LAKEPORT >> Despite fewer respondents from the 2024 Business Walk, valuable information was culled as to the best paths forward to leverage up profitability for local business owners by Wilda Shock, marketing consultant, emphasizing public and media relations, as well as Economic Development Specialist for the City of Lakeport and chairing the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Shock made a presentation on business outlook to Lakeport City Council Tuesday. The yearly survey of businesses actually began its assessment at a September kick-off luncheon then did the walk in November. “We talked with 40 business owners and managers, and the Community development staff created a survey that could be completed electronically or making in-person contact, ” Shock recounted for the council audience. “We’ve learned over the years business owners liked in person conversations. We try to make it more of a conversation than to do a quiz, so it was done informally. We had 19 inquirers collect in person and 32 submitted electronically.”
But there was a marked decline in this year’s survey. a high of 150 was attained in 2019, pre-COVID and just 76 responses in 2023. “With small sample sizes it was more challenging to compare it to the 2024 results, but it provided timely info to business concerns” she said. Some of the survey highlights follow.
Generic retail business remains the most popular type of commercial enterprise. That was followed by professional services, then personal services and restaurants. It was also noted, 94% of the businesses operated in the incorporated area of town. Meanwhile, three-quarters of sales were on site. “The main attractions for doing business in Lakeport are the small town, friendly atmosphere. And it also included a sense of community- they really appreciated that aspect of doing business,” she said.
In addition, businesses valued the convenient location, accessible parking, which are still viewed as advantages and a prized opportunity. “Businesses enjoyed camaraderie with other businesses,” Shock added. Returning to the COVID impact, “About two thirds of respondents did not receive any COVID aid, but those who did, received it from state or federal grants.”
Some of the most trying challenges were government based, these included regulations such as monitoring employment rolls (turn-over), taxes from various jurisdictions. That was followed by, a sense of being hampered by the small market area, competition, a lack of qualified staff. Homelessness, and related crime also impacted sales, but not as much as in prior years, but that varied depending on a business’s location.
Two thirds of the sample response plan to remain in the same location. One quarter plan expansion on the same premises, while a limited number planned a physical move. “There were some specific highlights of the survey teams which they learned from talking to Tractor Supply and Marshall’s,” Shock said. “They were pleased with their grand openings last year and the location they acquired, and they felt like they could sustain business volume and grow the quality of merchandise they’re offering, was a significant impact.”
But on the negative side, several mentioned the contingencies of dealing with the city’s special events, particularly with Library Park. Businesses try to get information out to customers ahead of time or at least advise them to make alternate plans yet be aware of limited parking at such times. Another chaffing idiosyncrasy were businesses that did not adhere to posted working hours. It could be a deterrent to making referrals.
Also, a number of businesses cited the fact tourism seemed to be down during 2024. Yet that depended on whether they were open on weekends or their location. Still another aspect mentioned was the importance of having fiber optic broadband as an increasing business must have. Meanwhile. many spoke of the importance of antique shops as neighbors. Overall, there was not any truly significant changes from prior years.
Also, on the prior Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-4) announced that Shock was the 2025 Lake County Woman of the Year. Each year, Rep. Thompson chooses women from California’s 4th Congressional District to honor for their positive contributions to our community. “Wilda Shock has been a steadfast advocate for our community through her leadership and commitment to countless community foundations,” said Thompson. “She served as president of the Mendocino College Foundation, spearheading initiatives such as the Measure W Campaign. And she has been a driving force behind the economic development of our community as president of the Lake County Economic Development Corporation and as the chair of the Economic Development Advisory Committee for Lakeport.” City Council Member Stacey Mattina also congratulated Shock at the beginning of Shock’s business report.
