The Heart of Business

Hatching a Plan

Late one Wednesday evening, at a café in downtown Spokane, I met with members of Sean’s party professionals group, called INPRO. They’re a collection of photographers, DJs, caterers, rental shops, planners, printers, an engraver… a confetti mix of small business owners with a couple common traits: 1) They’re in the events business 2) They know how to throw a fine party themselves (I say this after attending several INPRO functions with Sean and always leaving with a smile). Some of these professionals depend on weddings, reunions, anniversary celebrations and other events to earn a living. Others do it to supplement the family budget. All spend time attracting new clients, ensuring current patrons are satisfied, and paying bills. You know, the stuff small business owners do to keep the doors open. It is time-consuming. It can be all-consuming.

Knowing what it takes to run a small business (as Sean did, and will again, with occasional help from me), I sat in wonder and gratitude, listening to the INPRO folks plan Sean’s benefit (happening November 6th):

“Who will D.J.?”; “What about the silent auction?; I can accept items at my store; “I think the bubble guy can come,”…”

I started to feel as if I’d entered my own bubble and was floating above the table, watching and thinking, “They’re taking a lot of time to organize an event for Sean; I can’t recall everyone’s name; How many meetings did we attend this year? He wasn’t even on the board…”

All Aboard

These busy professionals have convinced other small business owners to climb aboard the “Help Sean Recover” wheelchair to health: Every Occasion Engraving has donated graphic design and planning time; MoJo Reprographics has donated signs; Let it Shine Media has donated public relations, website development and more than I could possibly list here; Luigi’s is providing food; Tuxedo Gallery and Pounder’s Jewelry are selling tickets; Bubbillusions will provide entertainment…and that’s just a partial list for one event (forgive me, forgive me, I have omitted so very many names…). The point is, the folks at INPRO, and other small business owners throughout our community have many other profitable ways to spend their time. David Madvin, the owner of Elite Salon in Latah Valley (my neighborhood) e-mailed to say he, too would help. I called him, and David said, “I faced my own health crisis years ago, and I remember how scary it was. I want to do anything I can.” Haircuts for the family? You bet. Donate a percentage of his profits during a post-Thanksgiving open house? Say the word, and it’ll happen. I don’t even know him.

We also have, in our corner, Sean’s friends in the videography/photography business. Jon Montgomery from Celebrate Life has filled in on 2 of Sean’s weddings; Todd from Fusion Media shot a benefit, asked that payment be sent to us, and is editing a video for Sean’s event. Nikki Beylea from Moxie Images took family pictures in the fall leaves. Where do they find the time? They have full schedules, unfinished projects…and open hearts.

A Bit of Background

I have a soft spot for small business. My father’s fiberglass manufacturing plant in Ashtabula, Ohio kept the lights on in the house (no small task; as a kid, I flicked on as many lights as possible). It fed us, clothed us and sent my sister and I to college. Actually, my dad and mom did the heavy lifting; the business was a vehicle for an income to sustain our family.

In my role as Marketing and Communications director for Greater Spokane Incorporated (a.k.a. “The Chamber”), I witness every day the tangible contributions small businesses make to our community. Just look at the GSI website and you’ll see mom-and-pop shops are the heart of our economy: “88% of companies in the Spokane region have fewer than 20 employees.” Their owners contribute to the Crisis Nursery, the food bank, the shelters, to cancer patients…and now, to my family. I cannot simply say small businesses contribute to our community. I’m living that reality.

“Open”

The same people who work 60, 70, 80 hours a week, the ones who’ve taken out a second mortgage to buy equipment, the ones who’ve risked it all to build something bigger than what they have now are the same people borrowing hours from client meetings, staff meetings, from producing their own product or service to plan a benefit and orchestrate other help for Sean. Sitting on the receiving end of so much philanthropy, I’ll never see local business in the same light. These folks don’t just have “Open” signs… they have open hearts, too.

[P.S.: Again, I've omitted (not intentionally) many names from this post. Please feel free to add your name in the "Comments" section]