Bear Lake is holding a VILLAGE COMMUNITY PLANNING MEETING on August 31 at 6:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center. Call 909-866-5831 for more information.
Tag line on the Chamber of Commerce email is HELP THE CITY UPDATE THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN.
Along with a much needed update, Property and Business owners need to develop a strategy for implementing the Village Specific Plan in a measurable and steady progression. Simply having a specific plan for any area is just an exercise without specific goals set by the community and our elected leaders as evidenced by the progress made by the city and the current VSP.
This new effort is commendable but has to be sealed with an actionable plan to make necessary improvements and allow development that will allow us to better compete in the regional retail marketplace.
Tag line on the Chamber of Commerce email is HELP THE CITY UPDATE THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN.
Along with a much needed update, Property and Business owners need to develop a strategy for implementing the Village Specific Plan in a measurable and steady progression. Simply having a specific plan for any area is just an exercise without specific goals set by the community and our elected leaders as evidenced by the progress made by the city and the current VSP.
This new effort is commendable but has to be sealed with an actionable plan to make necessary improvements and allow development that will allow us to better compete in the regional retail marketplace.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Oh No! Not Another Organaization...
Park City Utah has a permanent population of about 8000. There are a few differences between the Big Bear Valley and Park City but when it comes to potential, I believe we have many advantages over Park City.
Park City does have a very efficient Retail Marketplace with close to $450MM in taxable sales annually. That is considerably more than the City of Big Bear Lake and probably considerably more than our entire trade area.
Another thing they have is 9 business associations, each giving a voice to their own segment and specific needs. Apparently, it works pretty well.
Park City Business Associations:
Park City does have a very efficient Retail Marketplace with close to $450MM in taxable sales annually. That is considerably more than the City of Big Bear Lake and probably considerably more than our entire trade area.
Another thing they have is 9 business associations, each giving a voice to their own segment and specific needs. Apparently, it works pretty well.
Park City Business Associations:
- Business Network International: (435) 731-0239
- Coalville Area Business Association: (435) 336-2391
- Historic Main Street Business Alliance, Ken Davis, president: (435) 658-9612
- Park City Restaurant Association, Eileen Dunn, chair: (435) 640-133
- Park City Women s Business Network: (877) 246-2858
- Prospector Square Property Owners Association: (435) 645-7888
- Park City Lodging Association, Terry Whitney: (435) 649-6400
- Park City Chamber/Bureau: 649-6100
- Kimball Junction Business Association, Kim McKew: (435) 575-0265
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
SoCal Bankruptcies Soar in June
Equifax is reporting Southland bankruptcies rose dramatically in June 2009 compared to 2008. Nearly 3000 commercial bankruptcies were filed in Riverside / San Bernardino Counties this past June. That's more than an 80% increase over 2008. Similar numbers were reported for Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
Jan Norman on June Bankruptcies: http://tinyurl.com/prjmma
Jan Norman on June Bankruptcies: http://tinyurl.com/prjmma
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
SoCal Small Business Feeling the Pain
In Big Bear Lake, you can see it from the street. Lots of empty commercial space gone vacant. We get the question from customers all the time.. what's going on? The economic down turn has certainly added to the woes of many mom and pop's here in the valley. Business Columnist Jan Norman has some staggering facts as to just what is happening. Click the link below for some insight.
Jan Norman on business woes.
Jan Norman on business woes.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Buxton Report
The Buxton Report was commissioned by the City of Big Bear Lake to evaluate our local retail marketplace. The original report was to be released as early as Sept. 2008.
A special meeting was posted on July 10 by the city to hold a workshop around the report on July 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM in the morning.
The current version of the report is available @ http://www.citybigbearlake.com/documents/IA071309sp.pdf
I fear this report and the data provided (Buxton Report dated July 13, 2009) may be interpreted by some as “Wow! We must be doing ok!” when in fact we are not. Or that the report says we need a Wal-Mart, when in fact it does not.
What the report fails to do is factor in the complex and unique retail marketplace that has evolved over our long and rich history, built, for the most part, by the seat of our pants. Our marketplace has developed and adapted from many directions and from the weight of many forces, but the common fuel for continued success has always been (as articulated in the Buxton Report) revenues from tourism.
What is not articulated in the report, but needs to a part of the conversation, is the actual demand for goods and services represented in the number of visitors to the Valley each year. Nor does the report estimate projected leakage of sales as we are able to increase tourism on weekdays and in shoulder seasons.
