Lassen County is one of 50 quarter-finalist communities to advance to the next round of the America’s Best Communities Competition and the only community selected in California for a chance to receive $3 million dollars.
“As a non-profit organization,” explains Chamber  Executive Director Patti Hagata, “the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce was eligible to enter the competition on behalf of our community.”
The Lassen County team will receive $50,000 ($35,000 from the contest sponsors and $15,000 from corporate sponsor GoPro) to develop a comprehensive strategy to accelerate revitalization of our community’s economy and improve the quality of life.
According to Hagata the team now has six months to complete the next phase of the competition for a chance to win up to an additional $3 million to help bring the revitalization ideas to life. GoPro will serve as a strategic mentor providing guidance and support throughout the next phase of the competition.
An additional requirement of the award is to receive $15,000 in community matching funds to show support of the revitalization and economic development efforts. As lead applicant for the contest, the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce is prohibited, by contest rules, from providing matching funds.
“We believe that the publicity generated by the contest as well as marketing strategies developed as part of the application process will increase tourism to our area regardless of future advancement,” said Hagata. “We must provide documentation of the receipt of matching funds no later than August 6th, 2015. All moneys received will be used to further the economic revitalization plan.”
Last week, to show their commitment and support the Historic Uptown Susanville Association pledged the first $1000 toward the community matching funds needed for the contest.
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