Guest Views: Doing business in Marysville

The Appeal-Democrat asked, "How do you feel about the city's friendliness toward business?" Following are responses we received from local business owners and advocates in Marysville. We'll feature Yuba City comments in the future.

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Jackie Sillman, public education coordinator for Recology Yuba-Sutter and chairwoman of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce:

The biggest challenge for small businesses now is focus. With all the speculation about the financial markets and uncertainty about the future, it's easy to lose focus and worry about things you can't control. You need a clear head to recognize an opportunity when it presents itself. The extent of governmental regulations and taxes is causing prudent businesses to sit on cash, avoid risks and wait on hiring. All small-business owners right now can do is to focus on what you can control, and other than staying informed, pay as little attention as possible and do not get emotionally caught up in those events beyond your control. Listen to your customers, keep moving forward!

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Meldine Rodda, interim president/treasurer for the Marysville Business Improvement District:

As far as the BID goes, we have seen seven new businesses open in the last six months, another three set to open in the next 30 days and two nonprofit organizations fill empty buildings in our district. With our Friday Night Market expanding, and returning to its previous location on D Street (between First and Third streets) and the current board moving forward in a positive direction to promote our historic downtown district and our member businesses, we see nothing but good things happening in Marysville's future.

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Joseph Hale, director of Business Development for Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter:

I have worked with the city of Marysville on various endeavors for more than a year now, including more recently, the required permits for the use of the former Mervyns building. Though rumors and frustration have circulated around the community regarding the relationship between the city and Habitat for Humanity, I personally feel no blame toward the city on its commissioners decision-making. Most businesses often fit neatly into a certain criteria of commercial sales and/or services, which make the general decision making by the commissioners a less difficult task. Our new facility was to have a multipurpose use, which required a greater degree of clarification, and unfortunately went beyond the scope of what is allowable at the location in question. These delays, though unfortunate, were for the due process of having a mutually beneficial result. The city, to the best of its ability, tries to represent the desires of its citizens, which are the very individuals who make up the commission. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with four city officials, including Rocky McCumber (building inspector), Dave Lamon (director of City Services), Walter Munchheimer (city manager), Ricky Samayoa (mayor), and I have great respect for them and the work that they do.

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Karon Daley, owner/operator of K D's Sweet Pickin's Antique and Decor in downtown Marysville:

I have been in the antique business for more than 20 years and owned two previous antique shops in Colusa County and Yuba City. I ended up taking a break from the business when I remarried and decided to be a stay-at-home mom for my husband and our six teenage kids. Now with the children older, I thought I would open a new antique store in Marysville. I was nervous at first but pleasantly surprised on how helpful the city of Marysville was to get me started as an entrepreneur. They were friendly, courteous and directed me to all the departments needed to open succcessfully. To top it off, within the first month and on separate days, both the mayor and the city manager of Marysville stopped by my store asking how they could help me. I finally feel at home in Marysville with my store and raising my family thanks to the help of the city of Marysville.

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Wes and Deena Brenton, owners of Our Coffee House in Marysville:

What dealings we had with the city were adequate. Their hours of operation can make it difficult. The new city manager came by to visit our business, haven't seen him since.