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The Bottom Line ...a newsletter of Jefferson Economic Development Institute
celebrating small business development…
Volume 5, Issue 2
August 2004
JEDI Expands to Offer a Computer Training Facility
to improve business performance and one assistance. The Initiative will utilize
profitability, as well as personal financial technology to more effectively serve
success. Hewlett Packard is committed communities off the I-5 corridor through a
to making the social and economic remote training lab. And finally, it seeks to
benefits of the digital age accessible provide information and resources to assist
to all people through its “e-inclusion” people in purchasing the right software and
strategy. In HP’s “e-inclusion” vision of hardware for their needs.
the future, all people can use technology We are focusing on the basics so that
as a means to learn, work and thrive. clients can become more familiar and
Through it’s Microenterprise Development comfortable with the use of e-mail, the
Program, HP supports and partners internet, and basic software applications
with nonprofit organizations working to like Excel, Word, and QuickBooks,”
Some say, “Necessity is the mother of encourage microenterprise by providing states JEDI’s Technology Program
invention.” If you consider this to be true, the technology resources, tools and Manager, David Donica. “As people gain
it will be no surprise that JEDI is creating solutions to creatively address important confidence in their use of technology, and
a Technology Initiative to advance issues in underserved communities. as their businesses grow and prosper, we
the success of people doing business “Hewlett Packard has invested 2.5 million will work with them to incorporate more
in Siskiyou County. In today’s world, dollars in an initiative that seeks to bring technological solutions for their business
it has become essential that our local the advantages of technology to 17 needs.”
area embrace technology to increase underserved communities,” states Nancy In addition, JEDI’s center will have a
efficiency and our ability to compete in Swift, JEDI Executive Director. “We are graphics station that will allow people
the larger marketplace. We live in an privileged to be a part of their nationwide to make edits to their website, enhance
area where our primary local industries initiative and we are excited about the their digital photos, produce promotional
have been influenced by changes in difference this will make for the businesses materials, print in large poster formats,
technology as well as changes worldwide. we work with in Siskiyou County.” and more.
We need to get more connected and JEDI’s Technology Initiative has JEDI has relocated to 403 Berry Street in
find ways to make technology enhance several facets. It will provide state-of- order to accommodate the new computer
instead of rule our lives. Our technology the-art technology to both JEDI staff and training center. Its offices are based in Mt.
initiative is designed to provide an participants. It will supply equipment Shasta serving all of Siskiyou County with
environment and teaching process that for a computer training center within a microenterprise and asset development
supports people to gain confidence and business environment that will provide a services.
understanding in how to use technology variety of training resources, and one-on-
Making Your Money Work for You Goes Bilingual in Tulelake
In this issue...
On May 20th, a group of excited “basin” residents 16, 2004 – on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m.
gathered at the Tulelake “Honker” for their first class Register early as the classes tend to fill up. Call
in personal financial management. Mostly women, COS at 938-5272 to register or JEDI at 926-6670
and many mothers, they came determined to im- for more information.
prove their personal or family situations with money.
Tea Time in Montague .................. 2 Most of the participants were native Spanish speak-
Building Assets ............................. 2 ers, and Laura Perez served as translator while also
Director’s Report .......................... 2
Scott Valley Feed.......................... 3 taking the class herself. She did an outstanding
JEDI Programs & Services ........... 3 job helping everyone understand the sometimes
Stewardship Fund Grants ............. 3
JEDI Workshops ........................... 4 complicated information! The class celebrated its
Web Consultations ....................... 4 graduation on July 22nd and now our first group of
savers in Tulelake is ready to enter the Building
Assets Matched Savings Program at the next
“We are what we repeatedly
do. Excellence, then, is not
Orientation, to be held on September 7th. All par-
an act, but a habit.” ticipants must complete the class before they can
Making Your Money Work for You
~ Aristotle apply for the matched savings program. The next
class is offered in Weed starting September Tulelake
Director’s Note Tea Time in Montague
JEDI is celebrating Charlynn Long Ms Lynn’s Teas celebrated their first birthday
its 7th year of has always had a on July 11th and Charlynn has been able to ex-
operation and is passion for the pand the staff to four part-time employees.
entering a new cycle Victorian Era. By One of her biggest challenges is finding the
of development. We
catering dress-up tea time to do her bookkeeping. As a JEDI client,
are excited to soon
parties for children, she is receiving ongoing QuickBooks assis-
begin helping county
residents to access she was able to turn tance and although she does not “enjoy the
the most current her passion into a numbers,” she is working diligently to master
technology for their business. Adults that aspect of her business.
businesses and for soon wanted their
personal financial own version of these
management, through our “Technology graceful gatherings
Initiative.” and her business
JEDI has relocated in order to Charlynn Long
began to evolve.
