Kelso's Hilander reopens once again
Saturday, October 25, 2008 7:15 PM PDT
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleKelso’s troubled Hilander Family Fun Center reopened Friday night after owner Jim Springer won a last-minute stay and posted a $20,000 bond, just minutes before a Friday afternoon deadline.
The bond gives Springer 30 days relief from a state Department of Revenue license revocation and closure order. The state closed the business Oct. 16 for unpaid back taxes. Springer, who previously forfeited a $100,000 bond to the state, still owes $301,000 in taxes. Overall, he owes some 45 creditors roughly $1.75 million.
Springer’s lawyer, Bill Dennis, told the court that Springer intends to pay all his debts but can’t do that without reopening.
“My client is experiencing something like the death by 1,000 cuts,” Dennis said during Friday’s emergency hearing. “Every day he’s shut down he’s losing money. We need to have action now or it will be too late.”
“But every day he also falls further behind in paying his sales tax,” countered state Assistant Attorney General Zachary Mosner, who attended the hearing via telephone.
Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Jim Warme told Springer the one obvious point in the case is that he “collects sales tax and doesn’t pay it (to the state).”
That said, Warme did find that Springer had a right to appeal the state’s final administrative ruling and closure in the courts. And to do that, Warme granted the stay.
Warme initially offered to give Springer a 90 day restraining order if Springer could post a $60,000 bond. The amount is based on the average $20,000 a month in sales tax Springer should pay to the state. Warme then dropped it to $20,000 for a 30 day restraining order when Springer appeared unable to raise the higher amount.
Mosner warned it was unlikely the judicial appeal would be successful and said instead Springer should be negotiating a bond and repayment schedule with the state if he wants his license reinstated. That was done in March, though the $100,000 bond was later forfeited when Springer again fell behind in payments.
Warme said his ruling didn’t address whether Springer would be successful, just that he had a chance to file another appeal.
Springer used a surety bondsman to raise the money by the 5 p.m. deadline and said he had mixed feelings about going further into debt but felt the overall cause was worth it.
“I’m going further in the hole to try to get out of the hole,” Springer said. “But we’ve got a fight that’s worth fighting. ... Yes, we’re delinquent and yes we intend to pay our creditors, but we can’t do that if we’re not open.”
Even with the reopening the Hilander remains on shaky ground.
Monday, Springer must file paperwork in a separate eviction case filed for at least $30,000 in unpaid rent. He also faces a Nov. 3 hearing on that matter.
He’s also appealing the dismissal of his second bankruptcy filing in two years. That case is in federal court.
Springer said Friday he’ll fight each legal battle as it comes. He’s also hoping to solicit $1.4 million in investments to keep the business running long-term.
Springer moved his business from its longtime location on Allen Street into a nearby former supermarket in 2003. He invested at least $2.7 million in renovating the building, which includes a bowling alley, lounge, restaurant and arcade. In June, Twin City Bank purchased the former Hilander Bowl at foreclosure auction for $1.77 million. Springer’s initial asking price had been $2.9 million.
