Economic Development News |
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From Our Executive Director |
While we had all hoped that COVID-19 would have run its course by now, the number of cases within our county is at an all-time high. Just like last summer, we must all work together to get through this. In accordance with the CDC, we recommend that you continue to wear masks indoors when in settings like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers even if you’re fully vaccinated.
At AEDC, we will continue to find creative ways to support our local businesses, including events like PPE distribution and the Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit, a virtual 2-day conference on October 21-22. This event is for business owners, economic development professionals, and emerging leaders throughout Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties. With this event, we hope to facilitate interactive conversations on how we can cultivate a thriving economy in the Redwood Coast Region. See below for more details.
We wish you and your family a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend!
-- Ross
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Redwood Coast Economic Summit |
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On Thursday, October 21, and Friday, October 22, leaders from Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino will be convening virtually for the first-ever Redwood Coast Region Economic Development Summit.
Future Forward is a two-day virtual economic summit designed to foster innovative thinking throughout our region. Organized by the Humboldt County Office of Economic Development, AEDC, RREDC, North Coast SBDC, as well as other economic organizations throughout our region, our goal is to identify shared economic opportunities and strengthen collaboration amongst our businesses, economic development professionals, and emerging leaders.
Details:
Who is this conference for?
This conference is intended for business leaders, economic development professionals, and emerging leaders throughout Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino County.
What will this conference be about?
This conference will center on three themes:
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Industries Bringing New Opportunities: Sharing best practices and innovation to foster growth for our area’s leading industries, including tourism, agriculture, arts & culture, manufacturing, and cannabis.
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Infrastructure for Sustainable Economies: Conversations about building and improving the key infrastructure needed in our area, such as transportation, childcare, housing, broadband, healthcare, and green energy.
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Improving Quality of Life for All: Dialog about how to provide equitable access for all people who call the Redwood Coast “home”, with elements that research shows improve our quality of life, including community development, education pathways, advocacy, and investment for BIPOC communities, and mental health support.
Friday will center on 90-minute interactive breakout sessions on key regional focus areas. While this inaugural conference is completely virtual, there will be an emphasis on networking, collaboration, and strengthening ties across our tri-county area.
What will the virtual conference be like?
This is not just a bunch of Zoom meetings! We’re using a platform called Hopin, which allows for an “immersive attendee experience with interactive programming.”
This platform will offer a streamlined user experience for attendees, various ways to network and engage with other attendees, and a virtual vendor booth component. All keynotes and sessions will be recorded and shared with attendees to rewatch after the conference is over.
In addition to the virtual presentations, participants will receive a conference package by mail, including conference swag and a detailed program overview with highlights from our community.
How do I sign up?
Registration will open up soon, but you can sign up to be notified when to register on the GoHumCo website.
How much are tickets?
- General Admission - $75
- EarlyBird Price: - $60 (if you register by September 20)
- Emerging Leaders - $25
Can I be a sponsor or vendor at the virtual booth for this event?
We are actively looking for community partners to sponsor this event! Click here for more information on the various sponsorship opportunities, and what that all entails. Then, fill out this form to let us know what sponsorship level you are interested in!
Businesses and organizations can be a vendor with a virtual booth during the conference for only $250! This will be a great opportunity for networking and outreach with a wide reach.
How can I encourage emerging leaders to participate in this conference?
One of the key goals of this conference is to engage emerging leaders in the key issues of economic development and provide opportunities for collaboration throughout our region. We are offering 50 spots for diverse emerging leaders who are representative of the Redwood Region, including Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties. It’s important to note that we see emerging leaders as anyone who has risen to a position of leadership within the last two years, and is not limited by age!
If you know emerging leaders who should be a part of these important conversations, please nominate them to attend! In addition to discounted tickets of $25, our emerging leaders will get additional access to workshops and networking opportunities. Self-nominations are welcome. Please submit your nomination by September 14, 2021 via this google form.
Our region has always shared a lot in common, including economic opportunities as well as challenges. Our region is as resilient as the Redwoods we’re famous for. And as we focus on revitalizing an economy that is more inclusive, equitable, and resilient, we know that collaboration and innovation will be integral to moving towards a future that works for everyone.
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Free PPE Distribution for Humboldt’s Local Business Owners |
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Recently, AEDC distributed 106,140 N-95 regulation face masks for small businesses and nonprofits to use in response to the new mask mandate and the rise of COVID-19 cases. Distribution events took place in Southern Humboldt, McKinleyville, Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna. While other communities distributed supplies to businesses in Blue Lake, Ferndale, Willow Creek, Trinidad, and Rio Dell. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the Office of the Small Business Advocate, and PPE Unite, the masks were distributed free of charge.
This distribution was also done with the help of the COVID Economic Resiliency Consortium (CERC), a group of business and economic development advocates who have been providing updates, sharing resources, and ensuring consistent communication to our community's businesses and general public about COVID 19 since March 2020. If you or someone you know is still in need of PPE supplies please look at the list below for information on who to contact:
In Arcata
- City of Arcata
- Susan Diehl McCarthy | 707-496-6429
- Masks are available for pickup at the City of Arcata Community Services Department.
- Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In McKinleyville
- McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce
- Jesse Miles Phone: 707-839-2449
- Masks can be picked up at the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce.
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (Not Wednesday) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In Eureka
- City of Eureka
- Christine Tyson 707-441-4178
- Masks can be picked up at the City of Eureka through their Economic Development Department. Arcata Economic Development and the Eureka Chamber also have some for distribution.
In Garberville/Redway/Southern Humboldt
- Partner: Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce
- Leann Greene Phone: 707-923-2613
- Masks can be picked up at the Garberville Chamber as well as the Southern Humboldt Business and Visitors Bureau.
- Monday through Friday 8:30 through 5 p.m.
Fortuna/Eel River Valley
- Partner: Fortuna Chamber of Commerce
- Renee Lindsey 707-725-3959
- Masks are available for pickup at the Fortuna Business Improvement District.
- Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Willow Creek
- Partner: Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce
- Masks are available for pickup at the Coast Central Credit Union during normal business hours.
If you have any questions about masks or mask distribution, please call Susan Seaman at (707) 798-6132 ext. 212 or email susans@aedc1.org.
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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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