accommodate a new computer training
With a little help from PremierWest Bank,
center, established with a generous
Charlynn created Ms. Lynn’s Teas in downtown
equipment grant from Hewlett Packard
Company. Our purpose is to assist
Montague. Ms Lynn’s Teas is like a step back
participants in reaching their goals more in time. Pampered customers enjoy fine teas
effectively, while we at JEDI also do the served with a sampling of savories and sweets
same. Watch for the announcement of our in a beautiful Victorian setting or outdoors in
Open House in early October. the relaxing tea garden. “I wanted to recapture
Several JEDI clients have expressed the art of “Taking Tea” to enrich and revive the
that they have received so much value body and soul,” says the new owner. Corie Gray, Jeeves & Charlynn
from JEDI’s work that they want to give
something back. They have spontaneously
offered donations to support JEDI’s
ongoing mission. As these donations are Building Assets Toward Home, Sweet Home
received you will see more friends and One of our Building Using some tools we offer in our classes,she
community members showing up on our
Assets savers, Amber made a complete list of everything she and the
donor appreciation page on our JEDI
Star, a single mom girls needed in a home, and she refused to give
website: www.e-jedi.org. Check the website
to understand how donations to JEDI work, with two teenagers, in to fear. She just kept affirming that this, or
and what benefits you may gain from was notified about 3 something even better, would come their way.
donating. In today’s challenging nonprofit months ago that she Then she called to let JEDI know she had
funding climate, local community support had to move out of her finally found a place! It was everything on
becomes increasingly important for all of home because it was their list and MORE. In addition to the three-
us who care about keeping JEDI active in being sold. Although bedroom space they needed, she and the girls
our community. her stated goal is all got jobs to go with it, and their home is rent
I continue to be impressed by people like mircoenterprise, free. Amber will be managing the Finlandia
yourself making significant changes in
with the knowledge Motel when the owners leave for Finland.
your lives and businesses. We will continue
she has gained from And they are offering a 10% discount for JEDI
to do our part to offer you services that
assist in that transformation.
our program,Amber participants who mention the Building Assets
Amber Star began exploring the Program!
I look forward to this new phase of
growth with awe and excitement for the possibility of home purchase for herself and With the benefit of her new situation, Amber
possibilities. Keep up your good work! the girls. She had discovered that she had plans to completely pay off her current
excellent credit during Making Your Money credit card debt within the next year, thus
Respectfully, Work for You, and later found she was able to putting her in an even stronger position to
pre-qualify for a loan of $120,000. This still put buy her own place. In the meanwhile, she
her at a disadvantage because most homes in continues to build her own health consultation
this area now cost more than that. This is why business, Breathe Free!, using her money
JEDI continues to work toward Federal Home from the Building Assets Program. She
Loan Bank match funds for home ownership! is on schedule with her savings goals, and
Board of Directors However, Amber continues to look for that submitted a request on June 25th for a
Erika Carpenter, Terra Mai, Inc. excellent deal that you occasionally see. computer system and a cell phone that will
She was able to stay a little longer at her facilitate her traveling to on-site assignments
Kate Mahar, College of the Siskiyous
original residence when the first buyer fell with clients she serves throughout the county.
Colette George, Plexus Pacific Industries through. But then she got a final notice from Congratulations to Amber and her girls on their
April Gray, M.M.P.,Economic Development Consultant
her landlord. many successes!
G. Renee Getreu, Building Assets Program Director
“JEDI offers hard core information for planning and executing. I only wish I had taken It’s Your Business
Laurie Bagley, Fit Maternity.com one year earlier. Great guest speakers! Thank you Stephanie and JEDI.”
Cris Smyrnos of Tolo Grill ~ It’s Your Business Graduate
Nancy Swift, Executive Director
Page 2
Scott Valley Feed and Garden is Blooming
Walking into the 200% gross profit and decided to call JEDI to the attractive stores, as well as
Scott Valley Feed and get support in understanding the huge gain. A the unappealing ones. Also, it
Garden store in Yreka, JEDI business counselor checked the store’s is crucial to record what works
a person feels right at financial records and encouraged Bennie and and what doesn’t in your own
home. Artful displays Kathy to continue what they had been doing. business. Referring back to
of planting pots, garden They also decided to expand and market this information is essential to
tools, animal health to people further away. This was a great a successful business. Having
care products, and decision.The word was out about the store’s a mentor like JEDI for emotional support can
feed for small to large quality and personalized service. greatly reduce your stress.
animals,make shoping In 2002, JEDI was called again to help with Scott Valley Feed and Garden is very
a pleasure. opening up the Yreka store. Tom Waddell, a grateful to their community and customers.
Friendly sales people JEDI-SBDC business counselor at the time, They are growing; the staff is great; and their
Kathy Murray are standing by to worked with Kathy to write a business plan customers leave smiling. Come visit either
answer questions so you get the best possible that focused on cash flow projection and location and enjoy the top-quality products
value for your money. According to Kathy target marketing in Yreka. Now, two years and service.
Murray, the store manager, their most popular later, the Yreka store sits on two acres and
items include garden supplies such as pots, includes feed and garden products along Scott Valley Feed
fertilizer, and their wide selection of plants and with a nursery. Beautiful landscaping with 6655 N Hwy 3, Greenview ~ 468-2434
shrubs. She notes, “We had one customer a wealth of thriving plants and shrubs make Scott Valley Feed and Garden
look around our nursery with pleasant surprise the nursery a delightful place to browse and 1536 Lucas Road, Yreka ~ 842-6801
because she thought these kind of unusual consider the perfect next addition to one’s own
plants only existed in magazines.” piece of paradise.
