“Big City” tactics are not appreciated with local businesses

Living and doing business in “Small Town USA” isn’t always easy. We’re fortunate to be situated near an interstate highway where much of our business comes. If Ritzville is the heart of Adam’s County, I-90 is its artery. The arrival of a new business is a welcome sight to our community. New businesses bring in new opportunities for citizens and business owners alike.

Love’s and Carl’s Jr. is our most recent addition. It brings with it the promise of greater business opportunities as it appeals to a different market than what is already established here. On the flip side, Love’s has brought with it “Big City USA” tactics. Many community businesses have fallen victim of employee solicitation by Love’s management.

As a longtime citizen and small business owner, this is disappointing. We have an unwritten code of respect for each other’s businesses. As one of the Love’s managers said, “We’re here to make money the same as all local businesses are.”

This statement is true. I opened my business to make money just as my neighbors have done. What sets up apart form big city companies is mutual respect.

I don’t solicit your employees; you don’t solicit mine.

Though Love’s has used guerrilla tactics on its neighbors thereby damaging its reputation and relations among our business community, my hope is as time moves us forward, these damages will be healed and our relationship can be reconciled.

I hope, as the heart of Adams County, Love’s will become a partner with us, rather than the wound that won’t heal.

Melinda Ferderer, Ritzville