EDC plans 3-county meeting here

At the regular lunch-time meeting of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce on October 8, after much discussion and general agreement, Marcus Horak moved to change the chamber by-laws to hold election of officers at the first meeting in December. This would allow the budget year to run from January 1 to December 31 and new officers would take over their positions on January 1. In order for new officers to take over on January 1, nomination of officers would take place at the last meeting in November (this year on November 26). The motion was tabled to allow input from community members at the next meeting, October 22.

Broadband survey

Margie Hall, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Development Council asked for help from businesses in order to proceed on the planning for broadband in Lincoln County.

Hall asked that businesses take an online survey of 20 questions about their usage and needs from high-speed broadband in order to thrive. The survey takes about five minutes, is confidential and the results will be shared in summary form only to reveal needs, trends, opportunities and challenges.

The survey will include questions on the speed of the users current internet, the area the business is located, the kind of internet and the fees paid for it. Hall said the survey leads the planning process, so she really encourages all business to take it.

A link to the survey can be found online at LincolnEDC.org/businessresources/broadband. For questions, call 509-725-1170 or email edcinfo@lincolnedc.org.

A second survey will be for parents of school children. The results will be used to look for ways to lessen out-migration of youth. There are many businesses which are possible in rural areas if the services and infrastructure for internet are good enough quality.

Webinar and conference

Hall also handed out leaflets about a meeting for people from rural communities in Lincoln, Adams and Spokane counties. The meeting will feature Becky McCray on webinar. McCray is a national expert in changing the entrepreneurial climate and she will lead participants on a journey through the process of identifying and creating a small business eco-system.

After interacting with McCray, local facilitators will lead the activities for the rest of the morning and afternoon. Sought-after participants are members of other community organizations such as the Lion’s Club, school board, city council, church councils, library board, health facilities, small businesses and anyone who wants to grow the entreprenurial community.

Odessa was chosen as the site for the meeting because Hall wanted to hightlight the Any Occasion Banquet Hall as being an excellent facility for a town of Odessa’s size. The hall is a good- sized space and has catering available.

The meeting will be held in Odessa at the Any Occasion Banquet Hall on Friday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and a light breakfast will be included in the cost of $25.

For questions, call 509-725-1170 or email edcmargie @centurylink.net