You’ve seen them every spring through September for the past six years. Bountiful baskets brimming with purple, red, pink and white petals brightening Grants Pass.

Just how did all those lovely flower baskets dotting the streets and Caveman Bridge come to be? The hardworking force behind this beautiful project is Cliff Bennett. Bennett and his wife Roxanne, have owned and operated Chet’s Garden Center for the past 16 years.

“It all started as a tester, to see if it was possible to keep the flowering baskets looking good throughout the hot summer,” Bennett recently reminisced . “There were 52 baskets that first summer, in 2001. Dwight Ellis and Colleen Martin, community leaders, had noticed on a trip to Portland that city’s basket program and asked if I could do something like that.”

Bennett was just the man for the job with his exuberant love of gardening and all things growing. Out of Bennett’s lush creativity the baskets blossomed. “We grow them all right here, we begin the flowers in our greenhouse the first of February so they’ll be ready in May.”

In the beginning, the city hired a landscaping company for the basket upkeep. However Bennett noticed some of the flowers wilting, and mentioned this to then City Manager Bill Peterson. The landscaping company was relieved of the basket upkeep and that’s when Bennett took over watering the baskets and total maintenance.

Pouring in countless hours on top of running his business, Bennett watched proudly as his hard-work materialized into the eye-pleasing symbol of spring and summer in Grants Pass.

As the basket program flowered, Bennett was in need of another helping hand and what closer hand than his son Travis, now 22. “We work three hours a day every day of the week from the last weekend in May through the last week in September. And even after that the work continues,” Bennett adds, “with dismantling, washing, sterilizing and storing the baskets.”

“We have a close relationship,” Bennett says about his only son, “we talk together every morning and that’s important.”

As the flower basket program continued to flourish so did the costs, despite Bennett’s countless hours of donated time. Bennett was unable to keep up without some community help. So Bennett did his homework and studied how Portland was able to run their program. “When current City Manager David Frasher came on board in 2005, the city agreed to expand the program,” Bennett said.

Bennett bills the city for actual maintenance costs, $1.17 per basket, even though the actual cost of each basket is much greater and he donates 500 to 600 hours of upkeep and materials over the long season. Bennett discovered that Grants Pass has the only flower basket program in the state that isn’t totally supported by a city. And although Bennett has never raised the price he charges the city since the inception of the basket plan, he does seek to recover costs by acquiring more sponsors.

“We had 186 displayed this past season. That includes 18 baskets just on the Caveman Bridge,” Bennett continues. “Charlie Mitchell, then Economic Development Coordinator, was instrumental in that, he’s one of our biggest fans. He got ODOT to approve it, there was so much ordeal in dealing with the state.” Martin Seybold, Parks and Community Services Director, was also a positive force with expanding flower baskets program.

Perseverance paid off and the baskets have adorned Caveman Bridge for the past three years and plans are underway to have flower baskets hung on seven poles on the 7th St. bridge in 2009.

City Manager David Frasher bestowed Bennett with an appreciation award this past August for, ‘Genuine Care and Devotion to the Beautification of the City of Grants Pass’. “It means a lot to me,” Bennett says, “it’s a very cool award.”

And just what makes the baskets so beautiful ? Bennett’s loving touch of course, and the wave petunias he chose. “They do well in the heat, but still need watering every day, about two gallons for each basket, or 80,000 gallons a season. Those on the bridge also get a lot of wind and that dries them out as well,” he says. “Our largest basket is 42 inches across and the longest is 77 inches. Each basket full of flowers is uniquely designed and depending on the sun’s position, will affect the overall look in each basket,” he says.

If you’re up early during the basket season you’ll see Cliff and Travis hard at work with watering duties from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. “The response from the community has been great,” Cliff Bennett says smiling. “It’s been great for my social life,” he laughs. “It’s (the baskets) a community thing. We have all sorts of people stopping to talk to us and some honk and wave to us on our morning rounds. The city police and firefighters are wonderful too, sometimes greeting us over their loud speakers and yelling ‘thank you’.”

Bennett has run into a few rude folks who wish the watering truck, which is the Chet’s delivery truck, was somewhere else as they barrel down the street, but most react with gratitude.

