Pomeroy should be welcomed
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Editor:
The October 21/09 issue of the Courier’s front page article sure started the conversation about Fort St. James’ future regarding Pomeroy.
Everyone I talked to was very positive about the Pomeroy Group establishing here, especially those who travel to Prince George for such amenities just for a change. They would prefer a Pomeroy facility here so they didn’t have to make the drive.
This is just some of the talk from the locals who would definitely patronize such a facility. What about all the out-of-towner’s? I personally have been to Pomeroy’s facilities in Fort Nelson, Fort St. John and in Prince George. I can assure the people of Fort St. James that these are top-notch places with excellent service. Not only that, I was encouraged by the staff to check out the local businesses.
There is a fear though, that if Pomeroy establishes here it will cause hardship on local businesses. Not so, from my experience. A place like Pomeroy draws people to a community with what they have to offer. I saw this same scenario in last weeks issue played out in Langley, B.C. when I was younger.
As the scenario went, there was a pizza place operating by itself doing a booming business. Over time the owner, being so confident he would have as many customers as he could handle into the future, started to get rude and offering inferior service to his customers figuring it would not matter as he had monopoly. This and the fact that he didn’t upkeep his business came back to haunt him. His good patrons faded away.
Another pizza business opened up a few doors down because there was a demand for a better establishment. Then a little restaurant opened up. The first business owner complained profusely that these new businesses were taking his business away. Some time passed and the area of these new eateries was busy with people shopping here and there and stopping in for meals. The area had become a thriving destination spot.
Soon other businesses opened up. The downtown core was revitalized and businesses thrived even more because of the increased number of people attracted to the area because of the choices.
To get to the point, the first pizza business owner was under pressure to make changes, stop his complaining, clean up his act, his facilities and get back in the game to thrive again too.
Go take a look at Langley now. It used to be all pastureland. Dream big my friends and network together for the future of our community. Pomeroy, we are open for business with you.
Ted Cronk
Fort St. James
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