A Retrospective of Previous Conferences

2004 Theme: "Understanding Our Challenges"

• Panel #1 focused on Mendocino Coast Economic Trends, presentations were made by Forest Tilley - Timber Industry; Randy Fry - Sports Fishing Industry; Ted Kidwell - Hospitality Industry; and, Wendy Squires - Tourism/Skunk Train
• Panel #2 focused on Issues facing Public Education, presentations made were made by Paul Tichinin - Mendocino County, Superintendent of Schools; Steve Lund - Superintendent, Fort Bragg Unified School District; and, Jim Shock - Superintendent, Mendocino School District
• Panel #3 focused on Barriers to Economic Expansion, presentations were made by Tom Becker - Affordable Housing; Rob Borcich - Water, Sewer, Zoning Issues; and, Frank McMichael - Annexation Issues
• Panel #4 focused on Issues & Challenges Facing our Local Governments, presentations were made by David Colfax - Mendocino County Government issues; Dave Turner - City of Fort Bragg Issues; and, Tony Shaw - Mendocino County Economic Development
• Conference Speakers were Dr. Robert Eyler, Center for Regional Economic Analysis, Sonoma State University, presenting statistical data on North Coast Economic Trends, followed by an evaluation of the challenges and opportunities facing Mendocino County and the Mendocino Coast and Lynne Kidder, Executive Director of the North Bay Council, described a strategy for enhancing local economic vitality centered on qualitative factors such as sustainability, community health, diversity, the presence of a solid middle class, and social equity.

2005 Theme: "Securing Our Economic Future"

• Panel #1 focused on Arts, Cultural and historical Organizations, presentations were made by Anna Kvinsland - Arts Council of Mendocino County; Peggy Templer - Mendocino Art Center; Jeff Leedy - Art That Makes You Laugh; Norm Roby - Winesong; and, Chuck Bush - Kelly Historical Museum
• Panel #2 focused on Recreational Organizations & Activities, presentations were made by Rich Owings - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; Bob Krebs - Recreations Department and Aquatic Center; Jim Hurst - Regional Park and 18-hole Public Golf Course; and, Linda Ruffing - Mill Ssite Public Land Acquisition
• Panel #3 focused on Our Community and Affordable Housing, presentations were made by Kirk O'Day - Investors Trust Mortgage; Jenny Catone - City of Fort Bragg Planning Department; Kendall Smith - Mendocino County Board of Supervisors; and, Steve Lund - Superintendent, Fort Bragg Unified School District
• Panel #4 focused on Affordable housing Success Stories, presentations were made by John Lowry - Burbank Housing Development Corporation; Duane Hill - Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation; Le Francis Arnold - California Association of Realtors; and Jim Leddy - Sonoma County housing Coalition
• Panel #5 focused on Mendocino County and the Mendocino Coast Demographics, presenters were Dr. Eyler - Sonoma State University; Dan Ripke - Chico State University; and Tom Becker - Savings Bank of Mendocino County
• Conference Speakers were Dr. Robert Eyler, Center for Regional Economic Analysis, Sonoma State University, presenting Leading and Coincident Indicators for Mendocino County followed by a review on how Mendocino County relates to the adjacent counties of Sonoma, Lake and other Northern Counties and Dan Ripke, Center for Economic Development, Chico State University presented Historic Economic and Demographic Changes and a discussion around Economic Opportunities & Constraints of Mendocino County and other North Coast Counties

2006 Theme: "Growing Our Local Economy"

• This year, we will present two panels and several speakers on the first day and follow-up on topics presented with related workshops on day two. Additionally, we will introduce the Mendocino Coast Spirit Awards, recognizing the leadership and positive contributions of business leaders, chamber of commerce, trade groups and community organizations make to our local economy and community.

Future Conferences.

• Our Conference Steering Committee has started discussions to expand the conference county wide, alternating venues between the coast and the valley. It is our hope that the next conference will be a county conference held in Ukiah.