Rick Chapman owner of Plaza Sewing & Vacuum Center was instrumental in raising $1,200 initially to help with the growing program. However that was as small drop in the watering can toward the $40,000 to $50,000 a year costs it takes for the upkeep of 186 baskets, which includes diesel fuel, fertilizer, water and the growing number of baskets each year. “It is a labor intensive project”, Bennett confirms, as well as monetary.

As Bennett continues telling the history of the lovely baskets, he said one downtown business spoke up saying, “I want to sponsor a basket”. And so began a successful basket sponsorship program. Cliff came up with idea to present a bronze-toned plaque as a way to thank those who sponsor a basket with their donations.

Sponsorship was a great way to procure the needed funds and allow businesses as well as individuals to show -and just not tell of- their pride in our community. “Plaques are awarded to those who sponsor a basket, $150.00 per season, and the plaque etched with the sponsor’s name, or a memorialized loved one, remains on the post year long,” Bennett says. “Of course there has been some vandalism, and that’s costly, but plaques remain a shining way to thank the sponsor for their generous donation.”.

Some of the larger sponsors include Home Valley Bank, Dutch Brothers, Evergreen Federal Bank and of course the City of Grants Pass. However there are several individual sponsors as well and Roe Motors sponsors nine baskets.

What does Bennett do in the flower basket off season? He nourishes his nursery business and offers the gardener and homeowner plenty to keep busy with in the winter months. “We encourage book reading and offer numerous choices for planning your garden or next project, we sell greenhouses and don’t forget the nursery and store are open all year. Besides living Christmas trees we sell pansies, primroses, ornamental cabbage and viola’s (in the violet family) for those who enjoy the outdoors year round,” he says. And chuckles, “In these months we’re also busy giving advice and answering questions too.”

Bennett’s long involvement with the community branches out into other areas, such as helping locals with their fund-raising events. “I give to give, I give because I believe in your cause.”

Besides the flower basket program, which is of course where the largest block of his volunteer hours go, Bennett is proud of his sponsorship of Art in the Garden for the Grants Pass Museum of Art. “This is a big one for us, because of course it involves the garden tour.”

Wildlife Images received most of their landscaping as a donation from Bennett’s Garden Center. “We were also knee deep in volunteer work with Imagination Village, that’s where I met Brady Adams,” Bennett continues. “That project was a lot of fun!”

Over $15,000 worth of trees were donated this year for the new Family House- a refuge for patients and their families in times of need- located on 2.5 acres donated by Asante which owns Three Rivers Community Hospital.

Bennett enthusiastically sponsors Art Along the Rogue and provides an artist’s reception each year in support of the unique chalk art on H Street. “We do all sorts of things in the community, we enjoy teaching classes for the Master Gardeners.”

Always smiling and joking, Bennett treats the flower baskets like he does his Garden Center customers. His focus is on them and how he can help them. He treats his customers as good friends, and indeed they are, just as the flowers bring to us all the good feeling of happiness and community good will.

“I enjoying doing this, I will do it the rest of my life,” he smiles through twinkling eyes.

by Mary Ann Bullard

Wellness is all in the family for the Hendy’s. Tucked into a recently finished suite of offices behind the Guild Building on Williams Highway, Dr. Adam Hendy recently held an open house to introduce the community to his new chiropractic practice. Vicki Hendy – Adam’s mom, runs the front office while simultaneously controlling finances for the dental practice of husband Dr. John Hendy, whose office suite is next door. Adam’s wife Jena and 1-year old daughter Isabella were also there to greet visitors.

This is the younger Dr. Hendy’s first year of professional practice. In December 2007 he received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in San Jose, California, with magna cum laude honors. Adam also holds a B.S. in Chemistry (cum laude) from Oregon State University. In January of this year he opened his doors to patients, and has spent the last nine months building the new practice.

For more details about the open house, check out the full article at SouthernOregonWellness.com

Active Sports and Family Chiropractic is located in the new Big Pine Plaza at 1873 Williams Hwy, close to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Dr. Hendy is also a Certified Graston Technique Provider.

Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8a.m.- 5p.m.; Saturday 9a.m.- 1p.m.

Phone:  (541) 476-0662 .

Copeland Landscape Supply

What do you do when you need 2000 square feet of bark?

