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Broadband Update
Google Fiber for Communities Decision Delayed
Last March, RREDC applied on behalf of the Humboldt Bay communities to become one of the pilot areas for Google's "Fiber For Communities" project. This project would involve the deployment of a high-speed fiber network in one or more communit ies in the United States. RREDC prepared an application and created a supporting website to lay out our case on why we should be one of the target communities.
The lucky communities were to be chosen by the end of 2010. However, on December 15th, applicant communities received an email from Google saying that due to the overwhelming number of applications, they will be delaying their announcement until 2011.
RREDC will, of course, continue to monitor the project and advocate for our region's inclusion.
California Public Utilities Commission To Start Rulemaking for California Advanced Services Fund in January
In late September, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 1040, which provides more funding and extends the life of the California Advanced Services Fund. This fund provides support for broadband projects in rural areas including a project to build a second fiber optic line in Humboldt and Trinity Counties.
On December 16th, the CPUC ordered the institution of a rulemaking process that will result in the rules and procedures for the new and expanded fund. This process is expected to begin in January. For more information, click here.
IP Networks Reports Progress on Building Second Fiber
In a report published in the Times-Standard newspaper, Gary George of IP Networks, reports that progress on the construction of the second fiber optic line to Humboldt County continues according to schedule. George says that IP Networks expects to finish the project by summer 2011.
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Airports Update
Humboldt County Airport Advisory Committee Restructured, Given Expanded Mission
On December 14th, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to restructure the existing Airport Advisory Committee and broaden its mission and role in advising the board of issues related to the six airports owned and operated by the County.
The committee will now contain nine full members whose terms would roughly coincide with the terms of the Supervisor that appoints them. Each Supervisor will get one appointment and four members will be chosen by the board as at-large members.
The new name of the committee will be "Aviation Advisory Committee" and its mission will now be:
To provide input to the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Works - Division of Aviation on the strategic focus of the Humboldt County aviation system, to regularly monitor and report on progress on that strategic focus, and to provide a forum for input on operational issues, opportunities, and concerns.
More information on this item can be found here.
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RREDC Business Spotlight:
Northcoast Audiology
Julie Kelley, Au.D. is the only American Board of Audiology Board Certified Audiologist in Humboldt County. Her business, North Coast Audiology Inc., has been serving the auditory needs of north coast residents since 1978.
In 2005 Julie came to RREDC for a loan that allowed her to purchase the business from the previous owner. In 2007, RREDC made another loan to Julie for equipment that let her perform hearing tests that had not been available in Humboldt County.
Advances in audiology are making a positive difference in the quality of life for people of all ages. Julie is able to perform tests on infants and those in delicate conditions, who would have had to travel out of the area for testing.
North Coast Audiology provides hearing aids and amplification devices, hearing aid repair, diagnostic hearing tests, industrial hearing tests and ear plugs and devices to prevent hearing loss.
North Coast Audiology is located at 2818 Harris St. in Eureka. Find out more about better hearing and North Coast Audiology Inc. services at www.northcoaud.com.
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Offices for Rent at Prosperity Center
RREDC has two office for rent in its facilities at 520 E Street in Eureka. The offices are 102 and 152 square feet. Lease rate is $1.50 per square feet and include all utilities and use of conference rooms and kitchen. Offices are available immediately. Interested parties should contact Gregg Foster at RREDC.
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Small Businesses Succeed With RREDC Loans
 For over 30 years, RREDC has been making loans to small businesses in Humboldt County.
Over 180 businesses from Garberville to Willow Creek to Orick and everywhere in between have received over $18 million in loans from RREDC. Many well-known local businesses got their start or expanded with our help.
We can make loans for:
- Working Capital
- Inventory
- Machinery and equipment
- Real estate acquisition
- Buying a business
- Financing receivables
We are also a "gap" lender. This means that we are willing to take more risk than traditional lending institutions. We offer fixed rate financing for terms up to 25 years.
Click here if you would like more information on RREDC's loan program.
Our loan fund was created in 1978 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA).
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Economic Fuel Entry Deadline Nears!
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Small Business Development Center Offers Free Classes For Businesses
 The SBDC's Business Basics workshops provide good information for start-up businesses as well as good refresher course material for those in business.
Please let anyone you think would benefit know about them. The schedule for January is:
Financial Basics:
Tuesday, January 4, 6-8:00 PM
Start-Up Basics:
Wednesday, January 12, 6-8:00 PM
Marketing Basics:
Tuesday, January 18, 6-8 PM
Books and Records
Thursday, January 26, 6-8:00 PM
Business Plan Basics:
Thursday, January 27th 6-8:00 PM
Classes are free and held at the Prosperity Center, 520 E Street, Eureka. In addition, classes are held in Crescent City. For more information, go to www.northcoastsbdc.org or call Jeanette at 445-9720. |
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RREDC Board of Directors
City of Arcata - Mayor Alex Stillman
City of Blue Lake - Councilmember Sherman Shapiro* City of Eureka - Councilmember Linda Atkins City of Ferndale - Councilmember Ken Mierzwa City of Fortuna - Councilmember Ken Zazni City of Rio Dell - Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Marks City of Trinidad - Councilmember Julie Fulkerson* County of Humboldt - Supervisor Mark Lovelace* Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation & Conservation District - Commissioner Mike Wilson Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District - Director Bruce Rupp Humboldt Community Service District - Director Frank Scolari* Manila Community Services District - Director Dendra Dengler
McKinleyville Community Services District - Director Helen Edwards* Orick Community Services District- Director Kristina Combs Redway Community Services District - Director John Rogers Redwoods Community Colleges District - Trustee Tom Ross Willow Creek Community Services District - Director Tyler Holmes*
*Members of the Executive Committee
RREDC Loan Committee:
Chair:Scott Pesch-Coldwell Banker Commercial Pacific Partners Real Estate
Vice Chair:Liana Simpson-Sequoia Personnel
Helen Edwards-McKinleyville Community Service District-Director
Frank Scolari-Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty
Sherman Schapiro-Enrolled Agent
Jennifer Budwig-Redwood Capital Bank
Phil Sullivan-Umpqua Bank
Dan Sweet-Coast Central Credit Union
Greg Bowen - Alternate Member from Umpqua Bank
Dean Charlton - Alternate Member from Coast Central Credit Union
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Gregg Foster-Executive Director
Virginia Fisher-Lender
Bonnie Smoller-Administrative Assistant
Suzanne Dockal, CPA - Accounting
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