Is It Mainstream?

Is it Main-stream?
 
Today while drafting this article in my mind I was thinking about the main-stream topics that come to mind at this time in our history. Of course we have the general Business topics that are always front and center for us and then we have that date in Mid-May that is going to be discussed every which way over the next 25 or so days.  So, what do I talk about?
 
Then it hit me.
 
I visited a local business today that is not a current member of the Chamber of Commerce but nonetheless is a business that I need to fully understand in order to best do my job. I enjoyed the visit, immensely.
 
The first thing that came out was that this business is not main-stream. The owner relayed that to me suggesting that because he is unique, different, off the map so to speak, that we at the Chamber don’t respect him. He indicated that perception of his business is wrong and that indeed he has much good to offer the community of Port Alberni. Ultimately he’s correct in that he isn’t main-stream. He doesn’t run a grocery store, shoe store, motel, restaurant or a coffee shop. But, he does run a viable business in Port Alberni that is very much needed by his market. He services a need for the travelling public; especially those people crossing our Island either on foot, by bicycle, or in some cases by more regular transportation methods. Some of his customers even have a car. He gave me examples of people who stay at his facility and who then change their plans, and stay longer. People who look at Mt. Arrowsmith and say; hey, can I climb that thing? Or, people who want to go for a swim and then through conversation with this passionate non-main-stream businessman, find out about Paper Mill Dam Park. Other people ask him about bike trails, walking trails, paddle routes. Others yet have heard about Della Falls so, he describes how to get there, who to speak to. His general answer to all of his guests;  Stay awhile, there is a world waiting for you, right here in our front yard. 
 
So, here I am thinking main-stream today; thinking about the election and then, thankfully, I stopped at that yellow building. I enjoyed a cup of coffee, talked with the businessman and a friend of his, a young fellow who just returned from Canmore Alberta because; he missed his garden hobby in Port Alberni. Wow, thanks for the non-main-stream guys!
 
I look forward to stopping by there later this summer when I see his European guests sitting on his front steps taking in some of our breathtaking views, all from his non-mainstream business.
 
I for one am thankful for all business in our community. It is who we are; it is why we are; it is what we will be, and of course; it’s where we are!  That’s why the sun rises in the west here in Port Alberni.