'PROSPERITY 2012': PLAN TO DEVELOP LOCAL INDUSTRY

 Arcata, CA- Two years in the making, a plan to develop local businesses and economic growth is complete. It’s called ‘Prosperity 2012’ but it’s a five-year plan lead by Humboldt County.
 
Over 450 community members have been working on ‘Prosperity 2012.’ A strategic plan to move the local economy forward and focus on growing the local businesses. Jacqueline Debets, the Economic Development Coordinator for Humboldt County said, “there are 7 strategies and the big focus is on business climate. How we can help the business feel welcome and nurtured here."
 
Some of those seven strategies include ways to attract quality workforce, and how to create more entrepreneurship opportunities. Debets added, “We are growing a lot of startup new businesses and entrepreneurship. How we can really help those business to grow jobs.”
 
Wildwood Manufacturing started in Arcata, and uses local lumber to make their products. They are a supporter of the ‘Prosperity 2012’ Plan. Bruce Hamilton is the owner and a member of the industry leadership council- a group of 12 business owners who helped create prosperity 2012. Hamilton added, "We have to support what's already here and feed it and interact with each other."
 
And in order to make a profit Hamilton says this could mean exporting Humboldt made goods. Currently, Wildwood Manufacturing exports to 27 states. Hamilton said, "Business is both national and international, you do what you can locally. I believe in patronage...It's more about exporting the product and bringing the cash into the county."
 
And that’s what the plan is all about, finding ways to grow and expand its top industries. Debets added, "It’s about bringing growth into the county. Helping those business that are established grow as well as new business get started and expand."
 
In the end the plan will have to be reviewed and adopted by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. County officials expect ‘Prosperity 2012’ to be presented to the board in March.
 
The public is invited to learn more this Monday, Jan. 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Humboldt county office of education, 901 Myrtle Avenue in Eureka.