New Topic...small business
I've heard a lot of horror stories about people wanting to start businesses. Is this true? I know of some small developers who have tried to get through Planning Department and City Council for years. They don't have the deep pockets of the large developers to pay for the carrying costs and revisions so they make very little profit.
I've also heard that some businesses have been rejectecd for various reasons. Do you know of any? Have any of you tried to start a business? Share your stories with us.
In Colorado the costs of starting a business were: $15.00 for filing with Secretary of State, $25.00 for incorporating, $15.00 for Trade Name(City), and $25.00 for Sales Tax License. That's it - what you would call small business friendly. Here the cost is $170.00(home business) just for the City. I don't know what the State costs are.
posted by Gayle Washburn @ 1:32 PM
41 Comments
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41 Comments:
As an employee at the local Vons I can tell you they are not making money.They made a huge investment in building the new store and are not seeing a profit,sales are down from where they should be.I think people who work out of town shop out of town.How can a small business survive if a hugh business like Safeway can't?
Former mayor Gunderson gave a warning during a council during his final days in office - "if doesn't start to "grow up" we could start losing businesses like VONS." Thanks for the warning Don, you were certainly correct.
Von's in Santa Paula is SO much nicer to shop at. Santa Paula needs the sales tax more than Fillmore anyway.
Capitalism means that not all businesses will thrive.
anonymous: Thanks for the Von's insight. I see a lot of people shopping there, especially on weekends. It seems like they would have enough traffic to make a profit.
As far as the difference in a small business, I can give you an example. In the 90's, Texaco sold off all of it's "marginal" fields to small independent oil companies. South Mountain in Santa Paula and Shiells Canyon in Fillmore are now operated by independents. They are able to make money because they don't have to pay the huge corporate overhead; the corporate headquarters, CEO pay, jets, etc.
marc o: Von's/Safeway have been here for a long time. Somehow they survived when we had a very small population.
With all due respect to Mr. Gunderson, these scare tactics that are being used on the citizens to justify all this growth are misleading.
And anonymous is right about capitalism, look at Enron. Anything can happen...
Not sure where this forum is heading but did you read the articles relating to the owners of the new El Pescador restaurant this week in both the Gazette and the Sespe Sun? The owner invested 3 million dollars in this venture because he feels that Fillmore has potential after seeing all the dramatic new changes around town. He also has faith that Fillmore will continue to grow. Lets not let him down.
Hey Marco help me out here. I re-read the El Pescador article and I don't see anything about "dramatic new changes" or "faith that Fillmore will continue to grow". The quote was "I think Fillmore has a lot of potential." With regards to "Lets not let him down". The place is packed almost every night. As long as he rents out the rest of the buidling I think he will do just fine.
Thanks Tom,
My interpretation of the article was not taken completely out of context. I suppose that I subjectly concluded that "dramatic new changes" was the same as Mr Ortiz's statement of "I think Fillmore has a lot of potential. I think that the city has done a great job in bringing in new things, new ideas, new job opportunities," Ortiz Jr. said "We feel that since it has that potential, they they're willing to do it more. By just doing more, Fillmore will boom."
I take that as a pretty dramatic statement regarding changes and I can understand how slow growth proponents might cringe at the idea of Fillmore "booming".
I said "lets not let him down" because historically, Fillmoreons are known to be like "kids in a candy store" when it comes to new business in town. The curiosity will overwhelm the new business for the first few months however the "newness" of the place usually wears off. Lastly I can't see how we can assume that the rent from the other tenants will keep the Ortiz's afloat. The new dental office and auto insurance office will rely on mostly local customers, I would hate to limit their opportunities to grow without some sort of population boost.
I’m going to disagree to say that the success of the El Pescador is responsibility of the owners and not the locals. I live right around the corner and judging from the parking lot, the restaurant does a good business. Will that continue? I’ve eaten there and so have all my friends, we all agree, it’s a nice place but its noisy, overpriced, mediocre service, unimpressive food and the drinks are watered down (unforgivable), I doubt I’ll go back. So am I at fault?
Warning: Soapbox Speech
I will make every attempt to shop locally prior to running out of town but there is one thing that “most” of the businesses here in Fillmore just don’t have a clue about and that is service. If you are going to be charging premium prices then you MUST provide a higher level of service if you expect continued support. I’m talking about the level of premium service that you receive at places like Patterson’s, Fillmore Cafe and Central Station. There are too many businesses in this town that whine and cry about no support and their service SUCKS. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce should offer a critiquing service to all the local businesses or seminars on service excellence regardless of membership. There are too many businesses in this town that I will not patronize because of their lack customer service skills. I work hard for my money; I shouldn’t have to work hard to spend it!
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BRAVO GAYLE!!!!
You hit it on the button!!!!
All affiliated with City Hall is for the Out Growth of Fillmore.
Is it me being suspicious or is there someone in this Forum, hiding behind a made up name?? Whom is connected to City Hall.
Now I am not calling names or attacking anyone. I am also being nice and up front.
I am stating that, because of the comments in support of a Booming Fillmore.
