Editors note: This is from the ERC:
You may already be aware that the Nevada Economic Resource Council has decided to restructure a few organizational items and to move forward by hiring consultants to work on various projects.
If you were not at the September board meeting where this information was released, it is summarized here in the ERC Report and Highlights.
Board Meetings
Please Note: Due to the reorganization of the ERC, the board meetings will be held six times per year. The next board meeting will be Thursday, December 7, 2017 and every other month thereafter.
Assistance to Local Business
We have contracted with Sierra Business Council who now occupy an office at 104 New Mohawk Road. The office will be staffed two days per week (days to be determined) and will provide the following to startup and current local businesses:
Provide direct technical assistance (Capital, Counseling, Startup Assistance)
Assist businesses with talent needs (Workshops, Seminars, Pitch Camp)
Support growth of business clusters (Agriculture, Health, Tourism, Retail, Technology, Niche Manufacturing)
Leverage partnerships and funding opportunities (Work to Develop Projects)
Development of Metrics and Funding Campaign
Some of you may know Larry Burkhardt who we have contracted with and will develop, support and advise on the following:
Re-work the strategic plan to reflect reorganization and program initiatives.
Generate an annual work plan
Develop performance metrics to use in internal and external marketing efforts
Develop a funding case to use in engaging new investment
Recruitment to Nevada County
We have contracted with 310 Ltd who will assist us with the recruitment of small to mid-size California businesses who are looking to relocate or open a satellite office. The focus will be technology businesses who compliment our existing tech sector.
Assist with web and social media direction
Work with site selection consultant to advise on recruitment
Research and compile data of target market
Outreach and appointment schedule
Talent Connection
“Building a competitive, expanding and sustainable tech talent pipeline in Nevada County” represents a critical component of the ERC’s efforts.
ERC will continue to support Talent Connection, Connected Communities Academy, Nevada County Tech Connection, Techtonic Tuesday, VR Meet ups and related Workshops and Conferences.
Visit the websites: CCAcademy – NC Tech Connection for more information
Tourism-Marketing & Communication
Some future items in the works are to create a social media campaign for http://www.GoNevadaCounty.com, along with a video that showcases all of Nevada County including healthcare, education, real estate, banking/finance, construction, arts/culture and more.
Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report 
looked to me that these are very positive changes
Stephen,
Dunno. It’s all about executing a plan, not just coming up with another one. That’s Business 101.
The basics of local economic development is 1) Keep the businesses you have. 2) Grow the businesses you have. I hope the ERC is staying with, and developing, these core programs.
Okay Peter,
What about the buggy-whip argument?
Has anyone actually considered a ROI analysis on the ERC itself? Because from what I’ve seen – there hasn’t been much. Not necessarily the ERC’s fault – Nevada County can’t seem to short list ‘what it wants to be’. I do a lot a business down in the Paso Robles/Templeton/Atascadero area, and it’s amazing what happens once a region finds something in common to focus their energy on.