What happens if you need just five flat stones to go around your mailbox?

The easiest solution is to call up Copeland Landscape Supply. Whether you’re a big business or a homeowner looking to improve the look of your yard or indoor features, Copeland offers products that will fit your vision.

A great idea for any landscaper is the strategic use of rocks and boulders. The newest offering is Three River Slabs. These rocks are between three and four inches thick and carry a look best described as “tiger stripes.” These and other flat rocks work great for making pathways. River rock may be used to create visually pleasing pathways through gardens, while larger rocks are wonderful ways to add depth and texture to any project. Boulder rocks are an item that many homeowners don’t consider, but the strategic placement of a boulder that is partially buries can create a natural, more interesting look for smaller yards. For those who are seeking ways to add beauty to existing or new water features on their property, Copeland offers a wide variety of stone that will appeal to any taste.

For decks, patios, or any other place where one is thinking about using concrete or brick, pavers are yet another option to spice up the chosen area. Made of poured concrete, they can give the look of cobblestone or simply provide a brighter and more professional looking finish. Copeland carries this manufactured concrete in different sizes and color shades.

Another way to add instant appeal to your landscape is through the use of bark. While customers can choose any size or shade they feel best suits their needs and desired look, different sizes are generally used for various needs. For example, small bark looks great around plants and trees, while larger bark is excellent for high traffic areas. Wood fiber is available for use in playgrounds, and isn’t just for parks or schools. While wood fiber is typically used in those locations, it is also a wise choice for use with play sets or swings used in home yards or for home paths and areas used by those at an increased risk for injury due to falls.

Copeland Landscape Supply also carries products such as crushed gravel, different types of sand, topsoil, landscape fabric, materials for retaining walls, and much more. They can deliver to your home or business, and now have some of their products available in small bags for your convenience.

Watch for Copeland’s Grand Summertime Opening, where you are invited to come visit and see what this company is all about. Special prices will be applied to all flat rock, decorative cobbles, and other items. However, you don’t have to wait for the summertime special to get great prices or just look around at different products for your future or current landscaping projects. They are conveniently located at 695 SE J Street in Grants Pass. For hours of operation or for questions, call (541) 476-4441. The fax line is (541) 479-4881. You may also visit their website at http://copelandlandscapesupply.com/ and see a some of the more popular products Copeland Landscape Supply offers for “Beautifying the Community.” – Gina Locke

RE/MAX in Grants Pass has a new location at 1845 NE 6th Street.

RE/MAX is the largest real estate company in the world today. With over 130,000 agents in their system and 7500 offices in 65 countries, nobody in the world sells more real estate.

RE/MAX Equity Group, which is affiliated with RE/MAX International, is the largest real estate franchise in the world, boasting 24 offices and 1500 agents in its system. RE/MAX Equity Group in Southern Oregon has offices in Medford and here in Grants Pass. Approximately 35 of their 90 agents work out of the newly built Grants Pass office.

The new building, located at 1845 NE 6th Street, is the result of five years of planning. For years, Bob Gervais’ vision included an interactive office with computers and a staff that agents from anywhere in the county could have available to them when needed. When his company, RE/MAX Ideal Properties, merged with RE/MAX Equity, it gave him the freedom to move forward and make that vision a reality. Not only does the new property present a more professional image in an ideal location with plenty of parking, there is now room to bring in additional top agents. Bob hopes to eventually create a one stop shopping experience for customers by bringing in a title company, a mortgage company, and escrow/commercial division, and other elements that will allow customers and agents to make transactions swift and simple. The luxurious facility will allow room for these companies and others who wish to lease offices.

Not only is RE/MAX working hard to help their agents and customers, they take a special interest in charitable causes. One is the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization found by in 1983 by John Schneider and the Osmond family. This organization helps children across the United States by providing funds to 170 children’s hospitals. RE/MAX International became involved in 1992, raising almost 75 million dollars thus far. They do this through different means, such as golf tournaments and pledges from real estate sales. Here in Grants Pass, RE/MAX is extremely active with the Children’s Miracle Network. They also are local sponsors for Little League, involve themselves with the Boatnick Parade, and support the Boys and Girls Club, contributing almost $200,000 to kids in Jackson and Josephine County. CASA, a group which provides volunteer advocates for children in the court system (who often in need of safe, permanent families and someone to speak up for them in the meantime), is another agency RE/MAX assists through event sponsorship.