I have spoken to numerous Residents here in Fillmore. The percentage for Booming Growth is an extreme small percentage.
The count of Signatures on the Referendum speaks for its self.
I maybe wrong, but there are definite quotes that raise an eyebrow. I do believe I know this person too.
We will see.....
marc o: "...I can understand how slow growth proponents might cringe at the idea of Fillmore "booming."
Wrong, every citizen, with very few exceptions is quite disturbed at what's happening here.
It's really sad to hear people say that they can't wait to get out of here because they can't stand the direction this city is going. And I'm talking decent, middle-class families that you would love to have for neighbors and friends. I could produce five people in five minutes who are leaving this town because of these policies. Every one of you probably knows many who have already left.
Sorry everyone, I had to delete part of my comment. I felt that I had cast aspersions without facts which I don't want to do.
Tom Fennell, re: El Pescador, I agree completely regarding all, overpriced, mediocre service, unimpressive food, (definitely flavored completely different from Mexican menus of which my palate has become accustomed to), and the drinks, let's put it this way, I ordered a Strawberry Margarita and they added this sour junk that totally ruined that ... watered down drink. NEVER AGAIN!!!
My husband has lived in Fillmore most his life and I've been here for 10 years. Frankly, at first, I thought the "growth" was normal. But when they started building those homes going toward Piru, I started having BIG doubts that the decision to allow that was not in the best interest of Fillmorians in general. Then I was told that the buildings erecting in Old Towne Fillmore are 3 stories high and both my husband and I think that is completely against the old structures which are not 3 stories. Kind of completely messes up the "small town atmosphere" by adding structures that in no way comply with the atmosphere that causes people to have a desire to stay here. The only thing that "MAY" be a good outcome in all of this is the Job Opportunities may broaden...may!!!Not a definite thing here. More homes being built, and not enough new business to create many "real jobs" just means more traffice for us Fillmorians to commute to jobs elsewhere. And that is not a good recipe for normal growth of a small town community.
Tom I completely agree that it is the owners responsibility to make or break his own business. Most Fillmoreons are living paycheck to paycheck and wont stand for mediocre food or service.
I visited El Pescador for the first time last week and I was served a watered down margarita and it was definitely too sour just like shadow said. And, truthfully the food was not the best. So does that mean that you'd rather see a good restaurant like The Elephant Bar or TGI Friday's in town instead? I certainly would.
Gayle, I'm curious to know how you came to the conclusion that every citizen in Fillmore with the exception of a "few", cringe at the progressing direction of our city? Am I to assume that you have personally interviwed 15,000 people? Where do your figures stand?
Gayle, I'm curious to know how you came to the conclusion that every citizen in Fillmore with the exception of a "few", cringe at the progressing direction of our city? Am I to assume that you have personally interviwed 15,000 people? Where do your figures stand?
Marc, there are a few indications. First, there were many people who participated in collecting signatures for the Referendum. Some people walked neighborhoods and others stood at Von's and Super A. I think that would give you a good random sample for polling purposes. Anyway, the vast majority of people were absolutely against high density in North Fillmore. There were some that were for it but I think just guessing - 20 to 1 in favor. I would have to ask the signature collecters what percentage were opposed for a more exact number but that was the experience for all of them.
And, if you think about the public hearings it was probably about the same ratio except none of the people in favor of the NFSP even lived in Fillmore.
I understood that roughly 1500 signatures were collected in the referendum. I'd like to assume that the volunteers didn't use scare tactics to pursaude siganatures. You know, scary stuff like alley ways, apartment ghettos, absolutely NO mitigation for traffic causing death and dismay in case of a disaster, you know that kind of stuff.
Marco..
I take offense to your statement.
I assure you there were "NO SCARE" tactics used.
The 1600 signatures were in a 2 week time frame. 3 times more than was needed to Certify the Referendum.
I am very proud to say, that I collected a significant percentage of signatures for the Referendum.
I am positive that if we circulated the Referendum longer, we would have received 2/3rds of the Registered Voters Signatures.
I had no problem getting signatures. The people just took the Referendum out of my hands.
95% of the Signatures I collected, the people were disqusted with every City Council Member sitting.
95% Want a complete overhaul of the City Council. 95% vented to me,that The City Council Members are not listening to their Constituents. Numerous people stated, "How dare they,RUIN OUR CITY!!!".
Those who were not registered, told me they will register and vote this Nov, 7th. That is how determined our Residents in Fillmore are to let the Council know how they feel.
These feelings were expressed by others whom passed the Referendum too.
It is very obvious that the present City Council Men & Woman are out of touch with their Constiuents.
I understand Mrs. Walker was president of the Chamber. What's her opinion of the state of business in Fillmore and what did she do to assist them? I remember a large front page article in one of the papers.
Marco, then how do you justify the statement “Let’s not let him down”?
