Murphys, CA…Last week, RCRC Chief Economic Development Officer Barbara Hayes participated in the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) Summit and Workshop held at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys. The event brought together local elected officials, workforce, community, and economic development professionals, as well as education and business representatives from the five-county area (Calaveras, Alpine, Amador, Tuolumne, and Mariposa) represented by CSEDD.

In addition to Ms. Hayes, featured speakers included Gurbax Sahota, President & CEO of California Association of Local Economic Development (CALED), Kim Dolbow Vann, State Director of USDA Rural Development, and Rich Gordon, President & CEO of the California Forestry Association. The speakers set the stage for discussion and strategic planning in the afternoon.

Director Vann took advantage of this important gathering to present David Thoeny, Executive Director of the Central Sierra Economic Development District, with the largest local assistance grant presented by USDA this year. The grant will support the district’s work in the development of workforce and economic development efforts in the biofuels sector.

The event was very well attended by individuals who are committed to and engaged in the economic success of the five-county central Sierra region. Throughout the day, the value of partnerships and cooperation was evident across the five-county area, as local economic and workforce development professionals leverage resources and expertise for the benefit of the region. The facilitated strategic planning session will yield an economic development action plan for the region to cooperatively execute.