Jobs and Business Development

By Alfreda Ann "Freda" Flint

Oroville needs wise and thoughtful development for jobs and various businesses as well as the local labor force, a fresh approach is needed.

I once tought a workshop for students during which I discovered that most of them did not even know how to shake hands, how to dress for an interview and more. Some are intimidated by filling out an application. They need some real world help. I think that a series of kid-mentor workshops could be offered, at the municipal auditorium shortly before graduation in those sorts of things. Perhaps they could be offered in the school library.

Bringing potential development to Oroville through a series of "Take a look-see" with developers or agencies would fuel interest. Tourism writers have visited in groups, why not business magazine writers.

Good tool such as current and fresh DVDs, pamphlets, hand-outs, maps and out of the box gift/goodie boxes or bags are attention getters.

Once here, potential employers can be treated to tours of the area (and they are now) to show off Oroville and her amenities. Meeting other business owners and employeers would be beneficial for both.

Business development is not an easy task. Many areas are "stealing" businesses from competing towns and cities. It is very tough out there, but as we improve our labor force and offer enticements, we will become winners. Especially if we have full time representatives working toward that, not simply now and then but often.

I also believe that people who are interested in starting their own business would benefit from workshops that show how to prepare, where to go, assistance in choice of location and a possible buddy from the Chamber of Commerce might be a help. Most people who start a business do so because they have a great idea and think everyone else will want what they offer and will beat down their door when it opens. Sorry to say, it does not work that way. One has to earn that knock on the door, be prepared and have enough in the way of finance to not need to take any earnings out in the first two years, maybe more. Lots to learn.