BUSINESS NEWS
2
Coast River Business Journal
Publisher’s Notebook
February 2021 Matt Winters
Return to some kind of ‘normal’ depends on vaccinations
More of us in coming months will succeed in getting immunized
against COVID-19. This will restore a greater sense of safety for Colum-
bia-Pacifi c families. But will it get us back to “business as usual”?
Nearly a year into what we all hope is only a once-a-century pan-
demic, it becomes diffi cult to fully recall what “normal” was. Imag-
ine what it will be like to wander around wherever we want, fl y wher-
ever we please, run around without safety masks, embrace friends and
greet strangers without fear of contagion. Specifi c to our area, think
about what it will mean — and what it will take — to resume the
Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival, the Hood to Coast Relay and dozens
of other events that depend on enthusiastic participants and dedicated
volunteers.
As of this writing, Oregon’s vaccine rollout was running slightly
better than the national average of 8.3% having received one dose and
2% being fully immunized. Washington state also was in the middle of
the pack. Both were well behind West Virginia, which had percentages
of 11 and 4.1. Thanks to a greater sense of urgency in the federal gov-
ernment, there’s a decent chance that vaccinations will start to rapidly
accelerate in coming weeks and months.
With an increasing number of worrisome viral mutations that may
partly elude currently licensed vaccines, there’s no time to be lost. Only
by reaching a vaccination rate in the vicinity of 85% can we reasonably
hope to choke off the novel coronavirus’ paths of escape. To whatever
extent we fail to do so, chances exist for the virus to mutate enough
that the whole process of vaccine production and implementation must
start from scratch. And even if the U.S. steps up to the challenge of
achieving “herd immunity,” this new virus will fi nd new opportunities
to exploit in regions like Africa where vaccination campaigns will take
much longer.
What’s all this mean for the businesses covered in CRBJ?
• Getting ourselves and our employees vaccinated is a top priority.
Nothing wrecks consumer confi dence faster than news or rumors of a
COVID outbreak.
• There isn’t likely to be a “Victory Over the Virus Day.” Bother-
JANUARY
SALE
some virus hygiene measures could be with us for much longer than
anybody wants. We need to get better at it, not sloppier about it. Buy
and use N95 masks. Speak up about risky behavior. Reward employees
who fi nd ways to shine without their smiles being visible.
• Thanks to our beaches and parks, visitor numbers have been strong
throughout most of the pandemic. Considering how diffi cult it will be
to recruit volunteers and attract guests for traditional mass events, we
must continue rethinking regional marketing and focus on the genuine
traits and attributes that attract visitors. Safe. Scenic. Friendly. Fasci-
nating. Affordable. It’s themes like these that will ensure a return to a
robust and enduring coastal economy.
• It’s more important than ever to support one another. Let’s look
after and speak for all the traditional industries that underpin our econ-
omy. Forestry, fi shing of all types, hospitality, maritime, real estate,
healthcare, education, agriculture and others are all vital when it comes
to jobs, taxes and a well-balanced society. Let’s keep our dollars as
close to home as we can, and always support local folks.
Precision Heating customers in Washington
EARNED over $2,000 on average
for their first year.
Did you
know?...
PACIFIC
COUNTY’S #
1
FU LL S E
CALL (360)642-4272
RV IC E
S O LA R P R
O V ID E R
FREE NO OBLIGATION
“If you
ever wan
ted
solar, now
is
the time!”
-S
tan the
Solar Ma
n
HOME OR BUSINESS ENERGY AUDIT
SO
SAL LAR
E 2
OFF 5%
!
... that the federal government will give
you up to $12,000 in a dollar for dollar
tax refund in your first year?
PRECISION
HEATING
& Indoor Air Quality
360-642-4272
stan.tussing@gmail.com
www.usa-heating.com