RE: Alturas

["Bill Strand" <strand@pacsim.com>]

As a company that has successfully made the transition from the Business
Incubator to Alturas Research Park, I would like to make several
observations.

I don't believe that the issues involved in making this transition are
addressed by "tightening up the rules" as Bill London has suggested. When
Pacific Simulation moved, we were on a strong growth curve with the critical
mass to take on the fiscal requirements. But it still took strong support of
the community (primarily B.J. Swanson and Gary Schell at Bank of Pullman) to
make the move. How many small companies can fork out the million dollars to
fund a new building, furnishings and infrastructure? It stretched our
resources to near the breaking point to make the move. Additions like the
Park Place Plaza are a necessary step in making this transition - a lower
cost, lower risk alternative for many businesses. I heartily support this
development and have made my support known to Duncan Palmatier who I believe
is now on the URA.

The easy way out is to stand up and yell for more rules and regulations -
isn't this the way of big government? But in reality, it takes involvement
by the community at a variety of levels to develop the program that attracts
the right businesses. Putting in Alturas was the first step, not the last.
We as a community need to work towards the desired resolution.

As for Greg Brown's comments, I just will respond that - without any
knowledge of my company or the people who run it and work here - his post
was insulting and ignorant. I suppose that when you remove yourself from
daily contact with the actual situation as he has, it is difficult to offer
a constructive opinion. Exactly what did he hope to contribute with his
posting?

Finally, I am continually perplexed by the comments about "corporate
welfare". We paid full price for the land, full price for the building and
full price for all the services associated with the running of this
building. Do I have a rebate coming? Where should I send my request?

B.C. Strand
Technical Operations Manager

Invensys Performance Solutions
Pacific Simulation
1187 Alturas Drive
Moscow, Idaho 83843