MARYSVILLE – The city wants to help businesses succeed in town

Its targeting of crime in the area has led to a 30 percent drop, including 59 percent for burglaries, 22 percent for robberies and 40 percent of assaults.

That fact drew a round of applause from the more than 100 in attendance at the city’s first Business Appreciation dinner at Totem Middle School Sept. 10.

City leaders explained how they are trying to get new on- and off-ramps off Interstate 5 to better traffic flow downtown and how improved parks, and recreation programs, also are helping business. The leaders said they do a lot for business because business does a lot for the city.

“There’s no us without you,” Mayor Jon Nehring said. “It’s all about customer service. We recognize the value of small businesses. We wanted to show our appreciation and thank you.”The mayor said there are about 2,000 businesses in town. He said the city’s goal is to get people to buy local.

“They can get everything they need right here in Marysville,” he said. “Running a business is a thankless job. You put a lot on the line.”

Police Chief Rick Smith talked about Business Watch, which is similar to Neighborhood Block Watch. “It’s extra eyes and ears,” he said.

In introducing parks director Jim Ballew, Smith said the new downtown Spray Park helped get rid of some of the “chuckleheads” who used to hang out there.

Ballew said the Spray Park helped businesses. About 35,000 people used the Spray Park in the 72 days it was open last summer.

Other parks events also help businesses. The Father-Daughter dance helps restaurants, flower shops and limo services. He also talked about a new trail to be built next year along north Ebey Slough that will open up 380 acres of restored natural habitat to the public.

Jeff Laycock talked about transportation projects that are helping businesses. He talked about State Avenue being widened from three to five lanes next year from 116th to 136th. He also talked about the long-term goal of having on- and off-ramps on Interstate 5 added south of 4th Street.

The city also brought in a speaker to give the businesses some tips. Travis Snider runs the Small Business Accelerator program at Everett Community College. He gave those in attendance five tips to success those in his program have come up with in the first five years.

1. Operate with a plan, including visions and strategies.

2. Hire the right people, those with skills, training and accountability.

3. Do things to attract attention. Track those things to make sure they are working.

4. Work on the most important priorities and delegate others.

5. Focus on results.

City Council Member Jeff Vaughan has been a part of Snider’s program for three years. Vaughan, who has 32 employees as owner of a firm that sells decorative lighting, said Snider is like his doctor. “He’s a shoulder to cry in. It’s business therapy,” Vaughan said.

In the project, business owners talk and exchange ideas. Vaughan said he got involved because he was a biologist who didn’t know much about business.

“I was worried I wasn’t doing it the right way,” he said, adding during the recession, “I panicked.”

Snider told him to calm down, and that such “paranoia is normal.”

Now, Snider said Vaughan and the others are the ones teaching him.

“He’s helping invent the businesses of today,” Snider said. “Things are changing so fast, I’m overwhelmed. Most of what I’ve learned is out the window. They are leading edge.”