Such improvements have paid off in the past. The two-block stretch of about 65 businesses responded with a 30 percent increase in its sales tax revenues by 1996. About 6,000 jobs have been cut from the nuclear waste cleanup site since summer 1994. But many small businesses aren't in consolidated shopping areas and are struggling through the layoffs. Delsa Pospical, who owns the store with her husband, Max, can't entirely blame the Hanford downturn on her sometimes slow business days.
Business is so sporadic.
What's a good month one year is a terrible month next year. It's not predictable. And other businesses will be able to do the same for us when a client mentions they need a chair repaired or a sofa or car seat recovered. The alliance is working with the Richland Chamber of Commerce. Terry Owens, chamber marketing director, is one of the alliance contacts.