Sierra County Chamber of Commerce Blog

Know someone who needs boradband internet? Help them...

Isabelle Geiger — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:04 GMT

The Gold Country Broadband Consortium (GCBC) held a Kickoff Workshop on the topic of bringing broadband to our area.

Their measure of success is the number of broadband connections made, and every connection counts. So they want to help make those connections, but they know they can't connect any of those they don't know about.

So, of you are having problems getting broadband where you live, or know someone else who does, please, let them know of your needs-- for you or for anyone you know.

Send GCBC an email directly (include the physical address for where internet is needed - send to sandy@sedcorp.biz) and encourage others in need to do so, too.

Help GCBC to help you and your neighbors by volunteering to be a neighborhood champion they can work with to facilitate a meeting in your community. As they capture our collective commitment to adopt broadband service as soon as it is available, they can work with the ISPs to develop and fund the projects to deliver that service.

As an example of success of facilitating the connection of consumer demand to ISP supply, GCBC want to share the story of Brenda. They received a plea for help from Brenda Peters who lives near Colfax. They quickly forwarded her contact information to an ISP known to serve her area. They got an email from Brenda last week gushing with pleasure over her new broadband service (her email said she'd had it for a whole twenty minutes when she sent us her note!). Now, they may not be able to get everyone connected as quickly as Brenda was, but if they don't know of people who needs it, they won't be able to help at all.

Sierra Economic Development Corporation
560 Wall Street, Suite F
Auburn, CA 95603
530.823.4703
www.sedcorp.biz

Labor Law Posting Requirement Update

John Geiger — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:37:44 GMT

CHANGES!!! The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily enjoined the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) rule requiring the posting of employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

As of April 17, 2012, the NLRB posting requirement was suspended until further notice due to federal court cases. If you have posted the NLRB Employee Rights poster, you should remove it.

For more information: http://www.nlrb.gov/poster

ORIGINAL POST:
As a valued business client of Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., (AFWD) would like to remind you of an important Labor Law Posting Requirement Update:

As of April 30, 2012, most private sector employers will be required to post a notice advising employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The notice should be posted in a conspicuous place, where other notifications of workplace rights and employer rules and policies are posted.

To download/print the poster at no cost, click here »

Sierra Nevada Geotourism Celebration "The New Face of Travel"

Isabelle Geiger — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:18:37 GMT

Save the Date: Don't Miss This Free Event!

Sierra Nevada Geotourism Celebration
"The New Face of Travel"

When: Friday, May 18 2012, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento
Click here to RSVP

Join fellow Sierra residents, community members and tourism officials to commemorate 3,000 square miles of local culture, iconic beauty, and adventure that distinguishes the unique character of the Sierra Nevada.

The Sierra Nevada Geotourism Celebration will feature:
   •   Explore the California State Railroad Museum
   •   Taste Sierra Nevada wines
   •   Enjoy delicious locally grown hors d'oeuvres
   •   Meet your neighbors and "Sierra-Made entrepreneurs"
   •   Connect and engage at the Sierra Nevada Business Center
   •   Learn about the future of Sierra Nevada Geotourism
   •   Pick up your free SNGT print maps, stickers and promotional items!!

This event is to thank everyone who participated in the Sierra Nevada Geotourism Project, and recognize all that we have accomplished since 2009. We would like to acknowledge your contributions to the project as well as the work of the Geocouncils, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Sierra Business Council and National Geographic.

Local Luthier Donates Guitar to the Artists in Schools Program

Isabelle Geiger — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:27:10 GMT

Local Luthier, Mike Kelly, has been woodworking all of his life and began making guitars about 9 years ago. He makes about five or six guitars a year and enjoys it a lot. “I was extremely lucky to find Brandt Larsen, a long time luthier and instrument builder, who patiently and generously shared his knowledge, skills, and encouragement while teaching me this very rewarding craft,” says Mike. “I’m happy to say that several local musicians play guitars that I have built; Lynn Zanetta, Mark Daigle, Paul Douville, B.J. Jordan, and my teacher, Brandt Larsen.”

