LAKE COUNTY >> Plans are underway for the 2016 Economic Outlook and Forecast Part II.
The 2015 “Lake County Resilience: Guiding Lake County toward 2020 and Beyond” Economic Outlook and Forecast event took place in December featuring keynote speaker Robert Eyler, professor of economics at California State University, Sonoma.
“Robert Eyler’s economic strategic summation provided us with a guide to pursue economic development activities in Lake County and enable us to access funds for projects,” said Jeff Lucas, community development services.
Nearly 200 Lake County business and community members attended the educational and forward-thinking event.
The event boasted a lineup of speakers including Lucas; Ross Hardester, Hardester’s Markets; Jill Ruzicka, deputy county administrative officer; Christian Ahlmann, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery; Rick White, Realtor with Konocti Realty; and Richard Cooper, Mendo Lake Credit Union president and CEO.
“A great economic conference,” Timothy Toye, real estate broker at Timothy Toye and Associates, said.
The first Economic Outlook and Forecast explored business possibilities and challenges of economic development in Lake County, as well as an overview of Lake County from the year 2000 to the date of the Valley Fire by Eyler and a panel discussion led by Lucas. Attendees participated in a strategic planning exercise that identified “assets” needed to get Lake County to a more competitive environment.
Congressman Mike Thompson kicked off the event with a video clip from Washington D.C. and State Assemblyman Bill Dodd was present to share his remarks on Lake County’s economy.
Representatives from state Sen. Mike McGuire and California Board of Equalization member Fiona Ma offices were in attendance. Also present were city officials from Clearlake and Lakeport. Lake County supervisors Jim Comstock, Jeff Smith and Jim Steele representing Districts 1, 2 and 3 respectively, were in attendance.
A Lake County wine reception was hosted by R Vineyards and Langtry Estate and Vineyards both of Middletown.
The event was coordinated by Monica Rosenthal and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Middletown Area Merchants Association.
Plans for the 2016 Economic Outlook & Forecast Part II are underway.
For more information contact Rosenthal at (707) 355-2762 or the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at (707) 263-5092.
