Counter gloom by supporting Expo

A Goldendale Sentinel Editorial

     A report last Tuesday from the Economic Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC) brought more disparaging news: Washington tax receipts in the last month fell nearly $40 million short of November predictions.
     The hardest-hit sector was home building and garden supply stores, down 22.3 percent. Although business owners in that sector in Goldendale said numbers have been okay so far, they expressed fear about what is to come. Local contractors confirmed they don't have any homes to build.      Everything is slowing down. Nobody is buying houses, selling houses, moving, or doing anything involving that segment.
     For those whose livelihoods rely on building, renovation, or home repair, the news is devastating.      Like Goldendale contractor Shannon Rogers said, workers are taking jobs for a third of the cost, "just so they can make their rent."
     What better time then to show community support than the First Annual Home and Garden Expo?
     The April event, sponsored largely by Allyn's Building Center, will feature more than four dozen booths from vendors and industries including nurseries, contractors, home décor, stained glass, siding and gutters, cupboards, heating and electric, landscape design and concrete.
     In addition to music and food, there will be contests, giveaways, free demonstrations, classes, talks, and lectures. Names include topics like Gardening 101. All events are included in the entrance price of one recycleable item.
     With 14 small and medium-sized booths still vacant, now is the time to sign up if you have any sort of business or personal project that could benefit from the exposure.
     If you are going just for fun, why not make the best of the opportunity by signing up for a series of classes or purchasing something for your house?
     Whether you are in a position to start a major home project or simply buy a small flowerpot, try to think of some way to support our local vendors.
     The event will be a fun, fresh way to bring the business community of Goldendale together with its citizens and get our economy back on track.