The students of Loyalton and Downieville Schools are also lucky because Mike has donated one of these fine instruments to the Sierra County Arts Council’s, Artist in School Program raffle/drawing. In the wake of drastic cutbacks to arts education, the Artists in Schools Program brings local artists and musicians into our schools to teach our students. “This is a parlor size, steel string guitar. The back and sides are made of Indian Rosewood. The top is Sitka Spruce. The bridge and fingerboard are Ebony. The neck is Mahogany,” says Mike.

This guitar was recently seen raising funds at the Loyalton School’s annual Christmas show where students from Randy Prichard’s Artists in Schools music program performed. “I love my guitar,” says local musician, B.J. Jordan. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12 years old and have never owned a guitar that sounds and plays as beautifully as this. There is so much hidden talent in Sierra County. I can’t believe that we have guitars of this quality being made locally.”

To catch the sound of Mike’s guitars, come to the Yuba Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:30pm right after the Cabin Fever Spaghetti Feed in Downieville. Local musicians will be playing Mike’s guitars at Home Grown Talent open mic, sponsored by the Sierra County Arts Council. You may also purchase raffle/drawing tickets and the chance to win this beautiful handmade guitar at this event.

If you are interested in owning one of Mike’s guitars you may contact him at (530) 289-3588 or email at katie@gardenfok.com. Information on Sierra County Arts Council events and the guitar raffle/drawing may be found on the Council’s website, www.sierracountyartscouncil.org, email info@sierracountyartscouncil.org or by calling (530)289-9822. A special thank you to Mike Kelly for donating this guitar to raise funds to keep art and music education in our schools.

Labor Law Posting Requirement Update

Isabelle Geiger — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:27:46 GMT

Our friends at the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., (AFWD) sent us this update to share with you all:

The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) mandatory posting requirement for most private employers, titled, “Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act,” has been delayed from the original January 31, 2012 posting date until April 30, 2012. Employers now have until April 30, 2012 to post the separate notice.

For additional details on this ruling please visit the NLRB’s web site (link below):
https://www.nlrb.gov/news/nlrb-postpones-effective-date-rights-posting-rule-april-30

Also, to download/print the poster at no cost, click on the link below: https://www.nlrb.gov/poster

Whales in Sardine Lake??

Kathy Breed — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:20:57 GMT

Okay, so we are still waiting for the snow to fall but there is something unique to do while you wait. Take the drive up to beautiful lower Sardine Lake and yes, Gold Lake Road is usually frozen over. The best time is around 10:30 A.M., to stand at the lakes edge and listen. The ice on the lake is cracking making sounds of whales and Star Wars as it bounces off the mountain. This is happening because we don't have snow......so enjoy it for now!

Downieville Grocery store now open!

Isabelle Geiger — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:19:39 GMT

Monday morning, 1/2/12 the Downieville Grocery store opened its doors to customers. They are a full service grocery, with everything you need including fresh produce. They are finishing up the stocking the shelves and also havea wish list on teh counter for customers to let them know what they would like to see available in the store.

The grocery store is managed by Humajoon and Naseem Lodhi who also run (excellently I want to add) the gas station mini mart and deli. In the past year this couple has really made an impact on Downieville, running a fabulous operation. This is very, very exciting news.

Welcome to the grocery store -- and now the rest of you, go shopping!

White Christmas?

Isabelle Geiger — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:45:08 GMT

I haven't changed the color scheme on the website yet as I have been waiting for the snow to come so I wouldn't be advertising falsely that it's a winter wonderland up here. But, the way things are going, I have NO idea when the snow will come...so, the fall colors are staying as we wait. And there have been leaves on many trees still in yellows and some reds up until now, so I figured it wouldn't be bad to keep those pictures up. Though the recent fall storms have more or less taken care of the leaves, and it's mostly evergreens that add color now.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a wonderland up here, breathtakingly beautiful as always. The holidays are in there air with all the blinking cheerful christmas lights on businesses, homes and trees throughout the county. So it will still be a great christmas. Probably just not a white one!

