Another One Bites the Dust

Last week the Powerhouse Event Center announced their closure after ten years in business. A couple weeks before that a venue in McCall closed and another McCall venue announced foreclosure proceedings. The Powerhouse is the latest in a series of local businesses to fall victim to the economy. In addition to the economy, the owners cited increased competition from several sources as a primary reason for the closure, though all the sources mentioned, except one, were in business before the Powerhouse and continue to thrive.

Historically, economic downturns refine the market, allowing stronger businesses to survive and weeding out the weaker ones. In the last several months we have seen florists, caterers, photographers and other event-related businesses close their doors. Some were financially over-extended; others failed to understand the importance of customer service in a down economy (and any economy for that matter). Others were still trying to find their niche in the market and just couldn't hold on.

We as consumers can help our local businesses in these challenging times by choosing to buy locally and by rewarding excellent customer service when we experience it. Eventually the economy will improve, bringing more clients and money to event-related businesses. We will again see more formal events and fewer pot lucks, more company picnics and holiday parties, more training meetings and conferences, but it will take time. Hang in there.