I attended the economic informational meeting Oct. 8. Regarding your Oct. 14 article on the meeting ("Job creation tops economic forum discussion"), I wish to add two important points that several people introduced and many others agreed upon. A county-supported economic summit of sorts needs to follow up this meeting. Well thought out proposals would be presented to lenders, developers and venture capitalists and to the county and cities planners who could discuss the merits and problems with the ideas. Here is an example of a project idea: an Ione area hydro generation project. Cheap, reliable integrated production and distribution of 500 kilowatts with applications for a bottled water plant, winery or brewery, cold storage warehousing, greenhousing or light duty manufacturing. How many more business startups or expansions could be introduced from many of our citizens?
Would your newspaper support such economic development information introduction? It might merit county developments and jobs; and, for your paper, more readers and another kind of civic participation. Seems like all we ever hear about regards the casinos! Why not print other real business and development prospects?
Another item regards the lack of a real economic spearhead to drive these ideas and to search for others that would merit good jobs and businesses/companies residing here. Someone to help put these deals together who has the clout to do so. We need a dedicated focus if the citizens really want this to happen.
Perhaps the county's Web site could also advertise potential projects of merit from such conferences in an effort to gain support for them and to solicit for partners, co-utilizers or end users and financing, if needed. Another place to offer a prospectus for doing something of benefit for developments and jobs!