2012 Early Bird Membership & Workshops

Isabelle Geiger — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:21:17 GMT

Back by popular demand!
In order to encourage everyone to get signed up at the end of the yer when things are quieting down, but before Winter hits in full force and we're all busy with the snow and such, we're providing an early bird special rate for all members of the chamber who want to renew, or for any new members who want to join.

Go to the membership page to renew or apply. If you are a current member, just login using the email you signed up with the chamber, and if you can't rememebr your password, click on the link for that.

Please sign up before 11/15 to get the early bird discount-- $80 for membership and an ad in the 2012-2013 Visitors Guide. After 11/15 that goes up to $100. I know I can think of all kinds of things I could do with that 20% savings!

Once you have joined, make sure you have the description and information you want on the site so that when people are looking for you or a business that provides what you do, that they find you and all the information they need. Also, make sure you link to the chamber site from your website, and make sure your website is linked to in your chamber profile. This site is only as good as the information we members provide.

And, we'd love to see you engaged in the chamber; we have so many exciting things going on. Whether it's:

the Visitor's Guide
improvements to this website
entry submissions to the NatGeo Sierra Nevada Geotourism site
implementation of the Yuba River Scenic Byway project
design and building (and manning the booth) of the Sierra County 2012 California State Fair exhibit
Improvements and additions to the Northern California Travel Guide App for iPhone and iPads (yes! Even Sierra County has an app!)
The creation of a promotional pamphlet called "49 Things to do along Highway 49"
promoting Sierra County via sites such as the Gold Country Visitors Association and the DogTrekker
tweeting, or
blogging,
and numerous other things

well, we have a lot going on, and would love your involvement!

We'll be hosting some workshops this winter:

how to make sure your business and any landmarks or events you think are important appear in the Northern California App
how to get on the DogTrekker site (and why it's so important)
how to spot spam from legit email, and what to do with it
how to get a web presence for your business in a way you can afford

We might also host workshops on how to get your digital photos off the camera and into your computer -- and what to do with them once that's done. If you have any ideas for workshops you'd like to see, email us at info@sierracountychamber.com.

Fall colors are here in full force!

Isabelle Geiger — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:49:00 GMT

The autumn colors our area is so recognized for has been coming on strong over the past few weeks, but in the last couple of days it's become intensified and the drive along highway 49 from Sierra City to Sierraville is out of this world beautiful. I think this is the best time of the year to go for hikes--still warm enough to be really pleasant, but not too hot. And, nature is dressed in its most colorful display ever.

There is not as much red this year as a couple of years ago, but the yellows are crazy intense, and there is red mixed in too. Read about why leaves change color. The Forest Service's Fall Color Hotline (1-800-354-4595) can provide you with details as the autumn color display progresses -- across the country.

But, I think we have some of the best autumn color displays, so, if you can get away this weekend, now is the time to come up here and enjoy our beautiful display of fall colors. Before you know it we'll be strapping on skis and be wowed by the incredible beauty of the snow clad mountains!

Did I mention I love living up here?

Best Mountaintown Oktoberfest in the world!

Isabelle Geiger — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:05:48 GMT

On Saturday October 8th Sierra City is turning into a festive cider making, beer drinking, bratwurst eating, crafts booth filled mountain town with fun to be had for all. There will even be a magician performing in the Community Hall. Taking place annually during the locals' favorite time of year, right when the trees are turning colors, the days are warm and quiet and nights are cool and soothing, this is one of the best time of the year to come visit Sierra County.

Though we're in the midst of a big and very early winterstorm with rain and cold winds, we'll be back in the sun and warmth by Thursday, with temperatures expected to be in the 70s throughout the weekend.

Come join us. Festivities take place during Saturday, but Sunday will be a great day to get yourself some red, green, yellow color and a walk by the river before you go back home.

We'd love to see you!

Let's congregate before you hibernate!

