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Being LOCAL July 29th, 2009 We keep hearing that things are getting better and will continue to improve. And then we hear that things are getting worse and will continue for a bit longer. Which way should we go? A problem for Alaskans is that there are several tourism reductions coming in 2010. Some of our cruise ships will not be coming, others will have reduced schedules. For those of us in Ketchikan, that will have serious consequences. As a community who is primarily tourism based, it is important that we find a viable means of sustainability so that folks are not forced to move from the island. And the answer must be delivered sooner rather than later. I see a couple of things that can assist in sustaining and perhaps even growing the economy in Ketchikan. One is the opening and maintaining the Small Business Development Center, the other is encouraging people to shop local with every single purchase to keep our local businesses open. You have heard me say over and over that a Small Business Development Center in the southern southeast hub, Ketchikan, is vital. The process of getting the office open again is a long battle, but one I think valuable, important and worthwhile. Ketchikan will not likely see a large manufacturer of products that employs 500 people. But they could see 50 businesses that provide 10 jobs each. That is what small business does. It is the true economic engine that makes things happen. In 2008, the Small Business Development Center of Alaska serviced over 1,600 clients. SBDC created and RETAINED 11,995 jobs. The capital infusion to the state of Alaska was $8,979,685! Who else gets results like that? Ketchikan needs a branch of the SBDC open and right now. There is no time to waste to help our budding entrepreneurs get going. With our economy riding out of town on the last cruise ship, it is time to rethink who we are and what we are about. And SBDC has the proven track record to make that happen. Another very simple way of keeping Ketchikan, or any community,  intact is to be certain you are shopping locally. I know it costs more sometimes to do that. I experience that myself. I know you can avoid sales tax by buying a car in Seattle. I know that it is hard to find just the right shoes here. But I also know that my friends and neighbors will be forced to close their businesses if I don't step up and provide support for them. Isn't it much better to pay a bit more and have that service or product here year round, than to order it on via the internet and watch your friends get on the ferry to move south due to lack of employment? We must try harder to keep our people working. We must do better about promoting our businesses to the outside world and encourage them to shop with us and buy our products online. We have the best fish in the world and we can ship it anywhere! We have some fabulous native artists, jewelry makers, photographers and storytellers. We need a big sign that says SHOP KETCHIKAN ONLINE. But most importantly, we should remember to take care of each other. The next purchase you make, consider if you can buy it in Ketchikan or SE Alaska. And do just that. The ripple effect of shopping at home can make the difference in our survival. Crucial for Ketchikan, crucial for Southeast Alaska, crucial for our 50 year old state. NEW FEATURE!!We have now enabled our blog to allow comments. I am so excited to hear what you have to say and hope that you will follow some simple rules of engagement. Be polite. We don't need foul language or rude remarks to make the point. Be mindful of what you write. It lives on the internet forever. Mostly, if you remember what you learned in Kindergarten "Play Nice" things will go along swell. If you don't play nice, we'll have you blocked forever. Which we don't really want to do…. Don't make me stop this car…. Remember that remark from your folks?Safe Journeys ~ Renee ...read more

Wed 6 MayThere is a lot of talk these days about spring cleaning at home and work. Window washing, closet overhauls and looking under the refrigerator. Perhaps this is a good time to take a look at your safety plan. And safety plans are not just for work! Here are a few tips for work and home that you will find useful.HOME•Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors for effectiveness.•Do you have an escape ladder for second story evacuation? And have you practiced using it?•Where will your family meet in the event of home evacuation?•If you live in a multi-family dwelling, such as a condominium or high rise, do you know the safety plan and has it been practiced?•When was the last time you had a CPR/First Aid class? And is your babysitter trained?•Have little ones in the house? Get on their level to see what they see. You might be surprised at what you find.•Gardening is well underway. Keep those chemicals secure and in well marked containers. POISON CONTROL NUMBER IS 800-222-1222 – Post this number on or near the telephone.•Slips, trips and falls can be nasty. Make sure walkways inside and outside are clear of cords and other items at all times.•Always walk completely around your car before getting inside. Numerous children are killed every summer by unintentional run overs.•Heat related deaths due to leaving children in the car are 100% avoidable. Never leave your child in a vehicle unattended, no matter what the reason.•Seniors should keep a list of medications available in the event of an emergency. A family member or friend should know where to find that list.WORK•OSHA reports that the most frequent citations are written for violations in the following areas: General Duty Clause (5a001), Guarding floor and wall openings, Hazard Communication, Electrical – Wiring Methods, Medical Services and First Aid training. Time for a good check-up on these OSHA regs to make certain that you have met these requirements.•A Department of Health and Human Services study has indicated that drug users are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an off-the-job accident, resulting in time loss from work. The University of Arkansas did a study in Benton, AR and found that a meth using employee costs employers $47,500 per year! WOW, who can afford that?•Does your workplace have a safety plan? NOW is the time to review it. BEFORE you need it.•Review your chain of command for reporting accidents and the policies that are in place for drug testing in regard to accidents.•Are all your eye wash stations operational? First Aid kits clean and filled?•New regs are now in place for visibility standards – ANSI 107. A good review is in order. Reduce accidents by being visible.•Obesity in America is rampant. Workers who were overweight filed at least one additional claim and experienced 46 more lost workdays per 100 Full Time Employees than health workers. Perhaps now is the time to review the vending machines and add some healthier choices. At Alaska Ship and Dry Dock, Ketchikan Alaska, the office workers there decided to remove the donuts and add fresh fruit, oatmeal and other healthy choices. Response has been great and they do not miss the donuts!•Do you have a plan in place if an employee asks for assistance with a drug problem? Let’s develop that now, instead of in panic mode.There are many other helpful ideas that TSS would be happy to share with you. Safety is our job. Our well trained staff can assist you in making your workplace safe and comfortable for your crew. It is my hope that your 2009 summer is all you wish for and most of all, SAFE.As always ~ Safe Journeys ~ Renee ...read more