Economic Resource Council

Afternoon Tour

Russ Steele

The afternoon program started with a great box lunch from the Grapevine, accompanied by music from the Ragged Right. Phil Carvel gave a talk on sustainable development and promoted the consumption of locally grown organic produce.

Click photos for a larger image

Bus 4's next stop after lunch was Lectramedia, a printing and mailing company, off Gold Flat Rd in Nevada City. We learned how the printing industry is changing, moving to just in time production.

While multimillion dollar digital printers have replaced the old web presses, new technology is not always the answer.

A low tech solution to individual book binding, a refurbushed Singer.

Our second stop in the afternoon was Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, where we learned about the benefits of organic gardening. 

Peaceful Valley has been in busienss for 30 years, and started selling over the Internet in 1997. So far this year they have recieved about 500,000 unique visitors to their site. Over half of all shipped pacakges, 25,000 a year, are sold over the Internet last year. They ship around the world using FedEx.

At the end of a very successful Tour of Nevada County, the 140 participants enjoyed a little wine tasting, while they recapped the day and waited for the TV raffel results. This was the first of an annual event, which will improve over time. Highly recommended for next year.

Morning Tour

Russ Steele

Here are some photos from the morning portion of the Tour of Nevada County. I will have more later with more detailed captions:

Loading the buses, I was on the lead bus #4.  These we far more comfortable buses that I was expecting. I was expecting a Duram Yellow School bus. Thanks ERC for the comfortable busses.

Bus #4 at NVision, learning about HDTV routing and switching. This is a care where insight lead the market by ten years, but now they are reaping the rewards for being insightful and dedicated to their future market.

Demonstration at Autometrics of automated cutting machines. I found it interesting that they use the automate cutting machines to make the machines. These robot like machines are replacing manual laborer, doing the work faster, more precise and much safer.  There are home grown inventions, that are changing how work is done in multiple industries.  Most aircraft are being build from composits. These machines cut those composit materials.

Zap's signs on display, all from recycled materials.  They recycle 250,000 lbs of aluminum signs every year for government agencies.   This is one of those why did I not think of this business.  Simple, green and profitable. Wow!

I left out the Nevada City Tech Center, I was so interested in the discussion with Preston Dickinson, the AT&T rep, about the need for fiber optics and more broadband, I forgot to take a picture.
But, Susie Richards came to my rescue with these three pictures:

The first bus getting a briefing on the Tech Center, or in line for the cookies and bottled water. Maybe both.

Lock Richards (Sperry Van Ness-Highland Commercial), Robert Upton (NCTC owner/developer). Lock tells me they are planning to bring fiber optics communications to the Empire building and all future buildings.

 

The NCTC Team:
Tim Brady (Tru-line Construction), Lock Richards (Sperry Van Ness-Highland Commercial), Judy Hess (Citizens Bank), Robert Upton (NCTC owner/developer), Brent Daggett (NCTC Architect).

I am very impressed by the level of questions that are being asked, detailed and insightful by all the folks on Bus #4.   This is turning out to be a great tour.

Early arrivers seeking coffee and rolls

Russ Steele

Early coffee on the Tour

Getting ready for the Tour of Nevada County

Russ Steele

The Tour of Nevada County is an opportunity for local government leaders, business entrepreneurs and citizens to learn about local business, from high tech to agriculture.  To provide some insight to those who could not attend, we are going to be taking pictures and posting comments on the ERC Blog, starting in the morning of the 28th, with a noon time update and end of tour recap. Please log in during the day and get a glimpse of some of Nevada County’s leading business. 

This morning, Chuck Neeley was packing bags with information and gifts for those taking the tour.

Click for larger image

2nd Annual Job Fair

Do you know anyone that is looking for a new job?  Perhaps a relative, friend, or neighbor???  On October 10th at the Nevada County Fairgrounds we are co-hosting the 2nd Annual Job Fair.  This year there will be over 60 employers looking to fill many, many positions.  The Job Fair will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on that date.  There will be three resume writing workshops offered by WorkForce Connection prior to the Job Fair.  The dates for those one hour sessions will be on September 27th at 10:30 a.m., October 2nd at 2:00 p.m., and October 4th at 10:30 a.m.  If you are interested in one of these sessions, call WorkForce Connection at 265-3204.  The Job Fair is a once a year event, and it promises to fill the needs of many job seekers that attend.  Entrance is free to the general public.

Tour of Nevada County

The first annual Tour of Nevada County is scheduled for next Thursday, September 28th.  It promises to be an incredible eye-opening day beginning at 8:30 a.m., and continuing on through 4:30 p.m.  We will learn a great deal about the economic engine that is behind our economy on that date.  Participants will enjoy a light continental breakfast, a full lunch, and wine tasting at day's end.  All for the low, low cost of $35.  Be sure to sign up as soon as possible.  Call my office for a reservation, at 274-8455.