Smoke Signals
April 1994
Page 8
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Entrepreneurs Of The Month: Larry & Patti Tasa
By Tracy Olson
Larry and Patti Tasa have been married for nearly
28 years and have worked for themselves during most of that
time. Together with the help of their children, they own and
operate B&H Electric in Hillsboro, which is much more than
a repair shop.
' The Tasas previously owned a painting business
before taking over B&H Electric. Patti's step-father was one
of the founders B&H stands for Bill & Harold), and he
taught Larry all about repairing electrical motors.
Said Patti, "To come up with the money to remodel
and get the business going, we had to sell everything. We
sold a boat, a camper, a truck, almost everything we didn't
really need."
The family remodeled the back part of the business,
where they now live.
B&H is capable of repairing almost any tool: lawn
mowers, appliances, and other mechanical items. The other
facet to the business is one of commercial and residential
water system installation. In the summer months, people
want irrigation for their lawns, so they call B&H to install
one.
Larry handles the physical end of the business,
while Patti does the books, payroll, and taxes.
"Shelley (Hanson) and Elaine (Moore) say I can put
my books on computer, and they'll be a lot easier. That's my
next goal," said Patti.
The Tasas are currently working with Small Business
Development in getting a business loan.
Said Larry, "Shelley and Elaine are working with
us on this. The Tribe has been very helpful in getting this
done."
. -...- - . . ' -1
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Larry And Patti Tasa in front of their business.
Seniors Tax Assistance
Business Development Division staff are offering
tax preparation assistance to tribal elders. Staff members
will input tax information into the Turbo Tax software
program which is designed to help prepare returns. Returns
will be prepared on an appointment basis, so please call
ahead to schedule a time, and to find out what information
you need to bring with you. If you are a tribal elder and
interested in doing this, please call Debby Childcrs at 1 -800-422-0232
for an appointment.
Tribal Member Business Registry
Tribal mcmbcrbusinesscs wanting to bid on projects
with Spirit Mountain Development Corporation will need to
be registered with the Small Business Development Division
of the Tribe. As a registered Grand Ronde tribal business,
participants w ill receive all tribal and Spirit Mountain RFPs
(Request For Proposals) and bid requests. (Keep in mind that
SMDC will not accept bids from businesses not registered
with Small Business Development.) Small Business
Development will assist members in meeting the bonding
and insurance requests per the bid specifications. Start-up
businesses can receive planning assistance to qualify for
future tribal business projects. Any Grand Ronde Tribal
member owned business can register by contacting Small
Business Development staff members at 1-800-422-0232.
April Seminar: "How To Finance A
New Or Existing Business"
Do you have a burning business idea just waiting to
blossom, but you're short of funds? Do you have a business
that's been around a while, but could use some expanding or
a line of credit for the busy times? For those of you in
business, or those thinking about starting a business, make
a long-term investment and attend the April Small Business
Development Seminar: "How To Finance A New Or Existing
Business". Do you know how much of your own money will
be required by a lender? What types of businesses are
financial institutions interested in financing? What do
financial institutions look for in a loan recipient? For
answers to these and other questions, come to the Tribal
Community center Thursday, April 14 from 3-6.00 P.M. for
a seminar. For more information, contact Dcbby Childcrs at
the Small Business offices.
Your Business Development Center offers a variety of
services:
Business Planning
Management Assistance
Trainings
Resouce Library
Fax Service
Computer Lab
Phone Message Service
Mail Center Service
Photocopy Service
Computer Training Schedule
The Business Development Department is offering
several computer training classes in March. Space is limited
to three people per class, so call Debby and reserve a spot
now. The numbers are: 879-2476 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 418, 10:00 A.M. until
noon, and 427, 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 47, 1:00-3:00 P.M. and421, 1-3:00
P.M.
PRINT SHOP DELUXE: Doyou 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 4
13 1-3:00 P.M.
TURBO TAX: Are you feeling a little overwhelmed about
your taxes? Come try Turbo Tax, and relieve a little stress
from your life. Turbo Tax will figure your federal and state
tax returns, and print them out for you. Turbo Tax is an easy
to use, Windows-based system. You answer questions as you
go and after completing the question and answer period, are
ready to print your return. Instructor: Elaine Moore. Offered
401, 9-10:00 A.M., 46, 2-3 &3-4:00 P.M., 411, 2-3 & 3
4:00 P.M. f
QUICKEN: Are you looking for a simple, inexpensive
accounting program? You can use Quicken to write checks,
and maintain business and personal books. Instructor:
Elaine Moore. Offered: 420 1-3:00 P.M. .
"Jobs In The Woods'1 Program
By Constance Albrecht
The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management are beginning the "Jobs In The Woods" Program
this summer. Under President Clinton's initiative to assist
Northwest communities impacted by the downturn in the
timber industry, these federal agencies are beginning forest
restoration projects. They will be hiring contractors for
projects throughout Oregon this summer.
Several projects are slated for the Yamhill and
Ncstucca River drainages near Grand Ronde. However,
there will be other contracts in western Oregon including the
Santiam River Basin in Eugene.
The Tribe has information on the specific project
locations and contract amounts The Tribe encourages any
members in construction, excavation and revegetation
business to review this information and immediately contact
theForest ServiceorBureauof Land Management. For more
information call Mitch Conley at SmallBusiness Development
at 879-2475.
THURS
THURS
THURS
THURS
THURS
THURS
Upcoming Seminars
APRIL 14 "How To Finance A Business"
MAY 12 "Budgeting & Cash Flow Management"
JUNE 9 "Legal Aspects Of Doing Business"
JULY 14 "Arts & Crafts Marketing"
AUGUST 11 "Personnel Issues"
SEPT. 8 "How To Start A Business In Oregon"
All seminars are held from 3:00-6:00 P.M.