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Sierra Business Council February 2016

We may be experiencing a sunny reprieve from El NiƱo this week, but that doesn't mean SBC is taking a break in our efforts to improve the quality of life and experience in the beautiful Sierra Nevada!

Below you'll find just how busy we've been: from offering new programs to support local entrepreneurs, launching a fabulous new website for Sierra Nevada Geotourism, tripling our number of partners in Sierra CAMP, and gaining recognition from the Institute for Local Government, we've been a busy group. 

Don't worry though, we charge into our weekends with just as much excitement as we do our work!
Sierra SBDC's New Craft Entrepreneurship Program 

In partnership with Etsy, Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Small Business Development Center are launching the Craft Entrepreneurship Program, an innovative program that will provide micro-business training to adults with existing creative skills, to help supplement their income and sell their product to new markets.

Accepted applicants will participate in training programs that will guide them through becoming craft entrepreneurs. The program utilizes Etsy's platform for selling creative goods as the real-world learning lab and leverages the Sierra Small Business Development Center's business expertise. Students will learn the basics of starting and running an online business, including pricing, basic accounting, product photography, and marketing.

Participation is free, but limited, and made possible through the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation

For dates and eligibility requirements, click here!

All applications must be submitted by February 24th. Click here to apply!
New Sierra Nevada Geotourism Website
Have you seen the new Sierra Nev ada Geotourism website yet? It's the next evolution in Sierra Nevada travel planning, a tool Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy have been working on, in partnership with National Geographic, for two years now. 

With Sierra Nevada Geotourism's "Website 2.0", you'll not only be able to access nearly 2,000 locally-recommended outdoor destinations, communities, and Sierra businesses, you'll be able to plan full travel itineraries through the new "Trip Planner" feature, as well as find alternative means of transportation to get you there! Plus, improved functionality and search capabilities, regional categories, and mobile-ready formatting will make the website the ideal travel tool for visitors to the Sierra. 

Check out www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org and plan your off-the-beaten-path Sierra adventure today!
 Climate Planning Team offering FREE Title 24 Training

On February 24th, SBC's Climate Planning staff will be hosting a free Title 24 training at the Nevada County Contractors Association in Grass Valley. This class is sponsored and developed by Energy Code Ace, a program of the CA Statewide Codes and Standards Program. 

The training, which will be held from 8:30am - 4:30pm, will cover residential standards for Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors and includes a free lunch for participants. 

Space is limited, so reserve your spot by registering today! 

Click here to register, and for more information, please contact Jill Sanford at jsanford@sierrabusiness.org
Sierra CAMP Update

It's been an exciting start to the New Year for Sierra CAMP as we continue to build our partnership to promote climate adaptation and mitigation strategies across the Sierra region! In December, we submitted public comment on the draft report,   Safeguarding California: Implementation Action Plans. This report provided details as to how California will build the resilience of our residents, communities, and ecosystems to the emerging impacts of climate change. 

In addition to this policy action, we have continued our recruitment efforts and as of today, we're thrilled to call the following individuals and organizations Sierra CAMP members: Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Delta Conservancy, Town of Truckee, Placer County, Town of Mammoth Lakes, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Tahoe Mountain Sports, Sierra Institute for Community & Environment, Susi Lippuner, and Karen Ferrell-Ingram. We look forward to our partnership with these organizations and our continued efforts in building a Sierra-wide network! 

You can learn more about joining Sierra CAMP on our   website  or by contacting Sierra CAMP manager, Diana Madson. Stay tuned for a Sierra CAMP newsletter in the next month and a webinar on 2016 state policy!
SBC Recognized by the Institute for Local Government for Leadership in Sustainability
 
The Institute for Local Government and the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative have designated the SBC a "Beacon Program Champion" for its work in supporting energy and climate action initiatives in the Sierra Nevada region.

SBC's Climate Planning Program has greatly increased the capacity of local governments seeking to measure and demonstrate their commitment to combating climate change. SBC has completed municipal and community Greenhouse Gas Inventories for 26 local governments and Energy Action Plans for seven of its local government partners. Additionally, SBC's Sierra Nevada Energy Watch team has provided energy efficiency services that have helped area businesses and governments save over 25 million kilowatts hours of electricity since 2010.  

The Beacon Program not only recognizes local leadership, it provides a framework for local governments to share best practices that create healthier, more efficient vibrant communities. Through our Champion designation, SBC will be able to highlight Sierra jurisdictions who are paving the way towards a sustainable and climate-resilient region.

The Program is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.  
Thanks for reading, and don't forget to join us on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates!
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