yowza wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:28 PM:
" Sure, Jim, work the system !!! You'll be closed again real soon!! "
DUH wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:48 PM:
" Cant pay his rent but posts bond after bond. Something STINKS! "
justmy2cents wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:51 PM:
" LMAO - what a hoot! Must be nice to get away with everything under the sun! "
bmoc wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:21 PM:
" Judge Warme is just allowing Mr. Springer due process. Facts remain the same - Springer is not proud, he is arrogant. This one's over - slow and painfully, but it's over. "
Cowlick wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:13 PM:
" Next time I go there can I pay for my food, minus the tax, since they're not being paid anyways? "
UW Squirrels wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:05 PM:
" I can believe Springer has any employees to reopen the Highlander with. If I was working there, I would've found another job a long time ago. "
countrygirl wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:39 PM:
" Wow. This guy is sad.. Really sad. I can't believe he thinks he can get investors!!! And how in the world can he post a $20,000 bond but can't pay anything else. This guy needs to let it go. He's the butt of all our jokes in this town! Even my students talk about how funny it is that Hilander is closed. "
Kelso Resident wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:25 PM:
" Your kidding me, god how many chances does this guy have? I've never been given this many chances at anything! "
herenkelso wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:32 PM:
" I wish you luck in you endeavors. ps..you might want to start reading from the bottom of the comments, stop when you reach all the hateful comments. I have noticed they are usually the first to post. "
mom of 2 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:34 PM:
" I would have to say that I agree with "herenkelso" to a point. No he shouldn't be given all these chances that he has had. However, at the same time I am glad that he has, because it means that my best friend has a job again. If you haven't noticed, we have a very high unemployment rate in this town. She has been looking for another job, but with no luck. So while some think he shouldn't get another chance, there are some that are glad he is for that very reason. Business open = less unemployment. "
pearl wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:46 PM:
" less people out of work is good butwhat the heck! He gets chance after chance I've been out of work for a year now and I would love to have that many chances at a job, tho I do like their $5 monday steak dinners when i have the cash "
1091 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:31 AM:
" I wish I could run a business, not pay my bills, not pay my taxes, and then blame it on everybody else. For those who support Springer, whip out your check book and pay his bills. He is a good example of a bad person. "
flash wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:34 AM:
" Yowza, you have just made my point in the ignorance one shows when commenting on the lack of facts, when you responded to my comment. Mr. Springer was NOT in Vegas on vacation he was in Reno for a business meeting with an associate that was helping him. Would help YOUR cause if you knew what you were talking about! With that my correspondence with you is through. Ignorance must be bliss.. To those customers whom have and continue to support us all not just Mr. Springer I say THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US EMPLOYEES. We had a good turn out tonight for such a short notice, and I look forward to serving you for what time we may or may not have. It is nice to know not everyone is so simple minded as some. "
RALMom2 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:40 AM:
" *Hiding behind a blanket* Okay don't yell at me, but I think I'm gonna have to support this guy at least one more time. Sure it ticks us off that he's getting away w/ stuff we wouldn't get away with, but on the other hand...my kid's love Hilander! I also don't want another closed up store rotting away around here. I swear it's gonna turn ghetto around here if one more store shuts down or moves leaving behind a store that can't be sold for another 50 years. I also wanna say that this man needs some help running this place. I don't think he knows how! The place has got potential! Sure the games half work, the food isn't that great anymore, and you have to have a trillion tickets to score anything larger than one tootsie roll, but geez! The bowling is great....if somebody could upgrade the taste of the food, change the management, or get some HELP, & for the love of moses PLEASE fix the carousel. I honestly thought it was falling over one time. The noise was horrifying. I don't know...I hope it can get going again...even if they have to change management or something. They need to lower the price of laser tag also. What kid can afford it? Lower the prices and more people will come! Duh! lol WE have good jobs & can't even afford to do it often. That's why more people don't play it! "
No Nickname wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:08 AM:
" Just stop going there people. Even if he is reopened, if you don't want to support his efforts, then don't. Plain and simple. Being open with no customers, he will finally maybe get a clue. "
bowlingalleygirl wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:42 AM:
" To those of you who came out to see us on the first night of our reopening, Thank you for your support and I hope to see you again soon. I am a proud employee of Hilander and overall supporter of the local bowling industry. Mr. Springer has plenty of staff to run his business because we enjoy our jobs despite whatever adversity and we support him completely in keeping the business open. Not many in his position would fight as hard as he has in the face of bad press and an uphill battle. Not only is his livelihood on the line but he knows and appreciates that each of ours is to some extent as well. Thanks Jim for keeping on, Im behind you all the way! As for me and mine, my family has been through the wringer with the local bowling industry and were gonna ride the horse till its dead and buried! "
Miss smart tart wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:20 AM:
" If he doesn't have to pay taxes ? Does this mean none of us do??? "
banana hammock wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:07 AM:
" I would almost bet that most of the people here who arehaters are voting Demo.