That’s not all. RE/MAX International has become a co-sponsor of the National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program at Komen Race for the Cure events. Mr. Gervais is grateful to be part of an organization that is so willing to give so much to worthy causes. His agents here in Grants Pass agree, often taking advantage of the opportunity to donate $5 of every escrow they close to the Children’s Miracle Network or to Habitat for Humanity.

These agents aren’t new to real estate. They have been in the business a long time and understand it is a full time profession that carries obligations to their clients and to the community. Bob’s goal in Grants Pass is to emphasize the need for community involvement, with the main focus on children. He states that “kids are our future and deserve a leg up if they can have it. This is a very giving community and we like to be a part of that. That’s just part of being a good person.”

When you factor in all the different aspects of RE/MAX, you’ll find yourself doing business with a company that will provide a positive experience with your real estate transactions and you’ll know that you have done business with a group that has helped paved the way to a better future for our children and our community.

RE/MAX
Grants Pass: (541) 955-8483
Toll Free: (866) 506-5050

Bruce Pitts

They weren’t a wealthy family and their old beat up truck barely made it to the lot of the car dealership. They needed a newer car, but the truck wasn’t worth much and their cash reserves were low. They needed help finding a vehicle that would provide them with dependable transportation but still be affordable on their modest income.

Bruce Pitts recalls this situation with a touch of emotion in his voice. He had just moved from Florida to Oregon. He was working as a salesman at Roe Motors here in Grants Pass, and this was his first sale at the company. Working with other members at the dealership, he was able to find a car within the couple’s budget and set up a reasonable finance plan for them.

This is Bruce’s favorite part of his job – helping other people. He understands that purchasing a car isn’t always the most pleasant task in a person’s life, so he tries to make it as stress free and simple as possible. With sixteen years of experience behind him, Bruce still sticks to what he has always believed to be the key to good customer service: treat people with dignity and respect, offer them a great product at a fair price, and take good care of the customer after the sale. It’s how he likes to be treated so it’s how he treats others. His co-workers share in this concept of what constitutes exceptional customer service, so it’s no wonder that most have had a turn at winning the salesman of the month award.

In an attempt to try his hand at modern technology, Mr. Pitts recently made his first debut on the extremely popular video website name YouTube. In this four minute video he features the 2008 Sierra pickup. Part of the many bonuses on this truck include remote start, back up warning sensors, power adjustable pedals, and heated windshield washer fluid. Much to Bruce’s surprise, the video has received thousands of hits, so he plans on making more in the near future. To see him in action, visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqZCPW3aJI

While it sounds like a relatively easy job, working as a salesman can be difficult at times. For example, a simple computer error at the DMV caused a good nine hours of waiting, phone calls, and paperwork before one certain sale was completed. There are also concerns when it comes to the issue of taxes: some people don’t want to pay them, so they come to Oregon in an attempt to avoid the sales tax in their own state. This isn’t just a customer’s problem because if they get caught, everyone involved faces penalties. Even if it weren’t for fines that can possibly reach over ten thousand dollars and possible jail time, Roe Motors works hard to maintain honest sales practices when it comes to such issues. They are approved members of the National Automobile Dealers Association, which helps ensure that everyone is kept up to date on the latest laws and related information.

Another issue that cannot be ignored is the rising cost of fuel, especially when it comes to diesel powered vehicles. There has been a slight drop in sales, but with a line of vehicles that get an EPA estimation of 30 highway miles per gallon, the difference has been negligible. Vehicles that match or exceed this estimation include the Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Buick LaCrosse, Pontiac GrandPrix, Pontiac Vibe, and the Pontiac Solstice. For those worried about the overuse of fossil fuels or who have interest in using alternative fuels, GM has vehicles which use E85 ethanol, hydrogen, or the new E-Flex propulsion System.