In my opinion, the best source of council for determining the need for infrastructure investments to our retail marketplace has always been from the many merchants, lodge and restaurant owners who have put in so many years of hard work to maintain the happy face of Big Bear Lake for the millions of visitors we greet each year. These valued members of the community know what no consultant can, and I am sure would be more than willing to advise the Council and it’s staff given the opportunity.
I believe all potential for our existing small businesses to prosper and for the growth of our retail sector to become a provider, instead of a backdrop, will be in our willingness to compete in the region at a much higher level, with focused goals, around a significant investment in retail infrastructure, and amenities provided our visitors, taking advantage of our natural landscape and quaint, small town atmosphere.
The report does clearly identify the excellent job our local retailers do in meeting the needs of their customers as outline in the leakage/surplus analysis and clearly identifies our target demographic (page 12 of the report) as one that is older, wealthier and a little more sophisticated, than to date, many of us have understood.
A special meeting was posted on July 10 by the city to hold a workshop around the report on July 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM in the morning.
The current version of the report is available @ http://www.citybigbearlake.com/documents/IA071309sp.pdf
I fear this report and the data provided (Buxton Report dated July 13, 2009) may be interpreted by some as “Wow! We must be doing ok!” when in fact we are not. Or that the report says we need a Wal-Mart, when in fact it does not.
What the report fails to do is factor in the complex and unique retail marketplace that has evolved over our long and rich history, built, for the most part, by the seat of our pants. Our marketplace has developed and adapted from many directions and from the weight of many forces, but the common fuel for continued success has always been (as articulated in the Buxton Report) revenues from tourism.
What is not articulated in the report, but needs to a part of the conversation, is the actual demand for goods and services represented in the number of visitors to the Valley each year. Nor does the report estimate projected leakage of sales as we are able to increase tourism on weekdays and in shoulder seasons.
In my opinion, the best source of council for determining the need for infrastructure investments to our retail marketplace has always been from the many merchants, lodge and restaurant owners who have put in so many years of hard work to maintain the happy face of Big Bear Lake for the millions of visitors we greet each year. These valued members of the community know what no consultant can, and I am sure would be more than willing to advise the Council and it’s staff given the opportunity.
I believe all potential for our existing small businesses to prosper and for the growth of our retail sector to become a provider, instead of a backdrop, will be in our willingness to compete in the region at a much higher level, with focused goals, around a significant investment in retail infrastructure, and amenities provided our visitors, taking advantage of our natural landscape and quaint, small town atmosphere.
The report does clearly identify the excellent job our local retailers do in meeting the needs of their customers as outline in the leakage/surplus analysis and clearly identifies our target demographic (page 12 of the report) as one that is older, wealthier and a little more sophisticated, than to date, many of us have understood.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
So Cal's Summer Vacation Plans
If there is any bright spot in the current economic downturn, it's the fact that many Southern California families are still going to take vacation this summer. AAA says that in fact vacation plans by Auto Club Members are off significantly compared to 2007 & 2008. http://news.aaa-calif.com/pr/aaa/summer-travel-survey-0609.aspx?ncid=6058
And sure there is belt tightening, but of the surveyed, only about 5% more than those surveyed in 2008 said they were going to spend less than last year while on vacation. But when you take into consideration that 40% of those surveyed are going to stay right here in California, there may be a bright spot in the numbers for Big Bear Lake.
Also in the survey, are some interesting hot buttons for vacation planners, something we have been trying to improve on when marketing our own marketplace here in Big Bear Lake.
"When rating highly important reasons for taking their first trip of this summer:
88 percent said the vacation destination was a highly important factor
73 percent cited cost
65 percent said entertainment/recreation
63 percent rated the ease of reaching the destination as highly important
57 percent cited proximity to family/friends
40 percent rated a friend’s/relative’s recommendation as highly important
40 percent cited a special event"
Big Bear Lake rates naturally high in several of these key areas or part of these areas. It would serve Retail Merchants, Lodges and Restaurants well to improve in weaker areas and then heavily promote our marketplace as the ideal vacation and leisure travel destination for Southern California on a permanent basis, all round.
Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges should be putting all their marketing efforts into letting leisure travel demographic know about just how Big Bear Lake fits into what they are looking for in a vacation or get-a-way.
And sure there is belt tightening, but of the surveyed, only about 5% more than those surveyed in 2008 said they were going to spend less than last year while on vacation. But when you take into consideration that 40% of those surveyed are going to stay right here in California, there may be a bright spot in the numbers for Big Bear Lake.
Also in the survey, are some interesting hot buttons for vacation planners, something we have been trying to improve on when marketing our own marketplace here in Big Bear Lake.