We give millions and Millions of dollors to help illegals why not give some to help a guy who is strucling in this economy if the Hilander closes there will be another empty building that will sit there for a very long time become a magnet for crime and looting. Look at the community impack and hope he can keep it going.
ps. i have disagreed with jim on many issues but i support any help he can get just to keep that building open, its about the last place kids can go now. "
We give millions and Millions of dollors to help illegals why not give some to help a guy who is strucling in this economy if the Hilander closes there will be another empty building that will sit there for a very long time become a magnet for crime and looting. Look at the community impack and hope he can keep it going.
ps. i have disagreed with jim on many issues but i support any help he can get just to keep that building open, its about the last place kids can go now. "
Kelso Resident wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:17 AM:
" To herenkelso: Does the truth offend you? Everything people saying here is the the truth, this guy can't run a business he's proven that. He's just using the system and when it closes again and it will, he'll be begging for more time. I'm hoping the next judge that hears his Complaining isn't as weak as the previous judge. To Jim I say this: Pay your taxes, if I have to pay mine, you have to pay yours, just because you run a business doesn't make you better than anyone else. "
biasmedia wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:18 AM:
" Springer you can never win you cant even pay your tax`s how can you pay a lawyer and why didn't the government size that 20,000 you paid you should have all accounts froze if i didn't pay my tax`s i would get 5 years what make you so special "
coveredinit wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:26 AM:
" Had this conversation yesterday: I'm far from a fan of Jim's, but I wish him and his no ill will, that's for sure. This is like watching a member of your community die a slow death from cancer. ...and sometimes when the cancer patient gets to the point where you're sure they're dead, that's when the cancer dies, and the patient lives on. Maybe, just maybe, the Hilander will survive this. If it does, I hope - like cancer survivors usually have a new perspective on life - that Jim comes out the other end less arrogant and a lot wiser. Wishing you all luck - honestly. "
Gondolapete wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:02 AM:
" Getting behind on your taxes and not paying them at all is two different things..Springer has paid more in taxes than most of you will ever make..so until you run your own business with high overhead and low profit margin dont be so quit to pop off. "
Just my opinion wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:22 AM:
" Who the heck keeps giving this guy money? He has failed every other time, and he's going to fail this time. Pay the people you owe instead of making up excuses. Stop living in your soap opera world and join reality like the rest of us. "
Just my opinion wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:25 AM:
" To Coveredinit- how dare you relate this to cancer. A cancer patient doesn't have a choice. He has had choice after choice after choice. "
northender wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:49 AM:
" What mattress or offshore bank is all the unpaid taxes going to!! This farse should have been stopped long ago! "
DS wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:59 AM:
" Pay attention to what Gondolapete says because he has said it well. Springer is behind on taxes and has paid lots of taxes. I wonder if anyone here has ever paid their property taxes late and paid a penalty, was it because they were dishonest or just didn't have the money at the time? To "northender", the unpaid taxes are probably going to: employees paychecks, electric bills, food suppliers, etc. not into a mattress. To "Just my opinion" I don't think that "coveredinit" was trying to belittle cancer paitients with his metaphor, but on the matter of choice I don't think it was a choice by Springer that his old building didn't sell. "
country gal wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:56 AM:
" I come to the conclusion that all negative commentors have never ran a business or are uneducated or on welfare. Or perhaps a sneaky politician trying to bring him down so that he/she can take over. "
jackal wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:50 PM:
" It's hard to run a private business nowadays...good luck, Springer. You've made progress, keep working at it and you'll be free eventually. "
KelsoLesbian wrote on Oct 25, 2008 3:20 PM:
" I agree with most of what RALMom2 said. My niece LOVES the Highlander habbit trail. $5.00 and she gets to play with other kids for 3 hours. Its perfect for the 3-8 year olds. I just hope if he fails it is re-opned by someone else soon. Good luck Springer. This town needs that place. "
Just my opinion wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:06 PM:
" DS- I'm not faulting the man for an unsold building, but it was his CHOICE to put millions of dollars into a new building before the old one sold.