While all of the vehicles listed above are great in their own right, Bruce’s personal favorite is the GMC Yukon Denali. He finds it to be an excellent value for the price. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, stop by Roe Motors and see Bruce Pitts or any of the friendly customer specialists. You’ll be given personal service and rather than being tossed from one desk to another, you’ll work with just one person for the majority of your visit. With no high pressure sales tactics, a strong commitment to customer service, and a firm belief in only selling people vehicles that fit their lifestyles and budgets, you’ll feel as if you’re with friends. Visit http://www.roemotors.com/ to see a list of current deals and available cars, then stop by in person at:
201 NE 7th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
For hours, call (541) 226-3236 -Gina Locke

Fast, fresh, and tasty, naturally!

When Chuck Losoya, the owner of Casablanca Restaurant and Grill asked Andy Baida was asked to oversee and operate a new coffee shop, Andy took it one step further. Why not also serve healthy food like he eats at home?

It couldn’t have come at a better time. In an area like Grants Pass, Oregon – which seems to be a step ahead of the rest of the country in reverting back to wholesome foods and converting to environmentally friendly products, consumers are ready for a healthy alternative such as Casablanca. Rather than loading up on hydrogenated oils and processed foods loaded with trans fats, this restaurant stocks soybean and corn oil. Their produce is locally produced. Their cheese is freshly grated, which means it hasn’t been stored in plastic bags and hasn’t been treated with anti-caking agents. Would you like chlorine washed lettuce that’s been stored in plastic? Hopefully the answer is no, and that’s why Casablanca doesn’t purchase processed foods and uses local, organic ingredients as much as possible.

However, it is a drive-through, and it is fast food. That brings up the issue of packaging. Is it really logical to offer healthy choices if they’re going to be served in oil based plastic containers or Styrofoam? Probably not, which is why you won’t find them used at Casablanca. The box your food comes in is created from sugar cane. The utensils are made of cornstarch. The coffee cups are compostable. Andy goes through the ingredients of every item before ordering to ensure that only the best quality, earth friendly, and healthy products are handed over to you.

Keeping with the theme of healthy and fresh, Casablanca Coffee & Grill also offers 100% fruit smoothies in a variety of flavors. Boosted smoothies include extras, which are different with each drink. For example, “The Healer” is a peach, pear, apricot and strawberry blend with antioxidants, wheat grass, and ginko biloba. “Detox is a mixture of acai berry, mango, pineapple, blueberry, and pomegranite with Dr’s Garden phyto-nutrients. These drinks make a great accompaniment to lunch dishes such as Teriyaki Bento over organic rice or a sweet chile wrap. A vegan choice includes black or pinto beans combined with a lettuce bland, fresh salsita, sprouts, and vegan dressing. It contains no dairy or animal products.

If it’s coffee you’re after, you’ll have a number of choices to make from freshly brewed organic coffee to a honey drizzled latte. Extra flavors include goodies such as tiramisu, banana, amaretto, raspberry, cinnamon, and much, much more. A variety of teas and cold drinks are also available. Pair one of these drinks with a wrap made from scrambled eggs and homemade sausage or the Don Carlos Bento and you’ll have a breakfast that will start your day off with a bang. As always, the eggs are from cage free vegetarian fed hens, antibiotic and steroid free, with no hormones or stimulants. Soups, appetizers, snacks, and an assortment of teas are also on the menu.

This remarkable attention to detail and concern for the well being of others isn’t limited to customers. Andy is a firm believer in providing for the needy and has a special interest in helping out children who have been places in foster care. His compassion for these children spills over into his business, and employees of Casablanca recently dug into their own pockets in order to donate to the Easter Basket Project. At the end of last year, their money went to buy Christmas toys for over twenty children. They’re also involved in Relay for Life, Although the business is new and still trying to establish itself here in Grants Pass, Casablanca takes great effort to donate to foster care causes whenever possible. When asked why he becomes so involved with foster kids, Andy replied with this comment: “Kids don’t have a choice to live in poverty. The saints, the ones you hear about who used to help so many people throughout the world, they aren’t here anymore. These kids, they need to be taken care of.”

