Page 41 - Flathead Beacon // 6.29.16

BUSINESS IS PERSONAL MARK RIFFEY
COLUMBIA FALLS IS NOT A WREDUNDANT FACILITY
E’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE. We’ve listened to a major employer who for decades said one thing and often did another. We’ve heard whispers and listened to double talk about what’s in the ground (or isn’t) and about plans to reopen and what the
future holds. Our future is not our past. We’ve seen Plum Creek as a solid com- munity supporter and employer for a long time. Yes, there have been layo s and tem- porary closures, but the company contin- ued to support local causes and invest in Columbia Falls – such as the MDF plant
and technology infrastructure.
However, Buyouts Change Things
We’ve been here before.
No matter what a company says they’ll do after the buyout, companies have a duciary obligation to shareholders. No matter what they feel obligated to say, redundant facilities are always on the short list for elimination. It’s common sense.
It’s unrealistic, if not wishful think- ing to believe that a company says that “closure of (your local) facilities isn’t planned” after buying out a massive competitor.
Columbia Falls knew better. We understand companies have to say those things. The o cers have a responsibility to protect the company. That includes not inciting panic, drama or worse by telling sta in that area that “closures are pos- sible but we don’t anticipate closing any- thing here.”
In this situation, a company’s thought process has to include something like “If we tell them what’s planned (or what we think will happen), people will leave (including some we want to stay), and those who stay will be distracted (or worse). The speculation will negatively impact the attitude and performance of the Columbia Falls team.”
When buyouts happen, people worry about feeding their family, much less being able to take care of a house pay- ment, the bills, college expenses, etc. You expect that. Professionals take care of business, even when worried about their families – no matter what the press release said.
I’m Losing My Job, Now What?
Even though we’ve been here before, that doesn’t make it any less scary, worri- some, or frustrating. The pressure to pro- duce cash ow to feed the family and pay
the bills is on everyone’s mind.
If you’re targeted for layo , I’ll bet you
have skills, experience and knowledge that you’ve taken for granted for years. They’ve become second nature to you. I could wake you up at 2 a.m. and ask you something related to whatever you do or know and without having to think about it, you’d rattle o great advice about how to deal with it, x it and/or do it.
This is an opportunity to take control, even though you probably don’t feel you have much of that right now. You might have a dream that was always delayed by the “golden handcu s” of a long-term job. Can you pursue it now?
There is no better time than now to start your own business. There is no bet- ter motivation than to create some con- trol over your family’s economic future. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be yours.
Redundant Facilities?
It’s easy to say the phrase “redundant facilities,” isn’t it? Who would want such a thing? Sounds wasteful.
When you say “redundant facilities,” you don’t have to think about families whoarewonderinghowthey’llpaytheir bills. It lets you sidestep the economic e ect the job losses could have on the community. Say it, and you don’t have to wonder about the impact of families who leave the valley in order to meet their employment/ nancial needs. Say- ing “redundant facilities” allows you to ignore the impact on the Columbia Falls real estate market, schools, charities, tax base and businesses.
If you’re wondering who will come rid- ing into town on a white horse and rescue Columbia Falls, don’t. We know that no one will do that, and that’s OK. Columbia Falls doesn’t need someone to rescue it.
Columbia Falls is not a redundant facility.
As always, the people of Columbia Falls will make do, nd or create new careers, recognize market opportunities, and nd a way to manage the economic risks we all face. When you see a new business pop up in town, take a chance on them – and keep visiting our existing businesses. They feed Montana families right here in town.
Columbia Falls is open for business. It’s a great community with awesome, welcoming, kind people and to me, the only place that feels like home. Come see us.
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Want to learn more about Mark or ask him to write about a strategic, operations or marketing problem? Email him at mri ey@ atheadbeacon.com.
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