Pipeliners affect economy
Published 12:00 am Saturday, October 9, 1999
Pipeline construction has brought not only new faces into this community, but added revenue as well.
Saturday, October 09, 1999
Pipeline construction has brought not only new faces into this community, but added revenue as well. Local businesses have reported an increase in the past months with the construction crews in town.
&uot;It’s a nice addition to have, since the farm economy is a little light,&uot; said Steve Nelson, owner of Fleet Farm Supply.
He and other business owners are also making some special accommodations for the temporary residents.
Nelson said the store has extended its hours on a couple of occasions to meet the pipeliners’ schedule.
&uot;They ask us if we can keep the store open a little longer and they spread the word among the others,&uot; Nelson said.
Although the word-of-mouth advertising doesn’t reach all of the pipeliners, enough come in to make it worth Nelson’s time.
Carol and Arnold Boot have also put in some long hours taking care of business from the pipeliners. The owners of Eastside and Westside Laundry, the couple said it’s not unusual to find them at one of their stores at the early hours of the morning.
&uot;My wife and I stay there sometimes till 1 or 2 or 3 in the morning,&uot; Arnold said.
They offer a one-day laundry service. Provided there’s no ironing involved, they generally get everything done for their customers by the next day.
&uot;We have worked some late hours, but we have thoroughly enjoyed working with them. They’re very polite,&uot; Carol added of the pipeline workers.
Neither Arnold nor Carol could speculate exactly how much business has increased, they know it’s been considerable. But more than just dollars have increased.
&uot;Sure they’ve helped the business, but they’ve perked the place up a bit. They’ve added a change a pace,&uot; Carol said.
Since some of the construction workers have left, Carol has noticed their absence and misses them.
&uot;We would welcome them back anytime they want to come back to town,&uot; she said.
Other business owners have commented on the demeanor of the temporary residents.
&uot;They’re very polite and courteous. I don’t think you can ask for nicer people,&uot; Nelson said.
Mary Weigel, owner of Motel 65, also noticed the pipeliners’ mannerisms.
With a couple of other large construction projects recently – namely Exol and the high school – Weigel has seen a variety of construction workers rent rooms at the motel.
&uot;You usually get a few good ones and a few bad ones, but all of these workers are very courteous,&uot; she said. &uot;We’ve been very lucky to have such nice gentlemen here.&uot;
Weigel hasn’t noticed a huge increase in business. But business has picked up a bit.
One area business that has seen considerable amount of added business is Norwest Bank.
&uot;A lot of them are from Texas and bank with Norwest there,&uot; said Billie Lewis, store banker for Norwest. &uot;They can continue banking with us here. It’s very convenient for them.&uot;
Despite the increase – Lewis guesses it might be as much as 30 percent – the bank has been able to keep up with customers.
&uot;We’ve learned to control the lines,&uot; she said.