Founder's Note: July

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Ingenuity Reigns, Page After Page

Looking at the Table of Contents for this issue of Prosper I’m reminded of the cornerstones of Northern California’s greatness: ideas, imagination, innovation, ingenuity and a willingness to put it all on the line to achieve an objective or reach a goal.
    From the venturous miners seeking fortunes during the Gold Rush to scientists making modern breakthroughs in technology, medicine and industry, our part of the state symbolizes the best of California. Agribusiness, electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology all have found an atmosphere of abundance that encourages them to thrive here. 
    Traditionally, Californians are unafraid to go their own way. This month’s cover story on the reemergence and resurgence of nuclear power is a prime example. Prosper contributor Anne Gonzales explains that while nuclear power has mended its image elsewhere, Northern Californians, many of whom in the Sacramento region can see the lifeless tower of the off-line Rancho Seco nuclear facility, are generally more willing to bank on renewable resources for the future.
    Yes, California and Californians often buck the national trends. A future residential housing “bubble burst” appears inevitable, say experts surveying the national scene. But contrary to the housing picture elsewhere, our own local pros ask “what bubble?”  Prices might dip in the coming months, Prosper contributors Jeff March and Marti Childs report, but demand won’t.
    And why would it?  People are finding all sorts of ways to make it in the Sacramento Metro Market. For instance, Prosper contributor Stephanie Chandler tells how several Sacramento entrepreneurs were among the first to see eBay’s possibilities. They are now operating virtual storefronts, joining more than 254,000 other eBay Stores worldwide and operating in the company of such major names as Sears, Hewlett-Packard and Dell.
    Other interesting reads in this issue that reflect Northern California’s energy and vitality for the past century and a half profile risk-takers and determined dreamers. Prosper contributor Don Lipper introduces us to Paul Moller, founder and president of Moller International in Davis, who’s spent 40 years and $100 million attempting to build a flying car!
     And Dale Carlsen, founder and president of Sleep Train Inc., who at age 23 bought a delivery truck, and launched his first Sleep Train mattress store. From that, he’s built a business empire that now has more than 100 mattress stores and 800 employees.
Continued...

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