Isabelle Geiger — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:09:04 GMT

Our Fall chamber meeting will be held on Tuesday, October, 11th. Sardine Lake Resort has graciously allowed us the use of their dinning area for our meeting. The meeting will begin at 5:00 P.M., with hors d" oeuvres.

Meeting Agenda:

= Dave Bond our new Pacific Gas & Electric contact for Sierra County will offer energy efficiency solutions

= Update on the Gold Country Visitor Association
= San Francisco Travel Fair opportunity
= California Visitor Guide & Map
= Nat Geo website
= Visit California website
= Dog Trecker website
= State Fair 2012
= Christmas trees, yes Christmas
= Yuba River Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan

You are encouraged to bring your ideas and suggestions.

Please plan to attend this meeting to be involved with the decisions that affect your chamber and promote tourism for Sierra County.

If you know of a business or individual that benefit benefit from joining our group, please bring them along.

As usual we plan to have some fun, so mark your calendar and we will see you there!

Kathy Breed,

Your Chamber President :)

14th Annual Greater Yuba River Clean-Up Sites and Restoration Project Information

Isabelle Geiger — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:42:20 GMT

Come join us in the big river clean up. Over 126,000 pounds of trash and recycling have been removed from the watershed in the past 13 years by over 5,500 volunteers. You can be part of the solution this year in removing the waste out of the rivers and creeks before they reach the ocean.

For the first time there a site on the North Yuba River!

Saturday, September 17, 2011
9 am – Noon (Clean-Up and Restoration Projects)
FREE picnic at Bridgeport from 12:00-3:30 PM

North Yuba River (from the Highway 49 crossing going upstream to Downieville)
Directions to site: Take Highway 49 toward Downieville and after you cross the North Yuba River, go one mile further and make a left into Indian Valley Outpost. Park near the horseshoe area to meet your site leader.

Important Site Information: You can either pick up trash going upstream on the North Yuba headed towards Downieville or you can help remove large pieces of metal from the river. Some volunteers are working all day not just the morning. But you can end at 11:30 am/ or noon to come to the Bridgeport celebration.

More info at: www.yubariver.org

Calpine Marketplace! Crafts, produce

Isabelle Geiger — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:19 GMT

Nothing's Better than Homemade!

Come to Calpine on September 10 at 10 am - 4 pm for a great day of browisng & shopping crafts & homemade items, fresh produce and miscellaneous goods. And, don't miss the yard sale booths.

This is a fundraiser event for the community, put on by the Calpine Improvement Association.

If you're interested in being a vendor, there are still some spaces available: see the event listing for registration form. Space are only $10!

Sierra County Tobacco Use Reduction Program

John Geiger — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:46:22 GMT

Sierra County Tobacco Use Reduction Program is a local program that works to reduce youth access to tobacco. The program implements undercover Youth Tobacco Purchase Surveys (YTPS) as a means of assisting tobacco retailers by informing them whether or not employees are following proper procedure and guidelines for requesting identification of underage tobacco purchasers.

Employees who correctly follow the proper procedures and guidelines for requesting identification during the purchase of tobacco products are assets to our communities as they help in reducing illegal tobacco sales to minors and help in protecting our youth from the dangers of tobacco use.

Why is it important to reduce sales of tobacco products to minors?

90% of smokers begin at or before the age of 18,
1000 youth under 18 become new regular daily smokers,
596,000 California youth under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from tobacco use.

During the last Youth Tobacco Purchase Surveys 40% of the 5 tobacco retailers surveyed in Sierra County sold tobacco products to minors. The Tobacco Use Reduction Program offers free Tobacco Retailer Training to merchants and their employees. The Sierra County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board/Tobacco Coalition is looking to find practical solutions to the problem of illegal tobacco sales to minors in our communities. If you would like to participate in this process, please call 993-6745 or email prevention@sierracounty.ws.

Downieville Classic Sierra City Start

John Geiger — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:46:16 GMT

Mountain bike mania! Despite the snow-filled Sierra Buttes this season, the race went on. Sierra City began to buzz around 7am on Saturday as racers arrived for weigh-in and to cue for the start of the 29 mile cross-country ride to Downieville. The wind of the passing pack at the 9:30 race start blew back flags to the clamor of cowbell and cheering fans.

