Grant County, Oregon: Economic and Job Opportunities
Unemployment figures continue to rise and economic forecasts are bleak in Grant County. Nevertheless, the Workforce Specialists from TEC are working together with their partners in the community to help offer summer programs for youth and to keep people informed about economic and job opportunities.
For instance, plans are in the development process to improve the airport, including building a new terminal. The Industrial Park, next to the airport, has available spaces with economic incentives for businesses. Contact Sally Bartlett for further information, 541-575-1555.
The Grant County Economic Council Summit II is being held on February 18th and is open to anyone. The Summit will present industry sector updates and actions that may affect our natural resource-based economy. Breakout sessions will include The Art of Marketing, Selling your service or product; Teamwork, How to link with others for new business; and You CAN do it! – How to start or expand your business. In addition, round table discussions about current local issues will be offered. More than 100 people attended the first summit in 2009. Contact Les Zaitz for further information 541-421-3031.
The USFS has more than 50 seasonal positions open in this area, funded by stimulus dollars. A job fair was held at the WSO office in Canyon City on 01/27/10 and more than 100 job seekers attended. The USFS will hold another job fair in Harney County as well to fill these positions.
Plans are underway for another successful Youth Summer Conservation Corps program through the Grant County TEC youth programs. Currently, five crews of youth aged 15 to 21 are planned to work with the USFS Malheur Ranger District, USFS Prairie City Ranger District, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs/John Day Basin, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service/John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon Snowmobile Association, John Day Parks & Recreation Department and The John Day Trail Project. Five more crews are projected but this depends upon funding.
A Natural Resource Camp is planned for June 15th – 18th at Lake Creek Youth Recreational Camp in the Strawberry Mountains of Grant County for youth who have finished the 6th grade through the 12th grade. The camp is open to youth from anywhere and is only $ 50.00 for four days and three nights. Special activities include a Hike and Overnight Camp in the Strawberry Wilderness – learning about no-trace camping, how to construct emergency shelters, campfire building & cooking and Wilderness Etiquette; a trail ride (by horse) along the Historic Logan Valley Railroad Grade; Bats and other Keystone Species; and, Fly Tying and Fishing. The classes include Wildlife Biology, Hydrology, Range Ecology, Weather and Climate, First Aid, Wild Edibles and Native Plants, Outdoor Skills & Safety, Mapping, Cultural Beading, Stargazing, Archeology, Cultural History, Alternative Energy, Fire Science, and a Cultural Dinner (Salmon Bake) with Tribal Elders. The camp is sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, USFS, OSU Extension 4H, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Paleo Adventures, Oregon Hunters Association, The Bureau of Land Reclamation, The National Wild Turkey Federation and Lake Creek Youth Recreational Camp. Contact Linda Brown, 541-620-2635, or Maxine Day 541-575-1911 for registration information.
Much thanks to Kathy Cancilla, Workforce Development Supervisor at Training and Employment Consortium in Canyon City, Oregon!