MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Chamber of Commerce continues to roll out new initiatives to bolster support for local businesses and enhance community engagement.
With a focus on providing resources and networking opportunities, the Chamber is committed to fostering a thriving environment for all its members, said Executive Director Jack Cunningham.
“The Chamber is a vital partner for local businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape,” Cunningham said.
In addition to their new website and member directory, the Chamber recently launched “Third Thursday Business Builders Luncheons.”
On May 15, community and business leaders gathered at the Maxwell Inn for a presentation on the Sites Reservoir, which promises opportunities for local businesses.
“It’s valuable to think about what this effect is going to be on the county and the ripple effect of it,” Cunningham said. “When we have prevailing wage jobs in the county, some of our people are employed with it, and there is more potential for some business growth in the county and building up our infrastructure. Hopefully, it will be sustained after the project is done.”
The Chamber is also preparing to launch “Business After Hours,” a once-a-month evening gathering.
“I believe our schedule will be 5:30 p.m. on Fridays,” Cunningham said. “We will be looking for business members to sponsor each one, and then that’s your (Chamber members’) opportunity to get up, talk about what (they) do, and maybe sell a new product. Then everybody can enjoy themselves afterwards.”
Kevin Spesert, the external affairs manager for the Sites Reservoir Project, spoke at the well-attended Third Thursday Business Builders Lunch.
Spesert said the project, an off-stream water storage facility that will be built west of Maxwell, aims to capture runoff from the Sacramento River during wet years for use during dry periods.
“Sites is designed specifically almost like a savings account to be able to store water when it’s plentiful and save it for release when you need it,” he said.
Spesert said the project relies on the collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including water districts, local governments, and state agencies, but will be constructed and operated locally.
Currently, the Sites Project Authority is securing the necessary water rights related to the capture, storage, and distribution of water to improve water supply for the entire state and facilitate water management strategies.
“If everything moves forward, we will start construction in 2026 and will be moving for the next seven years to get this thing built,” Spesert said.
Cunningham said the Sites project is often discussed within government circles and among stakeholders, but less attention has focused on the overall influence the reservoir will have on business growth.
“We are looking forward to it on that end,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham encouraged all Colusa County businesses to join the Chamber and benefit from its initiatives, aiming to build a stronger community.
The Maxwell luncheon last week was the third installment of the new initiative to add speakers to what was previously a monthly “Lunch Mob,” which gathered to support a local eatery and allow members to network among each other.
For more information about membership and services, visit the Chamber’s new website at colusachamber.com.