Economic development, “is not a new subject by any means,” according to the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce, but its claim that the current county unemployment rate is more than 14

percent spurred a joint study session between the chamber and supervisors that yielded a mix of complaints and recommendations regarding the county’s future.

“I didn’t hear a lot of commonality,” said Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Davidson at the session’s

conclusion. He said regardless, something must be done and that the unemployment rate was “unacceptable.”

The Calaveras jobless rate as of January, according to the state, was 13.2 percent, down from 14.9 percent a year ago.

Tuesday’s session was led by District 1 Supervisor Cliff Edson, who painted a picture of a county losing young people in droves and local businesses that were barely “surviving” as the status quo. He likened Calaveras County to the Central Valley city of Tracy, where “everyone drove over the hill to shop.” Tracy has since been successful in attracting large high-tech businesses, a trend Edson hopes to bring to Calaveras.

In the chamber’s presentation, Davidson highlighted workforce trends. About 6,500 Calaveras residents commute out of the county every day for work as opposed to the 9,000 who remain within county borders, he said. He characterized commuters as a lost revenue source, essentially spending as tourists do – on weekends only.

The chamber also extended a hand to the county to form a partnership in an effort to help improve customer service aspects of county government and help county departments come across as more “business friendly” – through a potential one-stop permitting location and ease of licensing fees – though the board made no formal move to cement an official partnership.

Supervisors and members of the public voiced other concerns and thoughts. A common theme was the loss of the county’s youth, who often leave to stake their claims elsewhere, typically in counties with better opportunities for continuing education and jobs.

“Our young couples are moving down the hill,” said West Point resident Bryce Randall, who recommended attracting a college campus to the county.

“If the opportunity comes, you’ve got to fight for it,” said Bob Dean, a resident of District 2. “Five years ago I stood in this very spot; we’ve been around this racetrack quite a bit. I don’t want this to be a futile effort.”

Dean also recommended that the county develop a comprehensive “inventory of assets” that would highlight “what it is we provide to citizens.” He gave an example of the county library system, which provides more than 10,000 hours of annual service, more than both Amador and Tuolumne counties.

Still others recommended that the organization undertaking the attempt to improve the county’s economy was not a task to be undertaken lightly.

Anne Forest, a member of Destination Angels Camp’s advisory council – DAC is an economic development agency, part of a public-private partnership with the city of Angels Camp – warned that volunteer groups focused on economic development “don’t have a great track record” in terms of success as opposed to a dedicated paid position.

Larry Cope, director of Tuolumne County’s Economic Development Authority, agreed. He said that a professional is needed to develop a comprehensive base of the county’s demographic information and infrastructure and that Calaveras should be weary of imitating other city and county efforts.

“Every community plan is different,” said Cope. “What works in Tuolumne and what works in Amador will not work here.”

He also recommended that the county try to help existing businesses retain and grow jobs ahead of reaching out to recruit new businesses, a comment that resonated with supervisors.

Supervisor Debbie Ponte, District 4, agreed that the county needed “the concentrated effort of a paid position,” and should focus on growing existing businesses in ways that make them unique to Calaveras County.

For District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway a “clearer definition of what’s meant by ‘economic development,’” was needed before the county progressed further.

Darren Spellman, supervisor for District 5, was more optimistic and spoke of what he saw as great potential for the county. He highlighted expanding small businesses – like a Burson olive oil company and an Angels Camp vodka maker – as well as larger opportunities – potential solar farms near Toyon and the establishment of an electric generation plant in his district.

“This board has the will to move forward,” said Spellman.

Next steps for the chamber include holding a brown bag lunch with county department heads to discuss strategies to put a business-friendly face on county government. See today’s business feature on page B2 for more about the chamber’s take on Tuesday’s study session.

For Edson, continuing to refine the goal of pinpointing what Calaveras County should look like economically in coming years is the next follow up step.

“We do have some very talented and smart people in this county and I would ask that those folks come forward and get involved. We’re talking about our future here,” said Edson.

Edson can be contacted by phone or text at 612-8938, or by email at cedson@co.calaveras.ca.us.

Contact Kristine Williams at kristine@calaverasenterprise.com.