John Cumming condensed notes on presentation by Randall Lawrence, President of the College of the Siskiyous at Mt. Shasta Chamber Lunch : April 9, 2009 noon-1pm

Economic Development Q & A

College of the Siskiyous Mission is to service the community

Economic development is one of the biggest challeneges

As the president "I am going to commit myself to economic development."

Most of you know how to start a business. Business in the broadest sense. The trick it seems to me is partially how to start a business and maintain it in this economy. The principles are true in good and bad times.

The big point. Success depends on doing it not by yourself, partnerships are where it's at.

City of Mt.Shasta is a city of small businesses that depend on lots of things, including tourism.

There is an opportunity to 'trap' drivers after people get off the road to gas up.

We control some factors but not all

Government regulations might help or hinder.

Air quality issues.

Together we can solve our shared problems.

Siskiyou County has many efforts going on. The efforts are diffused. Old models are out - what is the new model? The new model must come from shared commitment to the goals.

We actively work out problems together rather than react.

The College of the Siskiyous has lots of programs that are not that integrated.

Environmental Resources, Fire, Athletics and Nursing.

EMT program.

California budget crunch makes it a problem to develop.

A scarcity mentality. Getting past the scarcity is not the goal. The vision is the goal.

Vision for Siskiyou County for the next 20 years.
Vision for the College of the Siskiyous for the next 20 years.
What do we need to do today.

Get out of the trenches

Tell me what COS looks like in 20, 10, 5, 1 years. This helps identify the real issues. These real issues are often big and need to be tackled by the whole community in order to be successful.

Everyone does their own visioning. That's not good enough.

The government needs to step up and be a part of this group/shared visioning process. COS with City mayors.

Work force development is the historical mission of college and university institutions.

COS is like Switzerland. It does not take sides in political issues. COS's concern is what to do if the dams stay or if they go.

Chambers are filled with small businesses. Do the small businesses have the right skills? JEDI and STEP are local resources.

Business incubators for small businesses located on COS campuses. We can surround them with what they need.

Sometimes people come with great references yet fail to turn up on time if at all.

Don't see the college just as a work force developer.

Get the college involved in visioning processes. In order to capitalize on the business opportunities.

Economic stimulus money is confusing and difficult to understand. Coming via a group of Counties, Workforce Connection, Joyce Wyatt.

Solar on every ones roof.

Siskiyou County is not in the solar rebate program.

Chamber mixer, retired head council of California PUC. "People in Siskiyou County did not make a big fuss about the need for solar rebates." Networking to get the economic stimulus money

PPL will be buying lunch. They are worried if the dams go out. The cost will be passed to the consumer.

It's all about partnerships. There are too many barriers, network and partner to remove barriers and effect positive change.

Health Science Program. ( Rural Health Science Institute ). What does rural heath mean. The questionnaire is to help us define the answer. The med school in Davis is talking with COS about placement of their students. Technology is key. Real-time data from the field.

Workforce development and leadership development.

Culinary Institute - teaching in Yreka at the community industrial kitchen. The power of partnerships.