December 1993
Page 9
SMALL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Smoke Signals
Entrepreneur of the Month: Tim Douglass Computer Training Schedule
Tim Douglass has been earning a living renovating
and remodeling homes for a good part of his adult career. His
has owned and operated T. Douglass Remodeling for eight
years, and lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon with his family.
Tim said, "I was taught the trade by someone who
gave me my own freedom when it came to learning," he said.
He says that to be in this type of work you have to really like
what you're doing.
Tim worked for twelve years for the Portland Fire
Bureau and decided to go into business for himself during the
economic recession of the 1 970s. T. Douglass Remodeling
now employes two other people full-time doing mostly
residential jobs.
"We do a lot of "add-ons" to homes," explained
Tim, "people who want a new den or bathroom in their house.
We can even do the finishing touches like painting it all
depends on what the client wants."
The Tribal Housing Program has hired T. Douglass
Remodeling in the past to restore some homes in Geribaldi,
Portland, and Grand Ronde as well.
Because Tim works so closely with clients,
reputation is very important to him.
"IVe advertised in the phone book for a while," he
said. "Many times I will get a job through recommendations.
If I do a good job for a customer, I know they'll give my name
to someone else."
Being a contractor requires Tim to be licensed,
bonded, and have company insurance. Tim's wife, Tuvi,
maintains the company paperwork.
Basically, Tim just loves the work he does, and says
that's an essential part of owning a business.
"Whatever happens to my company, or the decisions
I make it's on my shoulders. I don't have to answer to
anyone," he said.
"A lot of people dont know how to avoid the stress
of owning a business. I like setting my own hours, and we
make enough to be comfortable. I'm not one of those people
who needs to be a millionaire."
"Overdraw, No Way!"
Business Cash Flow Management
Why do businesses fail? Don't businesses usually
fail when they have more bills than money to pay them? Cash
Flow Management is the art of planning your revenues to
cover your expenses. Are there times of the year when you
have less revenue than others? Do you have large once per
1 1 year bills that sometimes you forget to plan for? Come join
6:30 P.M. at the Tribal Community Center and learn more
about these skills.
Holiday Open House
The Business Development Department is
sponsoring a holiday open house Wednesday, December 15
from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Tribal Community
Center. The Christmas Bazaar will be going on, and we will
also be offering delicious refreshments. This is your
opportunity to learn more about the Business Development
Department, have some Christinas fun, and finish Christmas
shopping. For more information, contact Debby Childers.
$$ Update
BIA Grant and Loan programs have limited funds for
FY 1994. These funds are administered on a first
come,first serve basis. If you are interested in applying,
call the Business Development Center, NOW!
V J
LYiL
The Douglass Family, clockwise: Tuvi, Renae,
rim, Nicole,and Troy.
"BUSINESS TAXES"
Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill
Doug Everson, of Valley Bookkeeping Services,
was the guest speaker for the Business Tax class. He has
several years experience in preparing taxes for individuals
and businesses, and taught classes at Chemcketa Community
College in past years.
A simplified manual record keeping, and examples
of reporting business taxes for the different types structures
of business was given out as a handout to the twelve
participants attending the seminar.
Structures of business, dividend payments, travel,
insurance's workman's compensation, retirement plan
benefits and strategies for saving tax dollars were some of the
areas discussed.
Microloan Money Available
Cascades West Financial Services has received
Small Business Administration (SB A) monies for a microloan
program. Microloans are geared at start-up businesses, and
funds can be used to purchase equipment or inventory, or for
working capital. Loans are available up to $25,000 with an
interest rate of up to 12.375, andasix-year maximum term.
If you are interested in applying for the Cascades West
Financial Services microloan program, contact the Business
Development Department.
The Business Development Department is offering
several computer training classes in November. Space is
limited to three people per class, so call Debby and reserve
a spot now. The numbers are: 879-2251 or 1-800-422-0232.
If you are interested in a specific computer training not
offered, call and make an appointment with a staff member.
BASICCOMPUTERS: Come learn thebasicsofthe computer.
We cover an overview of the computer, learn to use the
mouse, and do a brief overview of Word For Windows.
Instructor: Shelley Hanson. Offered 126, 1-3:00 P.M., 12
8 6-8:00 P.M.
WORD FOR WINDOWS: Word for Windows is an easy to
use, quick learn word processing system. If you are wanting
to write letters or memos, or create reports, Word for
Windows is an ideal program for those projects. Instructor:
Mitch Conley. Offered 1214 1-3:00 P.M.
INTERMEDIATE COMPUTERS: If you've attended the
"Basic Computers" class but need more practice before
moving on, we will practice more and learn more about the
basic functions of the computer. Prerequisite: Basic
Computers. Instructor: Shelley Hanson Offered 1228
10:00 A.M. to noon.
PRINT SHOP DELUXE: Do you ever need flyers or signs for
your business or program? Print Shop Deluxe is easy to use,
and creates flashy designs. Print Shop Deluxe has a variety
of pictures and graphics to add pizazz to your flyers, signs,
calendars, or cards. Instructor: Debby Childers. Offered
1229 1-3:00 P.M.
MICROSOFTWORKS: Microsoft Works includes a database
program, a word processing system, and a spreadsheet
system. Come learn how to use each of the components, and
how they can fit together to meet your business needs.
Instructor: Elaine Moore Offered: 1216 2-4:30 P.M.
MICROSOFT WINDOWS: Windows is an easy to use
"operating system" based on a simple point (at a picture) and
click (with a mouse) method. WhetheryouVe used Windows
before or not, there are endless possibilities with this system.
Instructor: Mitch Conley Offered: 128 1-3:00 P.M.
QUICKEN: Are you looking for a simple, inexpensive
accounting program? This is it! You can use quicken to write
checks, and maintain your business personal books. If you
are considering a computerized accounting system, check
this program out. Instructor: Elaine Moore Offered: 1210
24:00 P.M.
Seminar Schedule
Seminars are usually held on the second or third
Thursday of each month at 6 : 30 P.M. at the Tribal Community
Center in Grand Ronde. They are open to the public. Here
is a schedule for upcoming months:
December 10 "Overdraw, No Way! Business Cash
Flow Management"
January 13 "How To Sell and Market Your Products
and Services"
February 10 "Advertising and Promotion That Makes
Money"
March 10 "You've Got the Idea, Where's the S$$"
Christmas Bazaar
Wanting to make some extra holiday cash? Here is
your chancel The Business Development Department is
sponsoring a Christmas Bazaar at the Tribal Community
Center, Wednesday, September 15 from noon to 8:00 P.M.
There will be no charge for tables, but you must call to reserve
a space. Grand Ronde tribal members will have preference
for spaces, so hurry and call Debby Childers at 879-2476 or
1-800-4220232. Business Development will take care of
advertising the event to our tribal members and the local
community. Please take this opportunity.