Desert Messenger

November 6, 2019 www.DesertMessenger.com 21 By Mark Goldberg, Chair, on behalf of The Quartzsite Urban Economic Sustainability Team The Town Council has discussed on many occasions the need for the town to proactively pursue econom- ic development on its own behalf. On May 22, 2018, Town Manager, Jim Ferguson presented a discus- sion to establish a "local effort to create a sustainable economy for the Town of Quartzsite." He presented a detailed overview of a program he coined, QUEST: Quartzsite; Urban (a geographically designated cor- porate area); Economic (fi nancially viable); Sustainability (maintain- able); Team (unit). He emphasized that the program would focus on business retention as well as busi- ness expansion. The Town Council unanimously approved the forma- tion of a steering committee, and to proceed immediately. The Town Manager, Mayor, and Vice-Mayor, the steering committee, met several times to discuss the composition, goals and leadership of the Team. They decided that the Team should function as a non-political Ad Hoc Committee under the direction of the Town Manager, with member- ship representing Business, In- dustry, Utilities, Chamber of Com- merce, fi nancial institutions, school board, and citizens. I was asked by the Committee to consider chairing QUEST, based on my background as City Planner/ Economic Development Director for two towns; Executive Director of a Regional Economic Development Corporation, and Principal of a Tour- ism Marketing and Consulting Firm, over a span of over forty plus years. I accepted, and personally contacted potential members to serve on the Team. The QUEST Team members are: Mayor Norm Simpson, Ex-Of- fi cio Member; Loretta Warner, Vice- Mayor, Ex-Offi cio Member, Jim Ferguson, Town Manager, Ex-Offi - cio Member; Mark Goldberg, Resi- dent; Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear, Chamber of Commerce, appointed by Chamber Board; Monica Tim- berlake, appointed by the School Board; Steve Hardies, Hardies Beads and Jewelry, Commercial and Industrial; Amy Lopresti, Horizon Community Bank, Financial Insti- tutions; and Blake Harmon, Miner's Depot, Commercial, Industrial, and local clubs. Typically, after formation, the fi rst action by an Economic Development team would be to study economic conditions, demographics (popula- tion data), and other community factors in order to develop goals and objectives for implementation. Over the years, many economic stud- ies and detailed reports have been prepared for Quartzsite, including General Plan Economic Develop- ment Elements, APS Focus Future Studies; and other specifi c economic studies prepared with extensive pub- lic input. Rather than starting with an expensive and time-consuming "new" study, the Team decided to "mine" the existing reports for goals and recommendations which have relevance. The Team came up with a two-page list of areas to address to strengthen the local economy. Following extensive discussion of the list, four initial goals were put forward (in no particular order of importance…all being equally im- portant as a fi rst phase): Housing, Schools, Post Offi ce Improvements; and High-Speed Internet. One of our four initial goals will be met this season. We recently had the opportunity to respond to Andrew Porter, representing Fast- NetUSA inquiring of the need for high-speed internet in Quartzsite. QUEST, The Town of Quartzsite, and The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce and Tourism all wrote compelling letters in support of the need for high-speed internet. As a result, FastNetUSA offi cials decided to pursue installation of a state-of- the-art high-speed internet system covering our area. They intend to be providing service this season! We have scheduled meetings with representatives of the Post Offi ce, Housing fi nance agencies, and de- velopers to pursue implementation of other initial goals. The process of economic develop- ment is not an overnight sensation; and, takes time and patience to cre- ate the environment and building blocks that provide the basis and bal- ance of needs for investment in sus- tainable growth in Quartzsite. Proj- ects are pending which will advance the economy of our community. The QUEST Team members are committed to staying the course to carry out the Town Council's direc- tion for achieving sustainable eco- nomic development for Quartzsite. We value your thoughts and input as we go forward. Through this col- umn, an upcoming web site, and other communication, we will keep you informed of our ongoing efforts and successes. Eve's Place provides services to any victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and teen dating abuse within southern La Paz County and its sur- rounding areas, including Riverside County, California. Many rural resi- dents face commutes of more than an hour to access most victim service pro- grams, nearest hospital, or other es- sential services. Victims in these com- munities have to travel a minimum of an hour to shelter as the shelter cannot transport victims to their location. Victims who do not want/need shel- ter or are not ready to leave their abu- sive partner need safe and confi dential options to reach out for service, which have not existed in this area in the past. Victims are not always aware of resources in the community and may not be knowledge of their rights. They need safe and somewhat anonymous avenues in which to reach out and re- ceive assistance that fi ts their needs. In order to provide assistance with some of these barriers, Eve's Place op- erates the only dedicated Mobile Ad- vocacy Program in Quartzsite and the surrounding area from our local offi ce. Services are free to self-identifi ed vic- tims and include, but are not limited to safety planning, support groups, individual advocacy, accompaniment to court, assistance with court docu- ments/hearings and transportation. In an effort to refrain from duplicat- ing services and enhancing existing services, our advocates communicate with other area programs to provide support services as needed. By provid- ing mobile services, victims in this ru- ral area have access to not only more services within their community, but also services outside of the area when needed. Our advocates will travel to the victims and meet them in a safe lo- cation of their choice. If you or someone you know may need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us to get more information or request services. Remember, you are not alone and we can help! Free child- care may be available. Call toll free 1-844-301-7908. Eve's Place provides local services Celebration of Life for Jacquie Petzoldt (11/20/1937-7/30/2019), Split Rail RV Park Resident and Quartzsite Alliance Church mem- ber, will be held at the Split Rail RV Park Rec Hall November 9th at 1 pm. 1258. N Central Blvd Quartzsite, AZ All her friends from church and the community welcome. Celebration of Life for Jacquie Petzoldt Read Desert MESSENGER ONLINE @ DesertMessengerOnline.com

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