Casablanca’s provision of wise choices for the community, eco-friendly products for the earth, and love for local children leads to the belief that Andy and his crew has unwittingly heeded the words of one particularly well known saint who said “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Theresa

Please be sure to stop by and give Casablanca Coffee & Grill a chance to make your day a little brighter. They are located at 686 Union Avenue on the corner of Union and Fairgrounds Drive. (Across from the Three Rivers Hospital and the Shell Gas Station)
For special orders or if you’re in a hurry, call your order in ahead of time at (541) 479-2831 -Gina Locke

It’s no secret that the city’s proposed sign ordinance has some business owners more than a little concerned. In order to meet together and discuss problematic parts of the proposal, Dean Saxon (of Copper Barrel Coffee and Artistic Embroidery) and Richard Emmons (of Richard Emmons Consulting) organized a March 3rd meeting, which was attended by others who either shared their apprehension or wanted to help ease it. The purpose was to make other business owners aware of key points of the proposed ordinance that might adversely impact their businesses.

David Fedosky, who owns the Guild Building and Consolidated Financial, expressed dismay over the direct impact the proposal would have on him. While he was assured the company’s business sign would be grandfathered in, this simply means that he will have ten years to come into compliance with new regulations.

Some were worried about the value of their propety. Signage is an asset, and money can be lost on a property if the new owner has to take into consideration the thousands of dollars it would take to ammend an existing sign or whether it’s worth buying in an area that doesn’t allow them to advertise with their sign to the degree they would like.

Lisa Woodruff, President of Logan Design (http://www.oregonsigns.com) knows her business will be affected because she will not be able to identify herself with a professional freestanding sign in a location visible to potential clients. While she acknowledges that in the short-term outlook, the passing of this proposed ordinance would probably be good for her business as many signs would probably have to be re-done to conform to the new ordinance, she stands with fellow business owners and believes that anything which would negatively impact the growth of business in the Grants Pass Community is bad for her business.

Geoff Farrer of DelTaco believes that the city utility easement (CUE) area rules would take away character from the Grants Pass area. The CUE standards will allow signs within the CUE if they meet the following standards:

1. A maximum height of 8 feet
2. Maximum allowable area of 32 square feet
3. Freestanding signs may not project over the right-of-way
4. Signs may be removed by Utility, at Utility’s cost, but replacement must occur at the expense of the owner/leaser
5. No “Changing Image Signs” permitted in the CUE.

Along with taking away personality from Grants Pass, a discussion ensued on the increasing tourism into Grants Pass. The less unique a town is, the less attraction there is for potential visitors. While the state may still over-ride decisions made that affect I-5/199, most feel it is still important to allow high visibility signs along this area. Bringing the freeway overlay to the council was strongly urged. It was stated that the Grants Pass community has reinvented itself and is now a growing and thriving community again thanks to everyone and the support of citizens. Taking away signs or restricting them to levels that may decrease the number of people who come in to visit and make purchases could have a negative financial impact on area businesses.

An additional consideration is the wording of the abandoned signs section. While at first glance it sounds like a great idea to enforce the removal of a sign within 30 days after the date of abandonment (which is considered to be 60 days), a major issue to consider would be vacant rental property. Very often the sign adds to the value of a rental property, but they don’t always sell within 60 days.

In light of these many issues, business owners were glad for the opportunity to share their concerns with city staff and are hoping to work together with City Council to amend the proposed sign code in order to make modifications that will not only be agreeable to business owners and others who will be affected, but that will be beneficial to the entire Grants Pass community. – Gina Locke

When the Toyota company changed its requirements for dealerships, Cliff and Dana Wheeler had some decisions to make. They needed more space to meet the new requirements, but buying surrounding lots by their South West K St. location would be a lengthy and difficult process, while having one large space seemed to be more logical. When the opportunity to sell their existing building to Carl Johnson presented itself, the decision was made and Wheeler Toyota was relocated to their classy new facility on Redwood Highway.

Wheeler Toyota first opened in 1968, making it the oldest Toyota franchise in Oregon. Having been in town this long has allowed them to become quite familiar with their clientele and with the Grants Pass area. When asked about different ways they have interacted with local programs, Cliff Wheeler seemed almost uncomfortable, and stressed that it’s not something they normally make public, as the purpose is not to look good, but to help strengthen the community. When looking into the kids programs, educational organizations, and music facilities they have contributed to, it becomes clear that Wheeler Toyota Scion is a business with a heart.

