COMMUNITY ECONOMIC RESILIENCE CONSORTIUM | |
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Hello Gregg,
Five years ago, we were forced to change the way we do business. Responding to the COVID pandemic, economic and community development organizations, local governments, and other groups forged an unprecedented multi-county collaboration to support our communities and each other.
We are still committed to our mission of "providing updates, sharing resources and ensuring consistent communication to our community's businesses and public at large."
But the CERC only works with your participation. It's not a top-down or centralized entity. Think of it like a potluck, we set the table and bring a dish. But the meal is only good if we all contribute. And as anyone who has attended a potluck knows, a "varied" selection of dishes make the meal even better. We look forward to your continued partnership as we move forward on the pressing issues of the region.
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This Wednesday - Ryan Heitz, Humboldt County Headwaters Fund
Our guest on December 20th will be Headwaters Fund Coordinator Ryan Heitz. Ryan will be updating us on the Fund's upcoming grant round, loan programs, and other potential changes to the fund.
From their website: "As its name implies, the Headwaters Fund is a source; a well-spring of funding for important economic development projects in Humboldt County. Like a ‘headwaters,’ the Fund is often at the very beginning of a significant flow of ideas, energy, and money. Our goal is to make Humboldt County a more prosperous place to live. We began with over $18 million which is only 1/2 of a percentage of our local economy. Our impact comes from being a catalyst for community development."
Click here for more information on the fund.
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Previous Meeting - Shop Local Campaigns with Humboldt Made, Local Chambers of Commerce, and Business Support Groups.
According to the State of California, retail sales in Humboldt County have dropped from approximately $2.55 billion in 2021 to $2.24 billion in 2023, a 13% decline. Many retailers are reporting that 2024 will also be a challenging year, with the holiday season being particularly critical to their success this year.
A number of local efforts are underway to encourage more local spending. These "Shop Local" campaigns will show consumers the high quality products and services available in our community, while also stressing the community benefits of keeping our dollars close to home.
At Wednesday's meeting, we received updates from Humboldt Made, the Arcata Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Humboldt Business and Visitors' Bureau on their efforts to attract and retain consumer dollars to our area.
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Do you have something you'd like to share in the CERC Update? We have an email list of over 250 key individuals in the region, at state agencies, and in supporting organizations.
Email Stacy or Gregg with your news items.
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Did you miss one of the excellent Wednesday CERC presentations?
Don't fret. We save them for you. Click to watch and enjoy at your convenience.
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Outsmart Disaster is a statewide campaign led by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Outsmart Disaster equips California businesses and nonprofits with the training and resources they need to prepare for and recover from all types of business interruptions.
The program is dedicated to empowering small businesses to become resilient—ready to absorb stress, restore essential functions, and thrive, even in challenging circumstances. You can start building resilience today.
Outsmart Disaster is an initiative of CalOSBA supported by Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Recovery Assistance funds provided by the U.S. Economic Development Agency.
The Outsmart Disaster concept was originally conceived in 2018 as a state-led tool to help businesses and communities prepare for the next big earthquake. With the support of funders such as JP Morgan Chase Foundation and Edison International, and under the leadership of California’s Business Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the program evolved to help Californians prepare for all types of disasters. Now, with the support of approximately $782,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding provided by U.S. Economic Development Agency and under the leadership of CalOSBA, Outsmart Disaster will further its work to help prepare Californians for the unexpected... like earthquakes!
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Redwood Region RISE Releases RFP for Catalyst Fund Projects | |
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Redwood Region RISE’s Catalyst Pre-development Funds Request for Proposal (RFP) period is now officially open!
The Catalyst Fund will invest $9 million in pre-development activities to prepare projects in the Redwood Region that are aligned with RRRISE’s values and strategies. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and Scoring Rubric as they prepare their submissions.
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CALED Rural Exchange Coming
Next Gathering is January 23, 2025
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In 2018, the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) created the Rural Economic Development Exchange. The Exchange provides an opportunity for help rural economic developers, connect, share resources, and engage in policy conversations/initiatives. Specifically, CALED is committed to:
Exchange Goals:
- Convene rural economic development stakeholders at least one time per year (outside of CALED’s Annual Conference)
- Include a Rural Exchange opportunity at the conference for resource providers to share updates on how they can support rural economic development as well as showcase best practices
- Work with USDA Rural Development in California to identify ways CALED can support their priorities and promote their work/grants.
- Share what we learn with partners that may be in a position to assist in addressing priorities, challenges, solutions, and resources to grow rural economies
The next Rural Exchange will be held in Sacramento on January 23rd. Both CALED members and non-members are welcome.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Leadership Redwood Coast Opens Applications for 2025 Program | |
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From the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation
Leadership Redwood Coast, a program of the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation, is a masters-level fellowship that offers you an unparalleled opportunity to grow professionally, deepen your understanding of our region, and strengthen your network with like-minded leaders from throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, and Tribal Lands.
The application to participate in the 2025 cohort is now open. The fellowship will run March - July 2025, with 6 sessions and a total of 13 class days. It's a commitment that pays big dividends!
Through a mix of regional excursions and integrated classroom-based experiences, you’ll explore the intersection of established and emerging industries, local and regional government, education and workforce development, housing, healthcare, climate resiliency, tourism, agriculture, and more.
Members of the 2025 cohort can expect to:
- Engage in career-defining leadership development
- Gain a fuller understanding of our region’s systemic challenges and potential opportunities
- Build relationships and participate in inspiring conversations with local leaders across sectors
- Foster practical skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change within organizations, the community and across our region
Join one of two virtual info sessions on December 12, 12-1 p.m. and January 6, 5-6 p.m - you can also explore the LRC program website or email rccf@eurekachamber.com with any questions.
Applications are due Friday, January 17 and fellowship selection will take place in early February.
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Help Build the CERC Collaboration
Forward this email to potential partners and interested parties. They can sign up for updates using the button below.
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