Smoke Signals April 1993 Page 5
Entrepreneur of the Month: Bob Mercier
In this economy, if a business lasts nine years, it is considered to be a success. And
if that business has anything to do with the timber industry, some might even call it a miracle.
Bob Mercier owns such abusiness. He received a grant through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs to buy a truck, and now owns "Bob Mercier Trucking", a contract log hauling business
with four trucks and three employees. He Said, "My wife Gayle does a lot of the paperwork,
I go out and get the timber."
Bob drove a truck for Silctz trucking Company for fifteen years and says he's always
dreamed about owning his own business.
"I give a lot of credit to Barney Olberg, who used to be President of Taylor Lumber
and Treaty Corporation," he said. "He really helped me buy my trucks and make my business
idea a reality."
Bob's employees are Lennis Mercier, Jack Scott, and Bob Bowman. He has long
standing contracts with Siletz Trucking, Bryce Mitchell, and Hofenbrcdel Logging.
Bob was raised in the Grand Ronde area and now lives in Willamina. His parents
are Joe and Blandine Mercier.
Not only does Bob have his own business, but he is the Chairman of Spirit Mountain
Development Corporation, and organization established to bring business and industry to the
Grand Ronde area. Bob has also served on Tribal Council, but said, "I would like to stay
involved with Spirit Mountain. That's really where my interest lies."
Although Bob is happy with the business, he sees some problems that are developing
in the timber industry.
"The future of Oregon logging is scary," he explained. "You never know what
restrictions are going to be placed on you... there are many unknowns. Timber sales may be
slow. A lot of small, weaker timber companies have folded in the past few years. Only the
big ones have the ability to survive."
Still, Bob has hauled for the same companies for many years now, and will continue
until he retires. And he's keeping his four trucks busy.
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Bob Mercier talks about his business and the timber industry.
Arts & Crafts Co-op
This is it! Your chance to guide the process of the
newly formed Arts Coalition. If you have feedback or ideas
about what you would like to utilize the Arts Coalition for,
come to the tribal Community Center Saturday, April 17, at
Noon, for a luncheon to discuss the future activities. The Arts
Coalition can provide arts & crafts traini ng to tribal members,
make bulk purchases of supplies for members, and look into
places to sell your arts & crafts items. In the future, the Arts
Coalition could have its own retail outlet. Exciting isn't it?
What we need now are tribal members willing to contribute
their time, energy, and ideas. Mark April 17 on your
calendarcome and enjoy good food and share your ideas.
April Business Development Seminar
"Positioning Your ProductService"
What comes to your mind when you think of
McDonald's? Clean stores, consistent, quality food, and
quick service? Whatever the image is, it is very clear in your
mind, and did not happen by accident. Successful marketers
realize that image is a very forceful selling tool. Lawrence
Edwards of K-P Graphics will be presenting a marketing
seminar on "Positioning Your ProductService" at the Tribal
Community center Tuesday, April 20 at 6:30 P.M. Bring
your ads, brochures, and other publications and use this
opportunity to get feedback on your current marketing
efforts. All classes offered by the tribal Business Development
Center are open to the public so bring your friends and
family.
ONABEN Greenhouse Classes
ONABEN's ten week Greenhouse Business
Development classes will begin again in April. There will
be a four week introductory session before the ten week
classes begin. Classes will be offered in Salem and Portland.
The exact dates, places and times have not been determined
but if you are interested, call Debby Childers at 1-800-422-0232.
Debby will contact you once the dates, times and
locations have been determined. Registration will begin the
week of April 1 9, so get your name in early. The Greenhouse
classes gives an overview of the business planning process.
If you think you may be interested in owning and operating
a business, this class is a good opportunity for you to learn
what exactly it involves.
ONABEN will beoffering an advanced Greenhouse
class for everyone who has graduated from the first one.
These classes are scheduled to begin in May. Again, call
Debby Childers if you are interested.
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Fax Service
Computer Lab
Library-Magazines, books &
videos
Phone Message Center
Mail Center
Phone Service
Photocopy Service
Business Planning &
Management Assistance
Training in Management &
Computer Usage
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7-SJI!oil-00-J-OIJJ
Location:
9615 Grand Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
at the Economic
DevelopmentPlanning
Modular
Hours:,
Monday thru Friday 8:00 am
to noon & t :00 pm to 5:00 pm
Spttitl Tuesdiy Hours: S:00
to 9:0Opm
Computer Training Available
The Small Business center in the Economic
Development office is offering a variety of Computer trai ni ng
classes in April. Classes are open to all tribal members and
their families. Registration is limited to three people per
class, call Debby at 1-800-422-0232 to reserve your space.
Don't forget that the computer lab in the Small Business
Development Center is open during regular business hours
Monday through Friday and Tuesday evenings. The center
is available for business correspondence, school projects,
and practice. We have several games if you are unsure of
your computer skills, stop by and play a little bit.
TUESDAY 46 BASIC COMPUTERS 6:30 P.M.
THURSDAY 48 TURBO TAX 9:00 A.M.
THURSDAY 48 TURBO TAX 3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY 413 WORD FOR WINDOWS 6:30
A.M.
FRIDAY 416 BASIC COMPUTERS 10:00
A.M.
WEDNESDAY 421 SPREADSHEETS 3:00
P.M.
THURSDAY 422 BASIC COMPUTERS 3;00
P.M.
TUESDAY 427 BASIC COMPUTERS 6:30
P.M.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SEMINARS
42093 Marketing II Positioning
Your ProductService
51893 Cash Flow Management
61593 Small Business Financing