You note the challenge of the gray area of choosing businesses that are not in competition with existing businesses. Creating guidelines around that is indeed challenging. However the example you site doesn't seem wholly valid. From what you share the Sober Guys service provides a value added service when compared with Go Alpine as it relates to inebriated vehicle owners. Go Alpine does a great job of transporting these types of customers. Sober Guys seems to be targeting the particular need of people who wish to wake up and have their vehicle with them. This goes double for in winter when there is a cost to leaving your vehicle on the roadside or in a parking lot. From this perspective, Sober Guys are offering an innovative service that currently is not available in the local marketplace, that also stands to reduce the number of dangerous drivers on the road.
perhaps a micro-finance program might create the funding to encourage start-ups, and businesses attempting to grow, without the give-away. It could be funded by crowd-sourcing locally, or by the City itself.
I appreciate that in disagreeing with a proposal, the editorial board is willing to propose an alternative. Particularly in this case, where the impacts of the pervasiveness of throw-away plastic bags are becoming clearer.
However, I think the solution proposed by the editorial board somewhat highlights the main challenges we tend to see regarding 'sustainability' (addressing environmental and social equity issues in support conditions for a vital local economy). That is, here and in most places, a narrow view and understanding of what the issues are means that acting effectively in the support of a vibrant, resilient community for the long-term is unlikely to happen. And one party is unlikely to come up with the best solution. Whether you are the paper's editorial board, city council, or a business leader, without a deeper understanding of the system conditions that promote human life, solutions to today's challenges will be less than they might be.
I encourage city and county leaders to become better educated about sustainability, and to engage key community stakeholders as it supports rational, effective action.
Yes, the cycling event will have tremendous short term benefits for local businesses, in addition to some very temporary crowding issues. And these may be significant, with the potential for some very large crowds in town for the event.
The attention that will be given to this race, both domestically and overseas, stands to shine a very bright and positive light on our area as a destination. I hope that the Chamber and other entities are preparing to capture on this opportunity.
And best of luck to all involved in the challenge of event organization and execution.
Andy will have copies of his book available for sale and signing. And 1/2 of any donation for the event may be applied to the purchase price of the book.
Thanks for the reminder to vote in the YVEA board election which is often overlooked.
We are blessed to have reliable and inexpensive electrical energy service to our homes in the YVEA service area. They do an incredible job of meeting our electricity needs in this regard. And the board has been steadfast in satisfying YVEA's mission to provide reliable and low-cost electricity to its members. While also offering "green" energy and net-metering as options for members who wish to take advantage.
However, as there is not currently true cost accounting for the energy produced by YVEA what we see are policies that are based on an inaccurate cost assessment. This makes it very difficult for YVEA's board and management to make decisions that are in the very best interest of the co-op. For instance, if the costs to the health of our children and others from mercury and other pollutants from burning coal were accounted for, how much would a kilowatt hour cost then? Would other energy options that had significantly lesser harmful impacts and that simultaneously input more dollars into the local economy seem like a relatively better option? This is the kind of question I would like my board members to be asking.
Our view: Micro-grants miss the mark
Thanks for taking on this issue.
You note the challenge of the gray area of choosing businesses that are not in competition with existing businesses. Creating guidelines around that is indeed challenging. However the example you site doesn't seem wholly valid. From what you share the Sober Guys service provides a value added service when compared with Go Alpine as it relates to inebriated vehicle owners. Go Alpine does a great job of transporting these types of customers. Sober Guys seems to be targeting the particular need of people who wish to wake up and have their vehicle with them. This goes double for in winter when there is a cost to leaving your vehicle on the roadside or in a parking lot. From this perspective, Sober Guys are offering an innovative service that currently is not available in the local marketplace, that also stands to reduce the number of dangerous drivers on the road.
January 4, 2012 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Do you like the city’s micro-grant program for local businesses and startups?
perhaps a micro-finance program might create the funding to encourage start-ups, and businesses attempting to grow, without the give-away. It could be funded by crowd-sourcing locally, or by the City itself.
December 13, 2011 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Light Works of Steamboat honored as Sustainable Business of the Year
Awesome. Lighting can be a simple, passive way to save energy, money, and reduce emissions.
November 4, 2011 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
In battle of newcomers, Macys defeats Moloney for Steamboat council
Thanks to the both of you for being willing to participate in this process and to offer your service to the community.
November 2, 2011 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Community Agriculture Alliance: Local foods bring local potential
Keep it up.
October 28, 2011 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Our View: Plastic bag fee won’t work
I appreciate that in disagreeing with a proposal, the editorial board is willing to propose an alternative. Particularly in this case, where the impacts of the pervasiveness of throw-away plastic bags are becoming clearer.
However, I think the solution proposed by the editorial board somewhat highlights the main challenges we tend to see regarding 'sustainability' (addressing environmental and social equity issues in support conditions for a vital local economy). That is, here and in most places, a narrow view and understanding of what the issues are means that acting effectively in the support of a vibrant, resilient community for the long-term is unlikely to happen. And one party is unlikely to come up with the best solution. Whether you are the paper's editorial board, city council, or a business leader, without a deeper understanding of the system conditions that promote human life, solutions to today's challenges will be less than they might be.
I encourage city and county leaders to become better educated about sustainability, and to engage key community stakeholders as it supports rational, effective action.
August 28, 2011 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steamboat prepares for Pro Cycling Challenge parking, traffic issues
Yes, the cycling event will have tremendous short term benefits for local businesses, in addition to some very temporary crowding issues. And these may be significant, with the potential for some very large crowds in town for the event.
The attention that will be given to this race, both domestically and overseas, stands to shine a very bright and positive light on our area as a destination. I hope that the Chamber and other entities are preparing to capture on this opportunity.
And best of luck to all involved in the challenge of event organization and execution.
August 9, 2011 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Author to share the art of contemplative photography in Steamboat
Andy will have copies of his book available for sale and signing. And 1/2 of any donation for the event may be applied to the purchase price of the book.
June 24, 2011 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steamboat middle school’s Oddo receives honor
Congratulations Susanmarie and the other recognized teachers for your wonderful work. You are shining stars.
June 7, 2011 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tim McCarthy and Paul Potyen: Vote in election
Thanks for the reminder to vote in the YVEA board election which is often overlooked.
We are blessed to have reliable and inexpensive electrical energy service to our homes in the YVEA service area. They do an incredible job of meeting our electricity needs in this regard. And the board has been steadfast in satisfying YVEA's mission to provide reliable and low-cost electricity to its members. While also offering "green" energy and net-metering as options for members who wish to take advantage.
However, as there is not currently true cost accounting for the energy produced by YVEA what we see are policies that are based on an inaccurate cost assessment. This makes it very difficult for YVEA's board and management to make decisions that are in the very best interest of the co-op. For instance, if the costs to the health of our children and others from mercury and other pollutants from burning coal were accounted for, how much would a kilowatt hour cost then? Would other energy options that had significantly lesser harmful impacts and that simultaneously input more dollars into the local economy seem like a relatively better option? This is the kind of question I would like my board members to be asking.
May 23, 2011 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )