Last Friday afternoon, we attended the Game Changers presentation put on by the Shasta County Economic Development Center, at the Redding Convention Center.
The event was well attended. Erin and I met lots of local people interested and excited about Redding’s future. I also learned about several local resources and start-up companies I’d not otherwise have known about, like Technisoil.
Our Keynote guest: “From “Textile to Technology” A Community’s Transformation. The Story of Greenville, South Carolina. A native South Carolinian, Nancy (Whitworth) has been in Greenville for 30 years and has played an integral role in Greenville’s transformation from a dying textile town with serious economic problems to being an innovative community with an entrepreneurial spirit that is willing to take risks.” She did an excellent job demonstrating how Greeenvile found success after the devastation of their major local industry.
There were other presentations from some local companies that are very promising. To the left, John Weise of software startup, Zenius Solutions.
As part of his presentation, Weise spoke about how more software businesses than ever before seem to be turning towards subscription-based business models. In case you were not already aware, software companies often provide their products and services on the basis of a recurring payment format. Essentially, this means that their customers can pay to access the software that they need for as long as they require it. In recent years, subscription-based business models have proved hugely advantageous to businesses in the software industry as they provide a continuous income stream that can boost company growth.
As well as the presentation that was given by Weise, I was also struck by a few things from the keynote. First, Greenville really took chances on making their downtown likable and livable, and it worked out well. But they endured years of risk with private/public partnerships and (gulp) eminent domain to reclaim their best parts. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but the successful results speak for themselves. Nancy had toured Redding prior, and was really impressed with our river, our artful bridge, and the Cascade Theater. It seems Greenville had so much less than Redding to start with, but did so much more to leverage what they had.
Another interesting thing was the repeated mention of Bethel Church, and the students it has attracted. Redding is in a public/private partnership with Bethel for the very building in which the event took place. People I spoke with mentioned the influx of young people with new ideas as a very positive aspect of life in Redding. Erin and I agree. Meeting Bethel students with their varied backgrounds and cultures has expanded Redding’s culture. The subject came up remarkably often, and seemed yet another very positive factor to the companies located here.
It was a terrific and eye opening event. There’s more info about the Game Changer event at redding.com. Also, you can review related Tweets at #edcgc. Thanks EDC, sponsors, speakers, and all who attended.
Visit the Redding Dragstrip after Kool April Nights
We don’t seem to hear much about the non-profit Redding Dragstrip during Kool April Nights. But for me, seeing powerful and expensive showcars actually perform at speed has always been an integral part of this week’s festivities. This year, the event promises to be bigger and badder than ever.
The longest continuously operating NHRA facility in the known universe, a Redding tradition since the 1960’s. This is always their biggest weekend for attendance and money. With weather looking terrific, this year looks good. Come experience the heat and power. Click below for a printable flyer.
KAD 2012 Flyer 200dpiBW
I think for a number of core enthusiasts, Kool April Nights would be just another carshow without the Redding Dragstrip. We are fortunate to have both events.
All photos by Skip Murphy @ Kool April Drags 2011
Kool April Nights flash mob planned
Ever wanted to participate in a flash mob like this one…
Now’s your chance!
A group from the Catalyst Redding Young Professionals, in association with Kool April Nites, and the California Dance Company, are daring you to come join the flash mob this April 21st at the Redding Convention Center during Kool April Nites.
On April 21st at 2pm sharp the sound system at the Redding Convention Center will play three songs.
1. Grease Lighting
2. Low-Rider
3. Surfing USA.
At the start of Grease Lighting, a man dressed in tight jeans, a leather jacket and slicked back hair will start dancing like this…… Dance instructions:
After he starts to dance, feel free to join in whenever you want. You can come to dance with the choreographed moves. After he starts to dance, feel free to join in whenever you want. You can come to dance with the choreographed moves (see video above), or you can come to dance with your own moves, or you can just come to watch and enjoy our local Kool April Nites event.
The entire community is invited and all ages are welcome. Please forward this information to anyone you know who might be interested in participating.
More about this fun Redding style dance event at the link. Just 4 days away!
Spontaneous dance, it’s Really Redding.
A dinner proposal
Friday’s dinner was supposed to be special. But we didn’t know just how special it would be. Earlier, we learned French Chef Reynald Tel was no longer cooking at the By The Way, or Bourbon and Bull bar. Too bad. But we also learned he was trying to expand his catering business. So naturally we invited him over to cook. Just a little French Style tasting. Which turned into 8 courses with appropriate French wine pairings. Oh my. Words fail.
So, watch this in HD for full effect. Originally edited to Edith Piaf “La Vie En Rose,” from 1946, which you would think would be Public Domain or at least fair Use for Non Commercial. But YouTube won’t let you see that version, so here’s an alternate. If you start the video with sound off, then click on link (above) for Edith Piaf, you can almost hear it as intended. It won’t sync up, but you’ll get the gist of it.
As spectacular as dinner was, it was only the prelude the to main event. Unknown to anyone but himself, Aaron Rader planned to propose to Erin Murphy at this dinner. He asked to play a DVD he’d brought with him. And this is what we saw.
She said yes.
It was a fantastic night. Here is the tasting menu, which is a fun read.
TheMenu
And De Reynald Catering can be reached at (530) 710 4098, for events and cooking lessons. Highly recommended, shall we say!
Jackson Ranch for Dogs
Possess a problematic pooch? Jackson Ranch for Dogs offers canine training and boarding.
After deciding they wanted to combine their passion for dogs and their careers, Carla Jackson and Mark Olney founded Jackson Ranch for Dogs in July of 1999. Carla says they spent a lot of time searching for recreational land for sale before they found the perfect ranch for their new venture. They set it up, creating a home environment for dogs to learn and play while their owners are away.
“We’re fussy about what dogs we take,” says Carla, who has been training dogs since the 1990’s. This is not dog rehab. But if you have a loving pet who could use some new skills, or who needs a short staycation with some other furry friends, this is a good place. The owners are both very passionate and caring for each dog, and they’re also very knowledgeable when it comes to our canine friends. However, they have said they often like to stay up to date with new inventions, advice, and news regarding dog care and ownership by frequently looking into online resources from websites such as Pupster Passion and others. They obviously care very deeply for each four-legged pup that makes its way to their ranch.
The ranch is divided into several fenced yards for outdoor play according to the size of the dog, and there’s a swimming pool.
Find out more about Jackson Ranch for Dogs at their webpage, and at their Jackson Ranch Facebook fan page.
Writing as a Realtor who goes in and out of houses all day, one thing I can say for sure: We love our dogs in Shasta County. And it couldn’t hurt to have them a bit more well-trained. They do a great job. People who bring a new dog into their home will know the value of training, especially if they aren’t already potty-trained – it’s comforting to know that services are out there but also that products such as pee pads and bladder supplements are available from sites like petparentsbrand.com. Getting training for your dog can be worthwhile, and they’ll often enjoy it too. But that’s not to say that they won’t miss their owners whilst they’re away. Even with the endless space and swimming pool that they have access to, not being able to make the most of it with their owners must be the toughest challenge of them all. Dogs experience separation anxiety as well you know. In fact, it could be that bad that owners decide to try CBD, (Get more info here) to see if this can make a positive difference to their anxiety and their emotions. It can also help with heightened noise, which some dogs are bound to experience in a ranch this big with other animals. But it could be good for them, and learning ways to become better trained in the process won’t do them much harm either. Thanks, Jackson Ranch!
Wine tasting fundraiser for the Palo Cedro Community Park
The good folks of Palo Cedro have been busy raising funds for their community park, which is under construction. Saturday, they had a wine tasting and auction event at the lovely Gaia Hotel. Everyone enjoyed the dazzling wine-food pairings, set to music by the one of the northstate’s true gems, The Pat Karch Trio. It is unclear how much money has been raised at this point, but it will soon be counted, verified and then donated. This was a great way of locally raising money by the locals in Palo Cedro, as everyone looked to be having a great time and will have no doubt donated generously. There is always the option of using a fundraising site like GoFundMe too, which would allow the community to gather donations from those further afield or from anyone unable to attend the wine tasting and auction event. For those who do attend the event, if they are split into teams, they may want to look at having branded apparel such as shirts and jackets to help distinguish between the teams. Organizers can go now to websites like imprint.com to see how this can be done.
Not Really Redding, but reflecting the true spirit of community fundraising for a Community Park for Palo Cedro. Thank you sponsors and participants all!