It is this type of character and commitment that has kept customers loyal for decades and will for years to come. In their ongoing effort to make the lives of their patrons easier, Wheeler now has an Express Lube station. During the oil and filter change, which comes complete with a multi-point inspection, customers may choose to remain in their vehicles and relax for the average 14 minutes it takes from entry to exit. This service is available Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and from 8 am to 4:30 pm on Saturdays. There is no need to make an appointment, and almost all non-Toyota vehicles can be serviced. For more information on hours and the services available, visit Wheeler Toyota’s newly remodeled website at http://www.wheelertoyota.com or visit them in person at 375 Redwood Highway. For an appointment, call (541) 476-6858-Gina Locke
-Gina Locke

BETTER BUSINESS
By Michael Smith, Mortgage Broker, Consolidated Financial
Planning Consultant, Galactic Planning Services

“Who’s riding on YOUR bus?”

This month’s article will discuss the analogy of “the bus.” Imagine your business as a bus going down the road, you at the wheel, & your team members, partners, & clients all on the bus with you. Look in that big mirror the bus driver uses to watch for skylarking riders. Do you have the right people in the right seats doing the right things? Let’s see.

Right behind you is your support staff. Are they well trained, always cordial, & ready for the road trip? While you are looking out the windshield to keep the bus on the road & improve your client base, are they as passionate as you about the way your bus is traveling down the road & where you are going? Or, for a good picture of opposites, are they hanging out the windows making funny faces (or worse) at passing motorists (potential clients)? Make sure your staff is well trained, well behaved, & fully ticketed for the course the bus is on.

Now let’s look at your “partners.” Every business has some level of suppliers, vendors, outside support, etc. Are they the type that assists you in your goals at every opportunity, or are they just looking to ride your bus without paying a fare? Make sure you are aligning yourself with & attracting partners that have a symbiotic view of doing business with you, & express that when they are first climbing the stairs to get on the bus with you.

Last are your clients. Are your “perfect” clients on the bus with you, & are they getting the royal treatment in the first class section? If they’ve chosen to get on that bus with you, they are EXPECTING the first class treatment, & you will lose them if you don’t supply it, or if you crash the bus en-route to your destination. Make sure that your clients know that they are the most important people on the bus. Even with all the other riders on the bus, without clients you can’t pay the high cost of diesel fuel to make the bus move.

I have been asked recently “do you do all the things you write about perfectly?” NO WAY JOSE! I have to work hard on to get better, and discover great ideas that keep my bus between the white lines. I’m simply trying to do my best for the riders on my bus, & get them safely home with whatever they needed from me. I hope that helps understand where these ideas come from. Nothing’s perfect, but it can always be better.

See you next month, & keep the questions & suggestions coming. I’m thrilled to be helping you so many people do better business.

You can contact Mike @ mikes@consolidatedfb.com or (541) 660-5107

Paragon Sign at the fabulous Guild Building

Richard Emmons of Reality Marketing in Grants Pass, was approached three years ago by David Fedosky, founder of the Guild Building, with the idea of ultimate community attraction. Many planning stages and a two-year construction have yielded “The Paragon,” the first outdoor digital sign of its kind in the world. The literal translation of the word paragon is “a model of excellence” or “a diamond over 100 karats in weight” and there could be no better name for this massive display.

The XL-A-Vision Digital Display was built by AccelerOptics, which is the largest independent industrial manufacturer of lighting in the United States. Rather use a the typical LED lighting system, AccelerOptics designed this high-resolution digital projection screen. This has a better effect because the light does not interfere with the surroundings and the best view of the sign is from a driver’s perspective on the road.

The Paragon’s digital design compliments the beautiful Guild Building and can be used to promote various community events and advertisements. The functionality of the projections screen allows advertisements to change from one minute to the next, giving motorists many different views. The possibilities are endless as The Paragon’s massive potential will provide up-to-the-minute weather forecasts with internet accuracy, locals proceedings like the concerts in the park, information on market values such as stocks, interest rates, oil, and gold. Many other uses are surfacing such as utilizing the device as a traffic control tool to warn motorists of a fire or traffic accident ahead and addressing 911 Amber Alerts within minutes of announcement.

Thousands of citizens in Josephine County will benefit from this unique structure for many years to come as its functionality surpasses expectations. For more information on The Paragon and the Guild Building, visit guildbuilding.com.