Now, the nonprofit economic development agency is launching a program geared at keeping local companies and helping them expand. However, Martin did cite the 1999 scare prompted by rumors Lamb-Weston planned to move its headquarters and 275 salaried jobs to Boise as an example of why the community needs a team to work with existing companies. White said his first task will be to assemble a team of people with a natural interest in retention and expansion - officials at the chambers of commerce, ports and government agencies. The leadership team will survey every manufacturer with 100 or more employees in Benton and Franklin counties to find out what they like and don't like about being in the community. White predicts manufacturers will cite high air fares and lack of access to investment capital among the top complaints.
Investment capital is an especially tricky issue.
The problem, White said, is investors usually want their companies to relocate. Survey results will be linked to a team of volunteers who will work with businesses that appear to be at risk for moving elsewhere or closing down. The Strategic Assistance Response Team will swoop in to help identify problems and find ways to resolve them in hopes the business stays in town. White, who originally came from the Puget Sound area, owned a paint store in Richland for 17 years and currently operates P'Chelle International, a Kennewick export trade and management company that takes its name from a family nickname for his daughter. White said he has a personal interest in making sure local businesses grow and succeed.