CERC Update - 2/3/24

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.

February 5th Meeting - Organizational Check-Ins

The change in the U.S. Admnistration will undoubtedbly affect all of us in many ways. The initial flurry of Executive Orders and other communications from the Executive Branch have created confusion and concern regarding policy and resources available to many economic and community development efforts.

As part of our continuing mission, the CERC will focus on sharing information and organizational updates with the goal of increasing our understanding of what has and may happen and how we can collectively respond to new challenges and priorities.

We hope you will attend and share your perspectives.

January 29th Meeting - Miguel Saavedra, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the North Coast

January is National Mentoring Month. Most, if not all of us, have benefitted from formal and informal mentoring. Locally, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the North Coast provides mentors to local youth. Joining us on Wednesday, January 29, was Miguel Saavedra who gave us an overview of their program goals and let us know what we can do to support their mentoring programs.

Join in and see how we can all prepare the next generations to thrive in and lead our region.

Learn more here.

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.

Join us at 10:00 a.m. Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88902973868.

CERC general meetings are Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Let us know if you are interested in presenting or have a program suggestion.

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Housing Group meetings Mondays at 11:00 a.m.

Click to Join Mailing List

Broadband Group meeting the Third Thursday of the Month at 10:30 a.m.



Zoom Meeting Link for Both Meetings

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.

From the County of Humboldt,

Each year, Humboldt County departments review and recommend state and federal legislation that would improve and enhance county financing, operation, and efficiency in service delivery. These legislative positions are adopted by the Board of Supervisors as a platform that guides county advocacy to our elected state and federal representatives.

This advocacy is carried out by county staff, by professional lobbyists hired by the county, and by the National Association of Counties and the California State Association of Counties

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the School of Business, Cal Poly Humboldt, offers free, professional-quality tax preparation services to the community. Faculty-supervised student volunteers provide assistance with Federal and State tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current tax laws.

Services are conducted on-site at Cal Poly Humboldt, with potential support at additional local VITA sites. Our team is trained in ethics, confidentiality, and effective communication to meet your unique tax needs.

Visit their website to make your appointment https://sites.google.com/humboldt.edu/vita/home

The Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce their Spring lineup of professional development classes.

Curated with your business and your employees in mind,Next Level courses include topics on:

• Prompt writing has emerged as the key to unlocking AI's true capabilities. Experience a comprehensive guide to mastering this essential skill.
• Do you have a public speaking engagement on the horizon? We've got an opportunity for you to practice your presentation and receive positive and constructive feedback. 
• Tackle the key barriers between job seekers and employers. Learn how to address challenges like childcare, elder care, skills gaps, and more to attract and retain talent. 
• Learn a comprehensive approach to reducing employee turnover and enhancing retention to ensure your employees remain your most valuable asset and your workplace thrives

In June 2024, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors extended the county’s contract with the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau (HCVB) through Dec. 31, 2024, and reallocated funds being spent on travel and tourism activities toward an in-depth marketing assessment to be conducted in collaboration with local cities, tourism districts and community partners. 

“The HCVB has been the county’s designated destination marketing and management organization for decades, and the Board sincerely appreciates the work HCVB has done through the years to promote our beautiful county’s many attractions,” said Humboldt County Second District Supervisor and Chair of the Board Michelle Bushnell. “With the county’s current budget situation, it was time for us explore different ways to efficiently manage our travel and tourism marketing efforts.”

In December 2024, the County Administrative Office’s Economic Development Division issued a request for proposals for professional consulting services to research and analyze the county’s current marketing assets, efforts and regional tourism trends for the development of a comprehensive travel and tourism marketing strategy. Interested businesses, organizations and agencies, including the HCVB, were welcome to submit proposals. The submission deadline was Jan. 22. and proposals received will soon be evaluated.

From Nina Natina,

Shasta EDC hosts -Export Expo- on Thursday, January 23rd

Join this FREE event in Shasta Lake City to learn how exporting can grow your business. The Shasta EDC along with World Trade Center Northern California, U.S. Commercial Service, and GO-Biz International Affairs and Trade, invite all "export curious" companies to attend this workshop. Learn the A-Z of exporting, connect with export service providers, and network with local companies currently or considering exporting. For more information and to register, visit: https://mailchi.mp/reddingchamber/commerce-connect-3-17-19118455?e=0cd6982955.

Butte College SBDC hosts -Unlocking Global Markets for Business Growth- on Wednesday, January 29th

Join this FREE event in Chico to learn how exporting can be part of your strategic business plan. You will learn how to access global markets, the benefits of growing internationally, and how the World Trade Connect Incubator and Accelerator Programs can support your international growth. For more information and to register, see the attached flyer or visit: https://www.buttecollegesbdc.com/events/.

*INCENTIVE* California Competes Tax Credit

The application period for the California Competes Tax Credit opened on January 6th with $215 million in tax credits available. The application window will be open from January 6 to January 27, 2025. Visit the CalCompetes website for more information or reach out to me to learn more.

*INCENTIVE* Full Sales & Use Tax Exclusion (CAEATFA)

The CAEATFA program provides a full sales and use tax exclusion for advanced manufacturers and manufacturers of alternative source, recycled feedstock, and advanced transportation products, components, or systems. The application window opened on December 13th, 2024, and will close on January 30th, 2025. Visit this link for potential upcoming windows if there is any remaining unawarded amounts. Visit this link to view the Emerging Strategic Industries starting January 1, 2025. 

Governor Newsom and Secretary Knox visit Shasta College in December

The Governor and Secretary gave a press conference on December 16th at Shasta College in Redding. To view the press conference, visit the Governor’s YouTube page and watch the video, Governor Newsom Announces New Career and Education Opportunities for Californians and Veterans.

The CALED Annual Conference will be held May 7-9, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport in Ontario, CA.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new economic development opportunities and connect with your peers.

Click here for more information.

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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