Elephant Bar and TGI Fridays? Dude, I wanna party with you…. But really, do you get out at night? The Elephant Bar couldn’t even make it in Ventura and TGI Fridays is, well, TGI Fridays, everything tastes the same and you need to watch the movie Office Space to understand the rest. Why not throw in an Appleby’s and a Sizzler while you’re at it? I prefer food that has been prepared, not cut from a plastic bag. Fillmore already has some great places to eat, get out and try them. Believe it or not, you CAN get a great steak in this town. I’ve lived in Ventura County for many years and traveled 126 through Fillmore too many times to count. It didn’t matter which direction I was traveling, the thought of stopping in Fillmore did not occur to me. Why? Because I had either just started my trip or I was getting close to ending it. No Sizzler or TGI Fridays would have changed that.
What is it going to take to make Fillmore a destination instead of a portal?
the chamber of commerce sure needs patti back! why is mr. mcmahan the president again? if i remember correctly didnt he miss the 80 % of the board meetings and chamber mixers? laurie hernandez was on the board a couple of years ago also and she has the same motto as mr.mcmahan. come when you lease ! i know i will NOT re-new my membership.
just think, laurie hernandez wants to become a council woman. now thats just wrong! whats next?cocktail hour before each council meeting? come on fillmore lets be professional!
correction: please not lease .
Has anybody been having trouble logging in? Every time that I do it from a fresh page, it says my password is incorrect, even when I have just changed it.
Anonymous...Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? In my opinion, you have a blatant disregard for common respect. Laurie Hernandez has been an active participant in several Fillmore organizations, and her goal has been to stay involved in making good things happen for Fillmore, being a resident here her whole life. Can you say the same for yourself without slinging mud?
sure can . ive lived here for over 35 years.
sure can . ive lived here for over 35 years.
Dear Anonymous – Yes, I was voted in unanimously as President of the Chamber upon the resignation of Christie Neal from the Board. It was with regret that I was unable to fulfill my term which expired in January 07. The comments I made in the Gazette article were at the time not only what I believed the direction the Chamber needed to focus their attention to but it was the entire Boards opinion. I do hope with the return of prior Board Directors that they will remain true to those issues. The businesses in Fillmore need leadership which I honestly believe is the role the Chamber’s has in the community. I hope you are one who remembers to “shop locally” as not only do the businesses depend on you to keep their doors open, the city depends on you in order to keep the sales tax revenue up which only benefits the entire citizenry.
Thanks for caring.
Patti
Dear Anonymous – I appreciate your vote of confidence in my abilities. I firmly believe we all are responsible in providing support to the business community. I was honored to be a member of the Chamber Board. I believe those individuals who now comprise the Board believe very strongly in the role the Chamber plays in the community as a whole. I trust they will remain honest representatives of the businesses.
I hope you will reconsider your position with respect to renewing your membership as that is the backbone of the Chamber. If you do renew maybe you will consider applying to be a member of the Board and become an active participant in bring about changes that can benefit all.
Patti
i respectfully disagree with you patti, the chamber of commerce has turned its back on our local business's. id rather spend my $40.00 on groceries for my grandchildren.
Anonymous...That still doesn't make it right for you to sling mud, in fact...it just makes you more accountable for the things you say, because of your involvement in the community. Pointing fingers and saying bad things about people in politics is just plain "bad" politics. And Fillmore doesn't need high corporate-political mud-slinging brought into our small town community. Any citizen has the right to run for City Council. Too bad even a small town like Fillmore can't run a clean election and leave the back-biting, mud-slinging comments to themselves.
the letter posted in the sespe sun from diane mccall's husband is quite interesting to say the least. if diane mccall cant handle the critics then why enter public office? my husband did nothing wrong except voice his concerns about diane mccall. has anyone seen a response from diane mccall?
if diane is elected then will she hire a private PR firm to take on the concerned citizens to task?
claire k,
Your husbands letters were disgusting and childish. They do absolutely nothing to help the campaign's of those you support.
clair - if i were diane, i wouldn't waste my time responding. You know what they say about arguing with a fool
diane mccall just showed fillmore what a weak candidate she is. lets get one thing straight, if she cant handle the critics now ,what will happen if she is elected? a private PR firm? say roger theres a potential client!
as a undecided voter, i for certain know that i will NOT cast one my votes for diane mccall.
the kennedys have every right to express their opinions and others have a right to disagree!
anon, i agree . candidates need to respond not spouse's. although i would want to defend my wife.
jared - I respect her husband for defending her. He has earned my admiration for standing up for his wife. I don’t blame diane for not commenting on insipid comments directed at her. Auguring with idiots?
admire what? diane mccall is simply a basket case.
HERE IS A GREAT QUOTE FOR ALL OUR CANDIDATES:
"KINDNESS HAS CONVERTED MORE PEOPLE THAN ZEAL,SCIENCE,OR ELOQUENCE".
- MOTHER TERESA
my husband and i live here in fillmore. we have been here since 1997. we moved here from omaha.
our names are thomas and claire kennedy. we are real people.
we have two children that attend fillmore's public schools. thomas my husband works and im a stay at home mom.
we pay taxes. i certainly hope this clarify's the rumors from patti, diane , gayle and the editor of the sespe sun that we are not real.
Claire and Tom -
I always knew you were real.
Maybe some day we will meet.
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