This writer received this comment yesterday posted to the May 2nd entry:
“it is way too difficult to get a job here in yelm i have been out of school since june because i am a graduate of YHS . yelm is a bit far from the other cities.”

This writer’s reply to this young man:
Not only is Yelm too far from other cities in some cases, I am told by several they wish not to locate here
because the city has done little to address the traffic issues, all the while adding more development onto roads unable to handle additional traffic.
The extra extra fuel/labor/time expenses with traffic in locating a business in Yelm are too great to be offset by the available labor pool such as yourself for many businesses looking to come here.

However, once Wal-Mart is open, you can look for other fast-food and quick-car service and associated stores to follow by opening near Wal-Mart, including perhaps a big-box merchant such as Home Depot.

Then, at the Yelm Planning Commission Meeting Monday evening, I heard from a member of the audience that people
living in SW Thurston County (i.e. Tenino, Centralia, etc.) that have used SR507 through Yelm for access to South Hill, Tacoma, Puyallup & Mt. Rainier are opting to drive out of their way and use the freeway rather than contend with Yelm traffic.

Now this published report in the Pierce County Business Examiner:
“But that doesnt mean all merchants see the City as being business-friendly. Just ask Walt Franczyk.

The owner of Walts Tire Factory, which recently opened shop at 509 Yelm Ave., lost an appeal this summer to install an awning sign in front of the business. According to court papers, the Citys current signage requirements prohibit the letters on awnings from taking up more than 30 percent of the awning.

Franczyk did win approval to have a sandwich board with his business name on it in front of the store, but has given up on a Yelm Avenue storefront sign for now. There is an approved sign on another side of the building.

Several other businesses in town have signs that do not meet the lettering size requirement, Franczyk pointed out.

Other delays he encountered with the City in getting his occupancy permit also ended up costing Franczyk about $70,000. Those costs included canceling three consecutive grand openings as well as costs associated with his being unable to leave his former location at 1308 Yelm Ave. E. when he originally planned in June.

“It wasnt worth it, Franczyk said of the move. Its a lesson learned.

The aforementioned article is not a first, as this blog has published other’ stories about how difficult this city can be for small businesses. See July 15, 2006 Blog entry #2 for another small business story.

And, the City Council recently authorized spending $17,700 in taxpayer money (see September 28th’s entry) to develop “collateral material” (i.e. a brochure) to market Yelm as an attractive business environment, all the while ignoring marketing, advertising and economic development people in this town that would have gladly volunteered to create such a brochure and strategy, if asked.

What say you?