Tehama - The Magazine - Red Bluff Daily News
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BRAND Continued from page 16 "People are realizing that they have a stake in the future of Tehama County, and aren't sitting around wait- ing for others to do the work anymore," said Rix. "People are rolling up their sleeves and getting things done, which is inspiring us to do even more." According to Rix, individuals have taken the initiative to undertake additional beautification projects since the initial Greener Cleaner event and are posting their efforts on Facebook. Similar Greener, Cleaner events are planned for Corning and Los Molinos in the near future. "It's up to all of us to make Tehama County more attractive to live and visit," said Jenifer Walker, who helped coordinate the Greener Cleaner Red Bluff. "This is an ongoing movement, and anyone can take part as they see the need. Individuals don't need to wait for an organized event to make a difference." "It's inspiring to see so many people working togeth- er to achieve a common goal," said Blaine Smith, anoth- er member of the Brand Leadership Team. The 24-mem- ber leadership team consists of individuals living throughout the County to ensure that the Branding Project incorporates each community's needs and ideas. "This is not just a Red Bluff, Manton, or Lassen Park ini- tiative," said Smith. "It applies throughout the county including Los Molinos, Vina, Corning, Richfield and Gerber. Working together, we can accomplish more for our individual businesses and towns, and cross-sell attractions to keep tourists in the entire area longer." The Tehama County Branding Project has several events planned to promote local resources while raising funds including the highly anticipated Hottie Holiday Party on the Sacramento River featuring local vendors, signature drinks and appetizers. Using events such as last month's Tehama Trail VIP Dinner to spotlight local businesses, agriculture, recreation, and natural resources is part of the Tehama County Branding Project's cam- paign to increase local spending. "Buying local has a tremendous impact on the entire community in terms of employment, continued econom- ic development, sales tax revenues, and prosperity. When a person buys a product or service from a locally- owned business, they are helping other businesses in the region at the same time," said Kathryn Schmitz, CEO of the Job Training Center. While the economics of doing business locally is sig- nificant, the character businesses bring to a community is just as important. "It's the businesses that are unique to our area and out of the ordinary that differentiates us from other communities," said Grissom. "These businesses make us proud to live here and will help attract tourists and new businesses to the area. They help us to establish our newly developed brand." To attract more tourists and local customers, local shops are enhancing curb appeal as well as customer service. "We are seeing a lot more buildings with flower pots and benches outside of their store fronts with sig- nage that is more visible to foot and car traffic," said Grissom. With every improvement, Tehama County becomes a better place to live and visit. As more people shop locally, local businesses prosper. As communities become more attractive, community pride increases and with it momentum for the Branding project. "With the kind of support we've received from busi- nesses and the community, we will "Reach our Peak in Tehama Country," said Schmitz. 18 Tehama - the Magazine, October, 2012