Point of the matter is, Coveredinit, was cold and callous for trying to compare someone's finanical mess to a life stealing disease. A cancer survivor or victim is never given a choice. "
Point of the matter is, Coveredinit, was cold and callous for trying to compare someone's finanical mess to a life stealing disease. A cancer survivor or victim is never given a choice. "
yowza wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:08 PM:
" "Country Gal". I am a business owner and I pay MY taxes!!! Paying taxes is part of a responsible business owner's obligation. So to your comment...perhaps your the one that's uneducated or maybe your another "bad" business owner like Springer. Here's a thought...maybe you and Springer can be business partners. "
Rocko wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:10 PM:
" I promised TDN that I would be good from now on, so here's my attempt. I'm sure on a personal level each one of you are terrific people,(here comes the but) But, it is clear that most of the comments are made from a recliner state of mind. Some would still post their comments even after rereading it because in their minds they think they know what they are talking about. when in reality, to the reader that knows about business, and the politics of doing business it is quite obvious that the only knowledge they have is what they have gathered from reading TDN. I am happy to see that we now have some equality here. And I'm glad that some employees spoke up. This is not a simple matter. This is very complex. If it was simple it would only require a computer, a recliner and a trained chimp to solve it. To kelso resident. Jim has been very successful for over 30 yrs as a business owner, so I'm confused as to were your comment was founded. "
skeezix wrote on Oct 25, 2008 7:58 PM:
" Country gal. A. I have a masters degree in business. B. True, I don't own my own business. So...municipal, state and federal governments budget on expected revenues. If the revenues don't come in, there is a budget shortfall. The issue here is not whether or not Springer has enough to pay the taxes. The issue is he has not turned them over to the state. He collects them with each transaction. A smart business person would set those receipts aside and never get himself or herself in this type of mess. "
CMBurns wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:58 PM:
" Here what sickens me, "The state has no regard for the employees and their families." Are you kidding me? Your neglagence for not paying your taxes has no regard for YOUR employees and their families. You refuse to take accountablility for your actions. You are a crook plain and simple. Tick tock, tick tock....the countdown is on and you my friend are done for good. But for the record, I do admire your passion to keep hanging on.....passion to a fault in my opinion..... "
country gal wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:28 PM:
" skeezix: I don't have any college degree but I do have a master in hard work, and hopefully common sense and human compassion. You may be right about Springer. I haven't the faintest idea about him and his business but I do know this. Walk thru a mall. A new business start. 3 months later you walk thru the same mall and the new business is not there. Why is that? I take it the way you write, you work for the state. Tell me and the public what and how much it takes to run a business.
And Yowza, since you own a business and pay your taxes well, good for you. Depending what your job is, I like to know how many employees work for you. If your self employed or have maybe 4 or less employees working for you, chances are if you do it just right you have a better chance of making it. But if it's more, it's a struggle. I always wonder about the big companies like Sears, JC Penneys, Weyerhaueser, etc. "
And Yowza, since you own a business and pay your taxes well, good for you. Depending what your job is, I like to know how many employees work for you. If your self employed or have maybe 4 or less employees working for you, chances are if you do it just right you have a better chance of making it. But if it's more, it's a struggle. I always wonder about the big companies like Sears, JC Penneys, Weyerhaueser, etc. "
SPARROW wrote on Oct 26, 2008 12:22 AM:
" Only the bookeeper knows for sure! But for the sake of the community I sincerely hope issues can be resolved and the Highlander can remain open for business, whether it be under the same management or new owners. There are very few family friendly establishments in this area, other than eating and movies. The weather here prohibits many activities or interests due to the ever present threat of rain. We desperately need indoor entertainment for families interacting together with conversation and even the possibly to demonstrate the value of sportsmanship to your children while bowling or playing games. Our other options here in town are the sprinkler park which is only available a few weeks out of the year. And the new unmanned dog park, which I would not consider as an attraction for anyone other than dog owner and his dog, definately not a place of interest unless you own a friendly dog that doesn't have a yard of his own to play in. The latter locations however, require absolutely no skills, experience or knowledge to be able to participate in either. "
saw to much wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:13 AM:
" What is wrong with this state that they let him stay open. I do not understand.As for the employees some of them didnt get there jobs back. So Jim what do they do. You keep saying you care about your employees I didnt think so, or they would all have there jobs back. "
country gal wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:56 AM:
