Local News Archive for Monroe, Junction City, Harrisburg, Veneta and Elmira

Twisted Succulents

11/21/2022

1. How did you choose this area? What are your favorite things about this area?
My husband and I are both originally from Oregon. After he retired from the Air Force in 2014, we moved back to the area with our 2 girls to be closer to family. His family is from Harrisburg and mine is from Leaburg, up the McKenzie River. The weather is definitely milder than Spokane, where we moved from. It's nice being closer to family. I enjoy dressing up with my daughter for the Scandinavian Festival.

2. What is your background and how did you get into what you do?
My degree is Stage Management in the Theatre, which is no where close to what I do now! My mom has always had a green thumb and my first experience with succulents was when I pulled all the leaves off my mom's jade plant and used them as "money." In my defense I was about 5 years old and to my surprise, the plant grew back. When we moved back to the area, I went to work at my in-law's nursery. There I learned more about plants and found myself drawn to the succulents and how different they are from "regular" plants.

3. How would you describe your business?
Unique succulents from around the world, grown locally with passion.

4. What makes your business unique?
I import and propagate rare and unique succulents from around the world that many growers don't have access too. I specialize in growing tender succulents, which are ones that can't take a freeze. While the tender succulents require a little more attention, I focus on them is because of the different varieties, colors, shapes, sizes and textures which you don't see with many other plants.

5. What are your goals for your business?
I hope to have more open, in-person hours at the greenhouse and teach some classes and fun workshops with succulents.

6. Are there any local causes you support?
Scandinavian Festival JCHS Robotics Team (2018-2022)

7. Do you belong to any local organizations?
Oregon Women for Agriculture (Lane County).

8. What is the best way for people to reach you?
I can be reached by email, phone or text. Events and new products are posted on Facebook or Instagram. Email: [email protected] Phone/Text: 509-389-1993 Facebook: www.facebook.com/TwistedSucculents Instagram: @twistedsucculents

9. Which social media do you prefer?
Facebook and Instagram.

0 Comments

Fern Ridge Events Covering Entire Fern Ridge Community and Surrounding Areas

11/17/2022

0 Comments

1. How did you choose this area? What are your favorite things about this area?
I chose to live in the Fern Ridge area and it has always felt like HOME to me. I love the people and the close community feeling I get.

2. What is your background and how did you get into what you do?
My background is mostly administrative work. After we moved here I became involved with coordinating events for a couple different organizations, and I realized quickly how much I enjoyed it!

3. How would you describe your business?
Event Coordination & Promotion Services. I help you make a memorable event.

4. What makes your business unique?
I have experience as a Vendor, a Manager, and a Coordinator. This experience has shown me all the little details that go into a successful event, and I learn something new every time!

5. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years?
I hope to create Event Bulletins around the area that people will recognize as the resource for local events.

6. Are there any local causes you support?
I support any local cause that helps people and small businesses.

7. Do you belong to any local organizations?
I am a member of the Elmira Grange, which I have been coordinating events for the last 8 years.

8. What is the best way for people to reach you?
I can be reached via email [email protected] or phone 541-833-0370

9. Which social media do you prefer?
I use Facebook and Instagram, I am starting an email newsletter to stay in contact with clients, supporters and friends!

0 Comments

Ritch Tax Service in Monroe

11/10/2022

0 Comments

My family and I had the pleasure of working with Nick when we moved to Monroe. He helped us with many things including our taxes. It felt great talking to him as he was very knowledgeable and explained things in a way we could understand. We met at the Business Association of Monroe. Not only did he help us with our taxes he also introduced me to local businesses. Below is our interview of Nick and his business. Here is a retelling of the information he shared.

1. How did you choose this area? What are your favorite things about this area?
My family and I moved to Monroe in December 2018 and have loved every moment since. We were drawn to Monroe because of its quiet charm and were blessed to find our dream home where we plan to stay for many years to come. Some of our favorite things to do in the area include short drives to the coast, bike rides around town, weekend visits to Christmas Junction for a chat and hot cocoa, and going out for a family dinner at Benny’s or Long Branch.

2. What is your background and how did you get into what you do?
’ve always had an interest in math and figuring out complex puzzles so a career in tax preparation felt like the perfect fit. I started working as a Licensed Tax Preparer in 2014 for a bookkeeping and tax service in Eugene where I gained valuable knowledge and experience. I became a Licensed Tax Consultant in 2017 and later that year became designated as an Enrolled Agent by the IRS, at which time I started my own tax preparation business.

3. How would you describe your business?
I like to say I provide tax preparation with a personal touch - and one way I strive to achieve that is by providing services both in person or virtually based on your preference. For those local, I can come to your home or business. I also host meetings in my home office, over a video call, or phone call. In addition to tax preparation and consulting for individuals, businesses, and trusts/estates, I also offer bookkeeping services, tax planning, and tax audit representation.

4. What makes your business unique?
The tax industry has continued to push toward mega corporations providing tax services to the masses where there is no focus on the individuals being served. I aim to provide more personalized services and have availability outside of tax season. If you get a letter, you had a life event that stopped you from being able to file on time, or even just need some advice, it's important to be able to get help after April 15th.

I am also flexible in client communication styles. I have embraced technology in my business. When the pandemic started, some clients were uncomfortable meeting in person and my online client portal provided an opportunity to conduct business completely virtually in a safe and secure manner. The online portal allows clients to upload documents, e-sign, e-pay, and provides secure communication from the comfort of their home. Clients can also schedule in person, phone and video appointments with me via their portal. I also continue to work with those clients that preferred to meet in person or were not technologically savvy, and I plan to continue to offer a choice: remote, in-person or hybrid options to clients.

5. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years?
I hope to continue to provide a high level of service while growing my client base sustainably, and because of the wonderful support of my local clients, I hope to expand into a dedicated office space here in Monroe as I currently work from an office in my home.

6. Are there any local causes you support?
I’m very invested in seeing our small community flourish and believe the best way to do that is by volunteering my time and services with organizations that support our local artists and businesses. I currently serve as a board member and Treasurer for the Monroe Arts Association (MAA) and I am the Treasurer for the Business Association of Monroe (BAM.) I have been with these associations since their inception and am excited to see them continue to grow.

7. Do you belong to any local organizations?
I am a member of the Oregon Association of Independent Accountants. Locally, I’ve had the honor of serving as a Monroe City Councilor since 2021, where I am the chair of the Finance Committee and served as the chair of the Budget Committee the past two budget cycles.

8. What is the best way for people to reach you?
My website www.ritchtaxservice.com allows for clients to sign up for a secure online portal for remote communication and document sharing on the login page. I can be reached by phone at 541-870-2371 or by email at [email protected] as well.

9. Which social media do you prefer?
You can find my business Ritch Tax Service on Facebook. I post updates and important information throughout tax season. My facebook page is at www.facebook.com/ritchtaxservice

0 Comments