LAKE COUNTY— The Lake County Chamber of Commerce will champion two key projects in 2019, county wide broadband and the Lampson Field Airport refresh. Both projects support business growth and tourism and fit the mission to promote the economic vitality and prosperity of our region. The two projects were confirmed at its annual retreat on Feb. 1 at Twin Pine Casino. The goal of the annual meeting is to orient new board members to the organization and to plan for the year ahead.
The LCCC will become champions of these two projects by working with Lake County Economic Development Corporation, helping to remove roadblocks and holding all of us accountable, including local governments, to keep moving forward.
The projects are highlighted by Dr. Robert Eyler in his final presentation of the Lake County Economic Strategy dated December 3, 2018. Eyler advised that these two projects are vital to local growth. (To see the full document, go to the Lake County website: County of Lake, California Economic Development Strategy.)
County wide broadband for reliable and affordable internet service is a game changer for residents and visitors, for education, for hospitals, for local governments, for entrepreneurs, for existing and new businesses. When LCCC board members were asked what impact broadband would have on their businesses, Helena Welsh, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association said that wineries would benefit because they use a web based ticket sales platform. Wineries could see existing ticket sales for Will Call and could also sell more tickets on site, at the event, if they had reliable broadband internet service.
Lake County Economic Development Corporation and Lake County Broadband Solutions are already working together on the broadband project and there is significant progress. Downtown Lakeport now has reliable fast internet service for businesses since the service was launched there in early February 2019. Go to the Lake County Broadband Solutions website to check availability in your area and sign up to be notified when it becomes available.
Jeremy Zabel, LCCC board member and chef/owner of Park Place Restaurant in Lakeport will act as liaison to keep the board informed about the status of the broadband project and identify roadblocks. The board will work together with LCEDC and LCBS to solve the problems that are creating the roadblocks.
Lisa Wilson, LCCC vice president said “As a Chamber we know that broadband is a big pain point for our members. We are committing resources to help bring countywide broadband to existing businesses and we’re looking out for future business owners.”
Lance Butcher, LCCC board member and owner of Lakeport Disposal will act as liaison for the Lampson Field Airport Project. Located at Highland Springs Road and Sky Park Drive just south of Lakeport, Lampson is managed by Lake County Public Works. The first priority is a pilots’ lounge for visiting pilots. Currently, visitors to Lampson must use a portable toilet and wait outside for ground transportation. There is no central area to post information, collect fees, or retreat from the weather, which leaves a poor first impression of not only the airport but Lake County in general.
Joe Casteel, LCCC President said “We want to make sure our efforts on behalf of our business community create results that are significant. The two projects that we are getting behind are important because they will transform our region, create business opportunities, improve quality of life and build a foundation for the future.”
Melissa Fulton, LCCC CEO added that “The business community can rely on us to help get these two significant projects completed. We see broadband as a 12 month project with improved service. The Lampson Field Airport will be a longer term project. We’re committed to working with Lake County EDC and Lake County staff to deliver economic sustainability.”
The mission and the vision of the LCCC are the filters through which we view our work and commit our resources.
MISSION: To promote the economic vitality and prosperity of our region.
VISION: The Chamber will be the catalyst in transforming the region into an attractive and inviting opportunity for business vitality and a great quality of life.
LCCC Membership information: Lakecochamber.com
Lisa Wilson, a resident of Lake County since 2011, is the General Manager of Clear Lake Campground and resides in the city of Clearlake. Lisa is currently serving as Vice President of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, as well as being a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Lake County.