" Yowza and Skeezix: it's early Sunday morning almost 3am and you haven't replied. I truly like to know your feedback. "
RALMom2 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 5:28 AM:
" How did he get so far behind on paying anyways? I mean did he have the money and just failed to pay or was he struggling and fell behind? He seemed to be paying himself a lot...I was wondering why he didn't put half of that toward his taxes and stuff. I don't know the whole story, but if he had the money and just failed to pay then I'm gonna have to give him the big "L" alert on the forehead, but if he was struggling because of bad business then maybe I could understand. Either way he seems to be in over his head. He needs help running the place if he gets things paid off or it's gonna happen again. I just see a sinking ship here. Somebody throw him a rope. lol Seriously I hope it stays open even if it has a new owner or manager or something. This town has nothing to do already for the kids. Let's all put our dimes together and build a Disneyland around Lake Sacajawea. Never mind they will charge out the wahhzoooo to get in and then we're all screwed again! lol "
Kelso Resident wrote on Oct 26, 2008 8:54 AM:
" Why is it we need these places, when in fact we only "Need" them to dump our kids off at? Is it too much like work for parents to entertain their own kids nowadays? It doesn't Matter if this guy has 3 days or 30 he's notorious for not paying his taxes, and if you do business while he's still operating your only making his wallet bigger because we all know by now the government won't see a dime of his earnings. "
1091 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:26 AM:
" it is hard to read some of these remarks. This is bnecause I know that obviously people can write. So read this. Everytime Springer collects money from you at his cash registers, he is supposed to pay the sales tax back that he charged you for. And some of the other taxes NOT Paid would be used for employees benefits, like unemployment, on the job injuries and other items to provide to the hard working staff. Jim Springer is a crook, and will continue to steal as long as he has supporters that feel soory for him. "
jynx wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:35 AM:
" Every time my kids want to go out to do something fun they request this place. I have to tell them 'no' because every time, it is closed down once again. And I immediately get a 'why mom?' So, I explain to them why. Funny thing, they ask me now why Springer did that and if we can now go to Chuck E. Cheese. "
fencepost wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:52 AM:
" One thing Mr. Springer (and everyone else out there, too) needs to learn is that the tax man gets paid first. Sales taxes are collected and should be preserved as a separate line item in the books, so it shouldn't be hard to figure out how much to send to the state. If the rest of your expenses are exceeding your revenues, then your business model is faulty and you should consider doing something else. "
julietorell wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:15 AM:
" The fact that Mr. Springer hasn't given up and is still fighting to pay his back taxes and keep his business open for the community speaks volumes about him. Yes, mistakes were made, or for the legal beagles out there, laws were broken(not paying taxes), however, at least he is attempting now to correct them. In order to pay his current and delinquent taxes, of course he would need his business to stay open! Who has hundreds of thousands of dollars? We should give Mr. Springer the benefit of the doubt, and try to be a little more optimistic! His 30 years should count for something! "
91910 wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:18 AM:
" To Coveredinit First of all, I am very offended by you even trying to relate this situation with a cancer patient!! I think Springer should be liable to pay his taxes. However, trying to keep the Highlander open is a great thing for this area. Why would anyone want a business to fail that provides jobs for the community anyways? Plus if the Highlander did close, who would want to hear their kids say again Theres nothing to do in this town! Nice job Springer on trying to keep your business open and providing activities for our kids. Just pay your taxes please! "
northender wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:25 AM:
" Not supporting Mr.Springers business practices,The fact is that many small businesses struggle to survive under the weight of ever rising taxes and regulation . There is never enough taxes, never a lack of new spending ideas. We small business owners provide goods, services and the majority of the jobs in this country but have the tax man deeper in our pockets at every turn.Businesses and families are expected to balance our books while watching government over spend like drunken sailors! Every time you vote for a new program or a person promising something provided by government, the debt load on the tax payor becomes greater, higher taxes mean the prices go up, sometimes forcing businesses out.OUR GOVERNMENT HAS BECOME TO EXPENSIVE FOR THE COMMON PERSON TO PAY FOR!! Government is to big.People working in government can now vote themselves higer wages by supporting larger budgets and politicians promising to take from someone else to fund their proposals.Wake up people,we are being lead by over spending,irresponsible elected officials.Say no to higher spending and larger government or certainly face an even greater economic melt down! "
Longviewworker wrote on Oct 26, 2008 12:11 PM:
