It has been said that if you’re not growing, you’re dying. It is apparent to anyone paying attention in Southwest Washington that we’ve grown consistently in recent years, and on further reflection for nearly a half century. To some the area may seem "overgrown." GROWTH: Just can’t live with it!
But after witnessing extended periods of no growth, low unemployment, low vacancy rates, increasing property values, new businesses and the population growth we’re experiencing today, these combine for a robust, vibrant and growing community. GROWTH: Can’t live without it!
Yes, interest rates are in fact rising along with property values, and property values seem to be at levels that are unsustainable, especially to those of us with a long historical perspective. Bill Connelly, of Eric Fuller and Associates, put it well at the Chamber’s mid-year commercial real estate update last week, saying that if you’re looking to build on the west coast, Southwest Washington is still the best deal you’ll find.
The Vancouver Business Journal’s Top Projects magazine in today’s issue recognizes the largest construction projects of the past year and many other projects that, while not as large, help contribute to our robust and vibrant community. Why recognize these projects and their owners? Because they make the commitment, sometimes years before the tenant leases are signed, on the belief that they’ve chosen the right community at the right time and with the right facility. Because they are the catalyst for the benefits we receive as a community from their projects.
These are the companies and individuals that make possible the nearly 1,800 peak construction jobs represented in just the 25 top projects. Not known at this point is the number of permanent jobs these projects will create for our local residents, potentially giving some the opportunity to abandon the daily commute to Oregon.
Growth is rarely the problem, though we often tell ourselves we can’t live with it. When growth is preceded by lack of vision, planning and responsible development, there are problems. All projects highlighted in our Top Projects 2006 magazine represent the best of today’s development practices, design, building techniques and utility. Their growth is the ignition sustaining our local economy, and without question, we can’t live without it!
