Economic Development News |
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From Our Executive Director |
Economic development is more than just lending. It also means staying involved partnering with local organizations, listening to what our community needs and making sure we have a voice in important decisions that are being made. In this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting the important work of our community partners and organizations who have been hard at work to ensure the North Coast remains resilient in the coming months.
It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the last quarter of 2020. We are encouraging our PPP loan clients to begin working on their forgiveness paperwork, regardless of the size of their loan. We have not received confirmation that there will be a simple form for small borrowers, and having loan forgiveness processed before the end of the year will be helpful to borrowers. We do know that SBA has up to 90 days to get the applications processed, so the earlier we can get the applications submitted, the quicker they can be approved. Moving forward on getting those processed now will give businesses a leg up when moving into 2021.
—Ross
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COVID-19 Relief: SMART Resource Center Grant |
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The SMART Resource Center has a grant available for those impacted by COVID and they want you to apply! Read the list below to see if you meet any of the following criteria:
- If you were laid off due to actual COVID 19 OR
- If you have experienced a reduction in hours and/or pay due to COVID-19 OR
- If you are unable to work due to COVID-19 because of ONE of the reasons listed below:
- You were quarantined
- You were a caregiver for someone who was subject to quarantine
- You needed to care for children because of school closures or child-care provider closure
- You were at a high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 or I live with someone at high risk
- You were required to telework but lacked the necessary equipment
The SMART Resource Center stands ready to process inquiries and are anxious to do so. They have $126,000 available for eligible applicants. Also note that if there are two adults in the household, for example, mom and dad, they can both apply individually and if eligible each would receive supportive service funding.
707-382-3413
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Redwood Coast Connect is the Regional Broadband Network advocating to bring broadband to all areas of the North Coast. Leaders from Del Norte, Trinity and Humboldt are dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the region has the reliable high speed connectivity they need to live safely, learn, work and play.
In order to collect and report broadband availability data in the state, the Communications Division, Broadband, Policy and Analysis Branch is expanding their efforts to validate the availability of broadband, or lack thereof in rural areas throughout the region. To collect this data, they’re using an app, called CalSPEED. This testing tool measures the quality and speed of residential fixed internet connection.
How Does It Work?
With the app you can test your upload speed, download speed, message delay (latency), and message delay variation (jitter). The first two metrics measure your Internet usage experience, while the second two measure the voice quality of voice over IP technologies. Results are then uploaded to a public repository at CPUC to provide you with the ability to compare broadband coverage at your location with other areas in California.
After all data has been collected, the group will set goals for implementation of increased broadband throughout the area.
Ready to Give it a Test?
Click the link below to learn of more ways to download the APP:
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The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County is Working to Help Make
Democracy Work!
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For over sixty years, the League of Women Voters has been working to encourage Humboldt County citizens to be active participants in the election process. Our own Deborah Downs, our controller here at AEDC is the local chapter’s current president, and has been working hard to help reach voters, even in the midst of this pandemic.
The League envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. The organization is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public. While the election process can often be overwhelming and confusing, the League works to help voters feel empowered with helpful information in order to be better informed.
Here are some ways you can connect with what the League is doing:
Join the #BeHeardHumbodt Campaign, Inspire Others and
Share Why You VOTE.
As of July 3rd, Humboldt County had 80,250 registered voters, yet, there’s a total of 103,398 eligible voters. The League needs your help in getting the rest of those 23,148 eligible voters registered!
They want to know why Humboldt County residents VOTE. Simply share your thoughts or encourage your colleagues and peers to share their perspective on why they think it's important to vote (along with an optional selfie or photo of themselves), and the LWV will share it on their social media channels! The goal of the #BeHeardHumboldtCampaign is to get as many people in Humboldt County as possible, all 103,398 eligible voters, to register and participate in this year’s election.
Take 2 minutes and share why you vote by clicking the link below:
Watch Candidate Forums on YouTube
Five candidate forums, for Humboldt Community Services District, McKinleyville Community Services District, McKinleyville Union School District, the City of Arcata, and the City of Eureka, have already been recorded and can be viewed on the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County’s YouTube channel.
Upcoming forums will be recorded and shared during the following weeks:
- Tuesday, September 29, Northern Humboldt High School District
- Thursday, October 1, Second District Supervisor
- Tuesday, October 6, Fortuna City Council
If you have questions you would like candidates to answer, you can submit them here. Each forum will be recorded and uploaded to the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County’s YouTube channel the following day. Registered voters are encouraged to watch any forums relevant to them.
Register to VOTE!
Are you registered to vote? It only takes 30 seconds to check!
Mail In Ballot
Did you know that every registered voter will be receiving a ballot in the mail due to COVID-19 for the presidential election? Make sure you're registered so that you can be ready when your mail-in-ballot arrives!
Follow the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated and informed during this election season.
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Wear a Mask Humboldt
A new county wide “Wear a Mask” campaign launched in Humboldt County on August 14th. The “Wear a Mask” campaign was developed by a workgroup of the COVID Economic Resilience Consortium (CERC).
The campaign was designed to encourage the everyday use of masks to help protect the health of our community and to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Facial coverings are a worldwide recommendation by the CDC in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Currently, Humboldt County is doing a good job wearing masks in public and the County remains at the moderate level, which allows more businesses to remain open than in other parts of California where they are at higher levels. Staying vigilent about mask wearing will help continue this success.
As an effort to help keep our businesses healthy and operating, join the campaign and wear a mask Humboldt! Show your support, like or share on Facebook.
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Arcata Chamber Mixer
Join the Arcata Chamber for a virtual mixer! Keep in touch with your community, share your new business updates and meet new people all from the safety of your home. This event will be co-hosted by Coast Central Credit Union and feature a presentation by CEO Jim Sessa discussing CCCU's 70th anniversary, current ATM replacement projects, International Credit Union Day on October 15th, trivia and more.
To attend you must pre-register by clicking this Zoom link.
Keep in mind that even if you are not present at the mixer, you can still enter the raffle and win a prize! To purchase raffle tickets please choose from the options below:
We encourage you to buy an item or gift certificate from a local business (or your own business) and donate it to the mixer raffle! Donate by filling out your name and item in this link.
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Arcata Economic Development Corporation
Fax: (707) 798-6130
Tel: (707) 798-6132
707 K Street, Eureka, CA 95501
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