" Paying one's taxes is an expectation and a requirement, you will find no issue with this fact from me. But, there has to be a way for this person to pay the back taxes, stay current with taxes due and keep these citizens employed. As a society, it will cost us MORE to have this business close and throw all of these people out of work. In this poor economic environment, these hard working people will not find it a simple task to find another job. Lost ability to spend, the possibility of turning toward the unemployment system (Their Right, of course), just pushes our whole community into a downward spiral. Yes, it is shameful for the owner to scoot by without paying taxes. But, a reasonable payment plan and fine to keep my neighbors employed is favorable to another shuttered business in Cowlitz County! "
country gal wrote on Oct 26, 2008 5:41 PM:
" northender: I'm relieved to read comments that I feel so strongly about. Like you said, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS BECOME TOO EXPENSIVE! It is TOO BIG! I call every employees that work for the state and federal 'politicians'. I hope all these politicians are reading this blogs because they need to know and in fact, they do know that they are the burden to us taxpayers. PEOPLE, do you know that you and I as taxpayers pay all these politicians' salaries including their health and retirement benefits! That's where all the revenue is going! They got it made! And yet, they have the gall to add more taxes so that they can have more into their pocketbooks! Something wrong with the picture here! I think it's time to tell these politicians to go get a real job! "
bigshoe wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:26 PM:
" How sad that so many of the comments here are so mean spirited. I have never met Mr. Springer, but it's apparent that he just got in over his head. His old property didn't sell for what he expected nor as soon as expected. We all make miscalculations. (if you're so smart how come you're not rich?) Now he has to work every angle to try to save his business and get out of the hole. I hope he can do it. Shame on those who wish him to fail. "
just a thought wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:58 PM:
" I appreciate the supporters of the Highlander. My husband works there and when the doors where closed this last time we weren't even sure how we were going to pay next months rent, let alone feed our children. He has been looking very hard for a different job but to find one that pays enough to support our family is very difficult. We tried to get help from the state and $870 in unemployment benefits is to much to make for a family of 4. I am not saying that Jim shouldn't be punished for not keeping up on his taxes but how much tax money is it going to take to support the 60 employees out of work? Wouldn't it be better as a community to support a business and keep others employed? Nobody is taking into consideration how hard he has tried to bring down his debts either. In April his debts were $5.1 million, 6 months later he is at $1.75 million, which means he has paid off $3.35 million in a very short time. Yes, the sale of the old restaurant helped but he only received $1.77 million for that. He is making headway and trying, I would hope that if any of you people needed help you would have support too. We need that business for our families and for a lot of peoples livelihoods. Please give him another chance. "
country gal wrote on Oct 26, 2008 11:21 PM:
" Sure hope the TDS will accept my comment: To the 'politicians': you read the comments from 'just a thought'. There are many who are in the position of "just a thought" . To the 'politicians', I know you are reading this blog. Who do you represent? Do you represent for the people, by the people, of the people, or do you represent for your own greed, the poltiticians? "
stargoddess wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:06 AM:
" bowlingalleygirl...why such a personal attack on CMBurns?? He's entitled to his own opinion, just as anyone who posts on this article. There are alot of other people who have post on here that doesn't share your views, yet you go after CMBurns on a personal level. Interesting. "
skeezix wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:48 AM:
" Country gal, I never logged on over the weekend. I don't work for the state or any government agency. However, the budget process is similar for any private company. You look at history and project revenues and expenses based on that along with any expectations of growth in revenues, expenses and most likely, both... As to your question of how much it costs to run a business... Fair question, but no easy answer. What type of business? How many employees? How much to lease/rent space? Intitial costs to acquire inventory if necessary, taxes, utilities, etc. Your question is very difficult to answer because of the variability in any one of these areas depending upon the type of business. As for businesses which don't succeed? That's the risk of opening a business. No matter how great an idea it may be, if the customers you are hoping for don't think it's such a great idea, it isn't likely to succeed. "
x-kelso-res wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:15 AM:
" Well, at least he's trying. Most people would have given up by now. I respect the guy - he's TRYING even in the face of adversity. Give him credit for that. As it is, there's hardly ANYTHING for teens to do do in Kelso/Longview (good wholesome stuff)- so I'm glad we got out. I feel sorry for this entire community- drama town, drama town, football down the drain (Kelso), no good cheer squads, if nothing else, it's interesting to see where all this will lead. You all need prayer to survive. Good luck K-Town. "
Motherof2 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:46 AM:
