Business News
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
This acceptance marks the first time in California’s history that all 482 cities, 58 counties and every community have a federally recognized strategy, creating new opportunities to attract and leverage investments in the implementation of these plans.
The announcement includes the North State Regional Strategic Plan developed by the North State region of Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties.
In a letter to the North State Planning and Development Collective (the Collective) at Chico State from Jeffrey A. Hays, Economic Development Representative for Arizona/California (Seattle Regional Office), Hays wrote, “We commend your collaboration for its good efforts, and we look forward to working with you as you continue to address the economic development planning and implementation needs of the North State Region.”
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment and the Collective were awarded $5 million in 2022 to serve as Co-Conveners for the CA Jobs First North State region, guiding input and collaborative sessions across the North State to develop roadmaps for the region, resulting in the North State Regional Strategic Plan.
The plan will complement and work in tandem with the existing CEDS developed by 3CORE, Inc. (Butte, Glenn, Tehama counties), Superior California Economic Development Corporation (Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou and Trinity counties) and the Sierra Economic Development District (Plumas, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Sierra counties) to support the region and leverage additional funding opportunities.
“Collaboration is key to successful, regional economic development,” said Jason Schwenkler, executive director for Collective. “The EDA’s acceptance of the North State Regional plan reinforces the hard work our region has put into unifying for the good of the region. We look forward to working alongside our regional Economic Development District Partners and agencies to support existing strategies as we move forward as a region to further economic prosperity in the North State,” he said.
The U.S. EDA, along with many other federal agencies, requires an approved CEDS for communities to be eligible for funding from a wide variety of programs that promote economic, infrastructure, and workforce development.
The approval of these plans also positions California’s regions to further advocate for financial resources from many funders, including philanthropy, private investors, Community Development Financial Institutions, and Community Reinvestment Act bankers.
For additional information about the CA Jobs First in the North State Region, visit www.nspdc.csuchico.edu.
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- Written by: Lake County Economic Development Corp.
Featuring expert guidance from financial professionals, this event will equip attendees with the tools they need to navigate the commercial loan process effectively.
The workshops will feature Scott Rogalski, deputy director of NorCal SBDC, as the keynote speaker.
With extensive expertise in small business financing, Rogalski will provide actionable advice on business borrowing, helping attendees understand the best strategies to secure funding and grow their enterprises.
In addition to the keynote presentation, a panel of industry experts — including representatives from banks, credit unions, and small business advisory groups — will discuss strategies for positioning businesses for financial success.
Attendees will gain knowledge on financing options, learn how to prepare strong loan applications, and better understand what lenders look for when evaluating potential borrowers.
“This workshop series is designed to support our local entrepreneurs by providing them with critical financial tools to secure funding and expand their businesses,” said Nicole Flora, executive director of Lake EDC. “By bringing together experienced industry professionals, we aim to offer a comprehensive and practical approach to business financing.”
Whether attendees are planning to launch a new venture, expand operations, or strengthen their financial foundation, this event promises valuable networking opportunities and expert guidance tailored to the needs of small businesses.
The workshops will take place as follows:
• Monday, June 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the upstairs conference room at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.
• Monday, June 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m., BMO Bank, 15050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake.
The workshop is open to all entrepreneurs and business owners in Lake County and participants can attend one or both events. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.
For more information or to secure a spot, please contact
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- Written by: Caltrans
Attendees can network with Caltrans staff along with other state agencies and business professionals to discover opportunities in employment, training, education, resume building and small business development.
“Caltrans meets annually with representatives and leaders from the 28 federally recognized Native American Tribes situated within our district's boundaries, said Aaron Morgan, Caltrans District 1 small business liaison. “We have established this first-ever event to address the expressed needs of our tribal partners, providing tangible opportunities for community development and individual empowerment.”
This tribal resource fair caters to a wide range of interests, including direct civil service employment, small business support, educational and vocational training programs, and partnerships with Caltrans contractors, ensuring that all attendees will leave the event with valuable resources and opportunities for personal growth and community enhancement.
Join them to meet and network with:
• Caltrans field maintenance and equipment shop staff.
• Caltrans recruitment.
• Caltrans Small Business and Workforce Development.
• Norcal APEX Accelerator.
• West Business Development Center.
• California Capital Access Program.
• Mendocino College.
• Cal Poly Humboldt.
• Sonoma State University.
• California Conservation Corps.
• Cal Fire.
• Operating Engineers.
• Carpenters Local 751.
• Iron Workers Local 378.
• IBEW Local 551.
• Granite Construction.
• Wylatti Resource Management.
For more information, contact Aaron Morgan at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Jane Attardi has been framing fine art, photography and memorabilia in Lake County for 26 years.
When the Valley Fire destroyed her Cobb frame shop in 2015, Attardi dried her tears and started looking for work.
One bright day she walked into Don and Linda's Tax service in Lakeport, attracted by the sign advertising framing. She met Linda Warren and her brother Jim, who were both photographers. Warren prepared taxes for over 35 years and had decided to open a frame shop for their photos and for the community of Lake County. The couple hired Attardi on the spot.
Before Linda Warren passed in 2024, she encouraged Attardi to continue to provide custom framing service.
“I want Lake County residents to always have a frame shop,” Warren said, and she left Attardi a gift of all the equipment to make her vision a reality.
Now, thanks to Linda Warren’s generosity and Attardi’s commitment to keeping the frame shop open, Lake County residents don’t have to travel to Ukiah or Santa Rosa for professional quality custom framing.
Attardi is thrilled to announce that Attardi’s Custom Frame Shop is now open for business in Kelseyville at 9781 Point Lakeview Road, conveniently located just around the corner from the Riviera Market.
Attardi’s Custom Frame Shop is a warm, welcoming place where a large variety of beautiful moldings and mat boards are available to consider next to your artwork.
Attardi is happy to work with you in making the perfect choice for framing your fine art and precious family photographs.
Please call 707-349-8318 to make an appointment, or just bring your artwork in to discuss with Attardi during the frame shop hours Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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