"When rating highly important reasons for taking their first trip of this summer:
88 percent said the vacation destination was a highly important factor
73 percent cited cost
65 percent said entertainment/recreation
63 percent rated the ease of reaching the destination as highly important
57 percent cited proximity to family/friends
40 percent rated a friend’s/relative’s recommendation as highly important
40 percent cited a special event"
Big Bear Lake rates naturally high in several of these key areas or part of these areas. It would serve Retail Merchants, Lodges and Restaurants well to improve in weaker areas and then heavily promote our marketplace as the ideal vacation and leisure travel destination for Southern California on a permanent basis, all round.
Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges should be putting all their marketing efforts into letting leisure travel demographic know about just how Big Bear Lake fits into what they are looking for in a vacation or get-a-way.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Big Bear Lake Economic Summit
The need for a new marketing and advertising strategy has never been greater for Big Bear Lake Retail Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges. While recovery for the general economy is sure to happen eventually, Big Bear Lake Businesses are suffering. Doors continue to close.
While the general tone for the 2009 Economic Summit, held on June 4, 2009, was a lot of business as usual and offered little to address what is needed or wanted by business, there was some news from the Big Bear Lake Redevelopment Director, Lyle Haynes, with (as far as I know) the first public mention of the possibility of forming Business Improvement Districts for ongoing funding of infrastructure improvements, events and marketing, all in the name of economic development for the City.
Another desperately needed action, to address the Big Bear Lake Development Code, was mentioned briefly.
It was mentioned that for property owners and business to develop properties to meet the best and greatest use and for individual businesses to compete in today's marketplace, serious changes are needed in both the Development Code and the Village Specific Plan. The changes would include density, use, parking and zoning. While this has been an important issue and needs attention, the changes would affect future development of commercial property and does not address anything in the near future.
The Big Bear Lake Resort Association presented current marketing strategy and an overview of scaled back plans for the coming year with their revenues taking a hit as fewer visitors are spending less money with their members this year.
Affordable housing projects were mentioned in the Redevelopment presentation. Both projects currently seeking approval in the Village were mentioned. I for one will aggressively oppose both of these projects based on the location and the irreversible long terms effects they would have on future commercial development and expansion of the Village. There must be some sort of policy set that these types of development should replace existing small and older residential units and be constructed in existing dense residential areas. One good idea that came up was to just let the affordable housing money revert back to the County and let them (the County) construct affordable housing in the unincorporated areas of the Valley.
While the general tone for the 2009 Economic Summit, held on June 4, 2009, was a lot of business as usual and offered little to address what is needed or wanted by business, there was some news from the Big Bear Lake Redevelopment Director, Lyle Haynes, with (as far as I know) the first public mention of the possibility of forming Business Improvement Districts for ongoing funding of infrastructure improvements, events and marketing, all in the name of economic development for the City.
Another desperately needed action, to address the Big Bear Lake Development Code, was mentioned briefly.
It was mentioned that for property owners and business to develop properties to meet the best and greatest use and for individual businesses to compete in today's marketplace, serious changes are needed in both the Development Code and the Village Specific Plan. The changes would include density, use, parking and zoning. While this has been an important issue and needs attention, the changes would affect future development of commercial property and does not address anything in the near future.
The Big Bear Lake Resort Association presented current marketing strategy and an overview of scaled back plans for the coming year with their revenues taking a hit as fewer visitors are spending less money with their members this year.
Affordable housing projects were mentioned in the Redevelopment presentation. Both projects currently seeking approval in the Village were mentioned. I for one will aggressively oppose both of these projects based on the location and the irreversible long terms effects they would have on future commercial development and expansion of the Village. There must be some sort of policy set that these types of development should replace existing small and older residential units and be constructed in existing dense residential areas. One good idea that came up was to just let the affordable housing money revert back to the County and let them (the County) construct affordable housing in the unincorporated areas of the Valley.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Village Merchants Planning First Wine Walk Event
Village Merchants are gathering steam to host the first Wine Walk Event in the Village. A number of Merchants have agreed to pitch in to host the event. The first event would benefit the local Meals on Wheels efforts.
Village Merchants have made a formal proposal to the VBA for their support to aid in making the first event happen this summer.
The event will be a self guided tour form Northwoods Resort to Pine Knot Marina and is one of many events the retail community is actively trying to put into place in order to better compete in the regional marketplace by attracting more get-a-way and leisure travel customers from throughout SoCal.
Village Merchants have made a formal proposal to the VBA for their support to aid in making the first event happen this summer.
The event will be a self guided tour form Northwoods Resort to Pine Knot Marina and is one of many events the retail community is actively trying to put into place in order to better compete in the regional marketplace by attracting more get-a-way and leisure travel customers from throughout SoCal.
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