The Power of Collaboration

By Nancy Olson, CEO Greater Eureka Chamber

At a September 2023 economic development conference, Dr. Robert Eyler, an economist from Sonoma State, shared his forecast for our region. Almost in passing, he said something like, “Small businesses are really in for a tough time.” When the Q&A started, my hand shot up: “So what can small businesses do to make it through?” He answered, “Collaborate.”

Dr. Eyler’s response has stuck with me. Since then I’ve looked for examples of collaboration between businesses and others as we all seek to make it through these tough economic times.

Collaboration is the theme of our recently published 2024-25 Chamber Member Magazine and Directory. We asked several local leaders to contribute articles sharing their thoughts on collaboration’s power to shift their success, and our community’s collective economic success. Here’s what they had to say:

“Collaboration is a concept that’s increasingly recognized as essential in American business, but it wasn’t always that way. Historically, collaboration was often considered only when absolutely necessary. Today we view collaboration as a proactive approach to mutual success… diverse collaborative efforts are the key to thriving together,” wrote Thomas and Cody Nicholson Stratton, owners of Foggy Bottoms Boys.

Jason Ramos, CEO of Blue Lake Casino and Tribal Administrator for the Blue Lake Rancheria, stated, “With the workforce development work that we’re doing, it’s very exciting to see Humboldt County Office of Education, CR, Cal Poly, Tribes, the business community, and local high schools working together… We have had local partnerships, but I think that partnership could be much greater. There’s a ton opportunity that would really enhance not only Tribal corporations and Tribal governments, but also local business folks.”

Redwood Region RISE was created in response to the shared opportunity to expand jobs across our region, with significant investment from the State’s California Jobs First initiative. Hundreds of representatives from local and regional organizations, businesses, Tribes, local governments, as well as residents, have informed the development of the 10 year RISE Roadmap toward shared prosperity. Leoni Fohr, a RISE program lead, shared, “By focusing on inclusive growth, RISE envisions the Redwood Region as a place where everyone can thrive, with stable jobs, accessible healthcare, and a flourishing natural environment.”

Sarah West, Economic Development Coordinator at City of Eureka, shared about their new collaboration with Visit California, “With this new collaboration, Eureka is now tapped into the vast resources of Visit California, the state’s tourism and marketing arm… The collaboration between Eureka and Visit California marks a major step forward in the city’s efforts to support local businesses and position Eureka as a desired tourist destination.”

Historically, Chambers of Commerce have tilted toward competition. We are fortunate these days to have a group of Chamber leaders here in Humboldt who are committed to collaborating to support mutual thriving. So far this year we have built partnerships to create more opportunities for businesses to engage students in work-based learning opportunities, as well as some dynamic leadership and professional development opportunities.

Ross Creech, our 2024 Board Chair and COO, Quality Body Works, shared this in his article, Fueling Local Success, “By actively working to build alliances with other neighboring Chambers, the Greater Eureka Chamber enhances regional business networks and amplifies collective impact. This broader collaboration helps the Chamber address regional challenges and seize opportunities that benefit all participating communities.”

The Nicholson Strattons believe, “By focusing on mutual goals and supporting each other’s growth, we create a network of shared knowledge and opportunities that benefit us all.”

We here at the Greater Eureka Chamber share this belief.

Nancy Olson is the CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce and the Redwood Coast Chamber Foundation. You can reach her at nancy@eurekachamber.com. Access the full 2024-25 Chamber Member Magazine and Directory, created in collaboration with the Times-Standard, here.

This article was originally published in the Times-Standard on October 27, 2024.