Economic Growing Pains

San Andreas, CA — Calaveras County held its first economic study session to hear what the community has to say about growth in the area. The room was packed with plenty of people who gave their opinion. District One Supervisor Cliff Edson, who spearheaded the study, says many did provide their opinions.

Edson says one of the things identified was; “What can we do as a community to make it easier for a new business to want to come into the community but also retain the businesses that we do have currently? What can we do to help them?”

Another key issue Edson says was to get the County’s General Plan finished, so interested businesses have an outline to follow. According to Edison it is also important the Chamber of Commerce takes over the Economic Development Company which already assists businesses interested in the county.

Edson says, “This is a great tool because they can be a vehicle for starting this process. They are not a government entity so they can work on things we can’t as a board of supervisors.” Also discussed was the idea of streamlining the permit process and having a “One Stop Shop” to handle those development needs.

There is no future study session scheduled yet, but Edson says, “We want to have some more meetings with Economic Development Committee. Once we have something that has some meat in it, then we can come to the county and ask for another study session.”

The Chamber of Commerce has also kicked off what’s called a “Welcome Home” campaign, designed to showcase items that make Calaveras a desirable place to live and work.