Business owner talks about what's good--and bad--about Oregon.
Name: Tammy M. Bailey
Business: The Franklin Press
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Tell me about your business.
Franklin Press is a commercial printer, so we put ink on paper. We service everything and everyone from large corporations to small business and local government to someone who comes in off the street and wants his personal memoir printed on paper. We’ve expanded our capabilities and are working on becoming a one-stop print shop. Each step we’ve taken has improved our services for our clients, in addition to our revenue.
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
I like to get my hands into production. As we’ve progressed, I’ve had to get into management more, to sit down and deal with business issues. Accounting, that’s nasty. And human resources issues, you just have to grit your teeth and grin and bear it. Producing is more fun; it’s nice to get my hands dirty again.
Can you talk about The Franklin Press’ long relationship with NFIB?
My husband and I are the sixth owners. The owner before us joined NFIB in 1947, and we decided the membership was a good thing and that we believed in NFIB’s mission. They have done wonderful things in government so that it doesn’t take away the rights and privileges we have as business owners. They fight for our interests in Salem and nationally. I don’t have time to do that myself, so it’s good to have NFIB.
What makes Oregon a good place to do business?
I was born here, raised here and will probably pass away here. The people here are really our family, and we try to make them feel welcome when they walk in the door. We help them if we can or tell them where to go if we can’t.
And what about Oregon is not good for business?
At least locally, what makes it great can also be a hindrance. People here want to keep the status quo, no major changes. It’s difficult for businesses to get started. We lose prospective businesses to red tape.
