LAKEPORT >> As it is called the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the organization feels incumbent to always think about the full county, as part of their duties helping businesses.
Just a month on the job of executive director, Amanda Martin noted this is a diverse county and each town doting around Clear Lake has its own unique charm and opportunities as well as challenges. “But I see one area that could be a potential for Lake County is ecotourism,” she said.
She specified, “What are our selling points here? … We have the oldest lake site in North America. And we have Mount Konocti and the cleanest air, rated cleanest in the nation when it comes to fine particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association.”
“I see eco-tourism as a potential for the county,” Martin said. “One thing I’m hearing is the whole wine industry is facing some challenges now. It is a very large industry in the county, which is partly reflecting a generational shift- the younger generation is not drinking as much wine as the older one,” she said. So, one of the things I’m excited about my work with the Chamber for the role (I fill) is to build that kind of intergenerational collaboration and attract more of those younger families and have them come here to start their (career) life here.” But there are a number of things that need to come into play.
“I was just talking to Mellisa Fulton (former Chamber CEO), and when she first moved to Lake County (with her late husband). What they did was join the Chamber.” The community fully embraced them. Yet getting involved with the Chamber did not just mean becoming members but be welcomed into the community fabric.
“I look at my first year as a building block, see what a priority is to the chamber, while representing the community,”
Martin said. “We can help them bring in things, like more workforce housing, or help bring in more tourism.”
In her multifaced role, Matin strives to be the business voice, among other duties. And recalling the haunting moments from 2015’s, Valley Fire, in Cobb, where she grew up, she welcomed the rebuilding efforts however, even though there was progress, replenishing the stock of destroyed buildings, was nowhere near the number of buildings burned. There were 1,100 homes lost and the cost of construction after the Valley Fire spiked. “And there was a huge concern with how to obtain fire insurance, or even affordable insurance,” she said.
Another question before Martin is whether there’ll be more collaboration between the Chamber and the Lakeport Main Street Association. She pointed out, both groups have seats on the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Commitee, LEDAC. “There is a business walk they do for a survey, where they go out on Main St. to touch base … ‘how’s business going?… what kind of challenges are you facing?” It is that kind of effort that can be brought back (for the Councils and BOS) and advise their decision-making processes.”
For Martin, one of the most important parts of her job is to understand what makes the small businesses of the county thrive. “I’m really getting a sense for this speaking with our business membership. Because, if our small businesses are thriving, then our tax revenues are thriving, and so is quality of life.” One of those treasured life diversions is the annual Clear Lake Bass Tournament, which the Chamber puts on in cooperation with American Bass. At American Bass, they believe bass fishing is more than a sport; it’s a passion that brings people together. For 40 years They have committed themselves to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who wants to participate, regardless of skill level. They organize a variety of events throughout the year in different locations, ensuring there’s an opportunity for many to get involved. Each event is meticulously executed to ensure a competitive, and enjoyable experience for all.”
Another feature in the county is the Spring Splash-In. Gone for almost a couple of years, but it is back again. The event brings in Sea Planes to Lampson Field, then fly out to land on Clear Lake. Lampson is just due west of the Shannon Mercantile. The event is organized by Herb Lingl, pilot and flying trainer. “I speak to Herb and he thinks Lake County is a uniquely good space for Seaplanes,” said Martin. “It’s something we’re excited about; to help support the pilots as they arrive and give their families an itinerary of things to do.”
Martin confides she loves to plan large scale festivals, especially the slower months of January and February. Those months are typically rough on the restaurant community. Again, Restaurant Week will lay out a delicious spread, happening the week of Feb. 24 to March 2. “It’s not a large-scale event but a way to drive our business people to restaurants,” she said.
All restaurants in the county are invited to participate. They offer a special menu or some special menu dish. The aim is to facilitate more collaborations to happen. “Main Street Association and LEDAC cobble these connection points together to succeed. I think we are stronger when we work together.”