" I am not a bussiness owner, so I really have no idea what it takes to run a business, my guess is 99% of the people making rude comments have no idea what it is takes either! However, it appears to be extremely easy for everyone writing rude comments about this business owner to judge him even ridicule him and to plain bash the guy into the ground! why is that? Is there not enough fun, excitement, love, pain, hate (emotions in general) in your own lives that you have to involve yourself so negatively in this mans business? In addition, have any of you turned on the T.V. news and seen what is happening to Wall ST., or to the economy in the entire world!?? It really does not matter what this man's situation is, and it is none or your business who is lending him money or trying to help him out; although it is sad how as adults, you are praying for his failure, like VULTURES waiting for the end to come, so you can all stand around and laugh, chant, at this man's failure. People, there are more important things to worry about than this mans attemps at trying to make a living in this troubled ecomomy!! Get on with your own life! So, to keep you all happy for the next 15 minutes you can all find my typo's and laugh,joke have fun, make rude comments etc. "
stargoddess wrote on Oct 27, 2008 10:30 AM:
" Motherof2, this is a place where people can post their thoughts to an article. There will be all kinds of things said, good, bad or otherwise. It is what it is. I suggest that if you do not like what some are saying, then skip over those when you read the comments. "
stag wrote on Oct 27, 2008 12:28 PM:
" To those that support this guy "Springer" I sorry but this guy has to go with his business. I'm for the hightlander. Afterall I went to Kelso High and bowled there for P.E. What makes me mad as hell is that this guy will not pay his bills to the goverment like everyone else. I have said before in another blog about this is that it should go to the people of Kelso/Longview to buy this as another youth center. It would be a nice place to go for the kids after school to go to. A place to where parents can go to get there kids when they get off of work. On fridays it would be a awesome place to take there kids for late night insteed of the y.m.c.a. the parking is so much better. Why isn't this put on the table. I sure that this would pass, I know I would vote for it. So what do you all say about this Kelso/Longview let's take this to the mayors of both cities. This would be a good pay back for everyone and the city would for sure get its money back and them some. These kids now-a-days have nowhere to go and have fun in a safe place. I would love to hear what others have to say about this that is for sure. "
CMBurns wrote on Oct 27, 2008 12:45 PM:
" Bowlingalleygirl, I completely agree with you. We need two bowling centers in this community, but it should be ran by somebody that payes their taxes. If you are a employee there, are you not angry that he is taking out your FICA and Federal and L&I out of your check and not giving it to the government? "
Motherof2 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 12:51 PM:
" RE: stargodders
I understand what this comment board is all about and if you dont like my comment feel free to skip over it and move on to another comment; my comment is what it is. But thank you for reading it.
But let me get this straight, just because my opinion is; that Adults should act like abults even when their name is anonymous on a blog; you feel I should KEEP MY OPINION TO MYSELF ABOUT THESE COMMENTS, AND NOT WRITE MY OPINIONS DOWN. IS THAT ABOUT RIGHT?
Well, Ms. stargoddess even though you do not approve of my comment, which is your right, does not mean I am not entitled to my opinion or comment on this blog. On the other hand, Please feel free to ignore my comments if you do not agree with them, I will not be offended; as a matter of fact feel free to laugh, make fun of and make jokes about my comments, because at least then I know that my comments wont be a waste of time, and they even might stir up a little communication, education, and maybe even a little family talk around the dinner table. Sounds good to me.........thank you for your comment. "
I understand what this comment board is all about and if you dont like my comment feel free to skip over it and move on to another comment; my comment is what it is. But thank you for reading it.
But let me get this straight, just because my opinion is; that Adults should act like abults even when their name is anonymous on a blog; you feel I should KEEP MY OPINION TO MYSELF ABOUT THESE COMMENTS, AND NOT WRITE MY OPINIONS DOWN. IS THAT ABOUT RIGHT?
Well, Ms. stargoddess even though you do not approve of my comment, which is your right, does not mean I am not entitled to my opinion or comment on this blog. On the other hand, Please feel free to ignore my comments if you do not agree with them, I will not be offended; as a matter of fact feel free to laugh, make fun of and make jokes about my comments, because at least then I know that my comments wont be a waste of time, and they even might stir up a little communication, education, and maybe even a little family talk around the dinner table. Sounds good to me.........thank you for your comment. "
stargoddess wrote on Oct 27, 2008 1:27 PM:
" Ohhh Motherof2, please re-read my post. Not once did I say that I felt you needed to keep your opinions to yourself, this is what these comments are all about, to express an opinion! Also, not once did I say that I didn't approve of your comment. I was just giving you an option if you didn't like what other people were expressing. Nothing more, nothing less. No need to get so defensive. "
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