WeShare

I have a friend who writes an interesting blog about running a small business in Bend.  My friend owns a book, comic, games, and card store in downtown that has survived for more than 27 years.  The blog usually focuses on the challenges of making a small business work and the “Bend Bubble.”  My friend correctly predicted the collapse of the real estate market several years ago by comparing it to the bubble in the sports trading card market in the 1980s.  He’s a smart guy with some great insights about small business.

Interesting blogs attract loyal followers and contributors who … Continue Reading

The last time I drank any Gatorade I was struggling up Mt. Rainier with a full pack and an empty reservoir of energy.  I was hoping the Gatorade might help me rehydrate and allow me to reach the summit.  Unfortunately, I was hit with terrible cramps and never got close to the top of the mountain.  It would be wrong for me to blame my failure on Gatorade, but today I can confess that I have never liked the stuff very much.

I don’t mean

… Continue Reading

Earlier this week, the City Council approved a site plan for a new shopping center in East Albany.  This development proposal came to the City about a year ago and has gone through many changes since it first arrived.  Building location, traffic patterns, off-site improvements, and landscaping have all been adjusted to conform to city and state standards.  The process, from the developer’s perspective, has not been easy or quick.

Albany’s Development Code does not require a property owner to reveal who the user of a building will be after it is constructed.  The City regulates land uses but does not … Continue Reading

Not long ago, I received a DVD in the mail warning of the dangers of radical Islam.  I’m picky about my propaganda and chose not to view the report, even though I’m fully aware of the threat posed by religious extremists.  There are many dangerous people and places in the world.

This week, I’m making some presentations about community development in Zahle and Tripoli, Lebanon, on behalf of my professional association, the International City-County Management Association.  Many friends have asked me why I choose to work in the Middle East, given that there is so much hostility against Americans.  I’m sure … Continue Reading