Surprise Valley- Youth, Jobs, and Opportunities
The Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce has received a U.S.
Forest Service Grant. This grant will be used to develop the Surprise
Valley Economic Action Plan. Merle Anderson will be working on this
project. Surprise Valley is a very unique place with lots of beauty,
interesting history and deep roots. The area has depended upon natural
resources and agriculture as it's economic base. There are various
geothermal opportunities that could contribute to the economy if tapped.
Three town meetings were held the valley to gather information from
citizens. The meetings were in the communities of Eagleville, Cedarville,
and Fort Bidwell. The residents of Lake City were encouraged to attend
any of the three meetings, and did! The turn out was very good and
participants were eager to share their thought on the valley's economic
picture. Unanimously, we heard the need for more jobs and more educational
opportunities for everyone, especially the youth. Here are some of
the concerns:
- The young people have to leave the area to pursue an education,
and if they desire to return to Modoc, they seldom can because of
the depressed job market.
- Also, we heard complaints about governmental rules and regulations,
especially worker's compensation insurance, grazing permits and the
current condition of timber sales on government land. There is a small,
idle timber mill located in Eagleville, equipment is ready, they just
need a consistent supply of usable timber to employ up to 40 people.
- The state mandated Earthquake Building Retrofit requirements are
a large concern for the Surprise Valley Hospital. The hospital currently
is the largest employer in the valley with approximately 70 employees.
- Enrollment in current K-12 schools is threatened due to the decline
in student enrollments.
- Retail Leakage, no competition on cost of goods, and lack of retail.
These are a few of the challenges heard from all three meetings. It
is hoped this plan can identify potential feasible projects and strategies
for community members to focus on. It is an exciting project for a
very special part of Modoc County.
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This is the Lake City Four Mill built is 1867, currently
the only "industrial site" in Lake City!
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PARRAPROFFESSIONAL, WHAT?
MEC's Program Coordinator Donna Garcia and Business Service Coordinator
Kelley Poindexter trekked to Red Bluff to take the TEST. Fortunately,
with long hours of study time, the two MEC staff passed! We are happy
to add the new certificate to our resumes. Thanks Nortec for the opportunity,
and AFWD for your support.
YAHOO!!
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MORE WEBSITES FOR MODOC!!
On September 3, MEC's Computer Lab Coordinator Wendy Luna had her
first SOLO Web-design class. The class was kept small for quality
control, and all three of the participants sites were published. Wendy
shared it was a great experience and went very smoothly. Sharon Carey
of Nana's Quilts was very excited with the whole process, and appreciative
for the opportunity to participate.
Cal-Neva RC&D was also successful in posting a
very informative page on their recent activities, including the dedication
of the "Immigrant Trail Scenic Byway" that was celebrated
last month. (http://www.northcalnevarcd.com/) The new byway will be
a wonderful cultural asset to Modoc County. WIB Board Member Mark Steffek
has been instrumental in the success of this project. Thanks Mark,and
North Cal-Neva RC&D for your work on this project.
Modoc Employment Center is looking forward to assisting
more businesses develop their own websites. This particular area of
technology is still very weak, and opportunities limited. We are very
pleased to have the ability to offer this assistance.
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Vitality Group making headway!
The Modoc Economic Vitality Group is still going strong. The group still
meets once a month and has really covered some ground. The efforts have
paid off with over $345,000. in grants. Current projects are:
- MEDC Project - developing a professional business attraction package
and coordinating business attraction, retention and expansion resources.
- Micro enterprise project-developing cottage industry
- Alturas Chamber- Modoc County Marketing project-tourism/destination
- City/County joint efforts in Travel Plaza project
- Coordinating business, government and education efforts to revitalize
local economy
- Modoc Economic Summit- (the Sequel or #2)
All of these projects are in the developmental stages,
and hopes are high on the possible return - in jobs, retail creation,
retention, and expansion, tourism, and business attraction. We'll keep
you posted on our progress.
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MODOC LVN's GRADUATE!!
MEC Staff is proud to announce the successful completion of the LVN
program by two of our participants. Sara Marchessault and Kim Abraham
graduated on Aug. 2 at Fall River Hospital with MEC Program Coordinator
Donna Garcia and Receptionist Staci Hays in attendance. Both Sara
and Kim worked hard to accomplish this goal. Congratulations!!
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BUSINESS SERVICE NEEDS?
MEC is conducting a business needs survey for Modoc
County. As always, what works or fits in other areas is very different
for Modoc. We hope to customize the services our businesess feel are
important and useful to their success. We have alrady visited the outlying
areas of Adin, Davis Creek and Likely, and will continue to cover the
county. We will to use this information in our Business First focus,
the goal is making our businesses feel their input is important, relevent,
and that MEC is here for them!
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Well, that is about it for Modoc. Happy
trails to all and we'll see ya soon! |