The first Scott Valley Feed store was Running two stores is hard and rewarding
established in Greenview (near Fort Jones), work says Kathy. She encourages others to
during the 1940’s by three gentlemen who sold follow their dreams and open up a business.
baby chicks and feed. They built the business There are definite tips she has learned along
up and then sold it to Bennie Austin in 1976. the way, such as visiting similar businesses
The store continued to grow and then Bennie and noticing what they do. How is the store set
hired Kathy Murray to manage the business in up? How are the employees treated? What
1979. Scott Valley Feed was experiencing a is their customer service like? Take notes on
Programs & Services First Annual Stewardship Fund Grants
Weed Museum’s
• Walking History Tour with Roger
JEDI’s mission is to Zwanziger
empower people and Cross Petroleum’s
communities to create • Outdoor Connection and Stewardship
prosperity. Kiosk
Shasta Wildflower Project’s
• Map and Flower Guide
JEDI believes in COS Library’s
• Cultivating local business • Mt. Shasta Fact Sheet and website
• Building a community capable of Sisson Museum’s
creating solutions for the future
• Mt. Shasta Exhibit Renovation
• Developing individual economic
independence through self-
Penn Martin Siskiyou Land Trust’s
Shasta Wildflower’s Flower Guide • Capacity-building matching grant
employment
The Stewardship Fund of Far Northern River Dancers and the River Exchange’s
Service in a Nutshell California was founded by the 2003 • River Clean Up Survey
• Business Training Stewardship Tourism Marketing Group and Mt. Shasta Rotary’s
• Financial Literacy Training its project Coordinator, Diane Strachan. • City Park to Downtown Trail
• Business Counseling JEDI continues to sponsor the fund to
• Capital Access enhance sustainability and economic well-
• Asset Development
Requests for Proposals will come out
being together. in late fall for a second round of grants.
• Technology Training
In February of 2004, The Stewardship Watch your local papers for a press
• Sector-based Group Projects:
• Stewardship Tourism Marketing Fund of Far Northern California granted release and/or give JEDI your email
Project $3700 to 9 worthy projects: address and we will notify you. Visit the
Living Gold Press: www.e-jedi.org/travelgreen website for
• Klamath River Pocket Guide more information.
Page 3
Non Profit Org.
Jefferson Economic Development Institute US Postage
P.O. Box 1586 PAID
403 Berry Street Permit # 12
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067 Mt Shasta, CA.
Phone (530) 926-6670 Fax (530) 926-6676
www.e-jedi.org info@e-jedi.org
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Partnering to build prosperity, one person & one business at a time!
Locally printed by: Gold Nugget Printing on recycled paper Mailing: Siskiyou Opportunity Center
Strategic Workshops for Business Growth Small Group Web Consultations
Is your business ready for the next step in marketing or financial Beginning on September 8th, and continuing on the second
management? How about tips to rejuvenate your staff and create Wednesday of each month, JEDI will offer personalized
more team spirit? JEDI has done its market research and found consultation sessions for business owners seeking answers to
that entrepreners want training on skills that will put more money website design, content and marketing issues.
in their pockets. They want to work smarter, not harder. The 2.5 hour session will be led by web professional Kim Solga,
Beginning this fall, JEDI’s workshop series will kick off with and will be limited to five participants each month. Based on
a marketing seminar called, “Developing Promo Materials: participant interest, topics may include:
Concept and Design.” This is a perfect class for those ready to
tell the world ( or at least our community) about their products • How to create a professional look with a limited budget
or services. • Domain name registration and control
Other upcoming workshops include: • Target markets and user friendly features
• Strategic Tarket Marketing • Search engines and site promotion
• Setting Up Your Business on QuickBooks • Link building strategies to increase site visibility
• Managing Your Cash Flow • Using statistics and tracking resources for website
• Smart Tax Planning owners in Siskiyou County
• Excellent Customer Service
• Take Charge of Your Life Anyone with a business website, or considering one, will
See the inserted “Entrepreneurial Track Flyer” for a complete benefit. Registration is $10, with fee waivers available, on a
list of strategic workshops first-come, first-served basis. Please sign up in advance at
Each workshop is designed with the goal to help business JEDI. Sessions scheduled at the new JEDI Technology Center
owners and managers gain strategies and skills to improve their during fall 2004 are:
business profitability. For example, in the financial management
workshops, participants will gain a fuller understanding of their September 8th 6:30pm to 9:00pm
financial status so they can make smarter decisions about October 13th 12:00pm to 2:30pm
money. The marketing classes emphasize growing your November 10th 6:30pm to 9:00pm
business using inexpensive or free promotion ideas. December 8th 12:00pm to 2:30pm
The workshops are fun, dynamic and full of essential skills.
The instructors have practical, real-life business experience
they enthusiastically share with participants. Please call JEDI at
926-6670 or visit our website at www.e-jedi.org for the workshop
schedule and costs. Page 4