Sierra County welcomes Kevin Citta's, Biking for Wishes, to Sierraville

Isabelle Geiger — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:40:01 GMT

On June 6, Kevin Citta, who is Biking for Wishes from Weed, CA to Asheville, NC (a 4,125 miles trip) came through Sierraville and stayed the night. Kevin's bike ride is a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was originally planning to camp at Cottonwood Creek, but when the Sierra Hot Springs heard about the bicyclist they graciously and generously reached out to offer him a room for the night. This was not only very nice of them, to provide Kevin with luxury of sleeping in a bed for a change, but very well timed as bad weather was coming in with lots of rain forecasted for that evening. Thank you to the Sierra Hot Springs!

As Kevin Citta arrived in Sierraville, he was met at the fire station by a great crew of fire fighters and a welcoming committee consisting of East Valley Chamber members who brought him a nice home cooked dinner.

The Western part of the county was represented by Mary Ervin, Vice President and Kathy Breed, President, of the Sierra County Chamber of Commerce. Kathy Breed, owner of the Sierra Country Store in Sierra City brought a gift bag full of breakfast items, snacks and of course a Sierra County visitor guide -- and, that very special monkey butt powder (for that long ride).

And of course Smokey the Bear was there -- wouldn't miss it!

Sierra County Chamber of Commerce welcomes new Vice President Mary Ervin

Isabelle Geiger — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:45:28 GMT

On Tuesday afternoon the Sierra County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and membership elected a new Vice President, Mary Ervin. Mary is a supporting individual member of the chamber, and we're very lucky to have her join the board. He enthusiasm and can-do-attitude will be well utilized. Mary, a resident of Sierra City, is an active community member, participating in a variety of community-supporting activies all over the county, both east and west side. The chamber is very excited to have Mary join the board and participate in this role. For those of you who don't know her, you'll be able to meet her at the next Chamber meeting.

Our previous VP, Michael Terwilliger will be sadly missed, but we're fortunate to have him very much continue to be a part of the chamber.

Welcome Mary!

Father's Day Fishing Derby cancelled due to raging waters

Isabelle Geiger — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:05:16 GMT

With this past winter's record snow levels, and it finally warming up in the air, we're seeing a lot of very fast moving water in the river. The river waters are very unsafe for activities such as fishing, so the Father's Day Derby planned for Sunday 6/19 is cancelled.

Here is some interesting information about the current water situation-- NOAA's Hydrologic Outlook: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ069&warncounty=CAC091&firewxzone=CAZ269&local_place1=22+Miles+N+Blue+Canyon+CA&product1=Hydrologic+Outlook

One Stop Centers renamed to Business and Career Network

Isabelle Geiger — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:12:51 GMT

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc (AFWD) announces effective June 1, 2011 a name change for its locally operated One-Stop Centers in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, and Sierra Counties. The One Stop Centers located in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, and Sierra counties will each be renamed Business and Career Network.

Besides allowing for consistency across the counties, this new name more accurately reflects AFWD’s “Business First” philosophy which promotes the strengthening of businesses in our communities in order to provide employment for job seekers.

While the One Stops’ names have changed, Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. remains the private non-profit operator of these centers.

The name Business and Career Network also highlights the strong network of One-Stop and community partner agencies that provide services within each county and through the One-Stops.

The One-Stop mission is to serve as a common point of access for job seekers, employers and community members for the purposes of education, training, employment, referral and support services.

These Business and Career Networks will continue to provide a single address where partnering agencies, each with their own identity and mission, will provide core services focused on meeting the needs of businesses, job seekers, and community members alike.

AFWD and its partner agencies are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout our communities by assisting businesses, organizations, job seekers, and community members with their pathways to success.

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. (AFWD) is a private not-for-profit organization providing workforce development solutions in Northeastern California for over 24 years.
For more information on AFWD please visit, www.aworkforce.org

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call Kathy Norris at 530-993-4295.