Shopping centers stand by expansion plans
Despite deflated holiday sales nationwide, large-scale regional shopping centers are continuing their development and expansion plans into 2009. As consumers spent less on holiday shopping, the retail industry capped 2008 with a depressed ending, as Black Friday sales promotions were unable to give it a much-needed lift. According to a Dec. 4 report by the Read More →
Small business gets lean
Small-business owners already know things aren’t looking bright for the coming year. But in such dire times, experts have some advice to help entrepreneurs weather the storm: streamline operations, find a niche, and get the most out of employees. “Focusing on the fundamentals of sound business practice is the best way to minimize the problems Read More →
Tourism could be a bright spot in 2009
As businesses and families cut back on spending, the tri-county tourism industry is prepared to take a slight hit in 2009. But, experts say, don’t bet on travelers giving up vacations altogether. Although the region’s tourism sector is already feeling the effects of a down economy, its location as an easy-drive destination for much of Read More →
Recession-proof by the case – Inexpensive wines expected to flourish
If 2008 was a year for sipping chardonnay in tasting rooms, 2009 will be a year for drinking zinfandel over the dinner table. Central Coast wineries know that in a recession, tourism typically dwindles. And as tourism and consumer spending decline, so do tasting room visits and restaurant and bar sales. But, as Deborah Baldwin, Read More →
Alternative fuel firms to accelerate sales this year
Renewable energy companies in the Tri-Counties are counting on two things to pull them through 2009 – the deals they executed in 2008, and President-elect Barack Obama. “We’re seeing that even in light of reduced oil prices, the Obama team is looking to a green energy economy as well as green energy for its own Read More →
Clean air a fresh priority – New regulations will curtail pollution statewide
State officials took the first step Dec. 11 toward implementing AB 32 and SB 375 – a sweeping set of greenhouse gas emissions rules that legal experts say will be the most significant environmental regulations in California since the Coastal Commission Act. So far, the state has approved a scoping plan for AB 32 that Read More →
Successful niche firms will help economy rebound
When the American economy does turn around, presumably at some point next year, one aspect of that recovery will be very easy to forecast. I can say with absolute certainty that the vast majority of private sector jobs created in the rebound will come from small business. That’s because small businesses, particularly niche companies that Read More →
