VOICES-Opinion of Joseph Orozco
Dear Two Rivers Tribune,
Meeting to invest:
I finally set up a meeting date, place and time to start discussions about how we want to improve the quality of life in the Hoopa Valley. Monday, March 11 at 6pm please join me and others for a Turkey dinner and potluck. The main course, turkey, coffee and hot water is provided. Please bring a side dish and/or desserts. The Tsewenaldin Inn Conference Room is the place. The first investment we make is our time, thoughts and engagement in open discussions.
If we don’t take these steps first no amount of money will improve the community quality of life over the long term. The Hoopa Community Association has revived itself. HCA is gearing up to promote the local economy and to address job opportunities. The plan is to sponsor an Indian Business Conference to allow local business owners and their customers a chance to understand what it takes to do business in Hoopa. Another item is in conjunction with Hoopa TERO to present a Jobs Fair where employers speak about their work and their role in the community. They can present to job seekers what they are looking for in new employees. I think both events are important and address the quality of life in Hoopa.
My approach to enhance the economy is by first discussing what the residents of Hoopa want as improvements to the quality of life. We can further identify who best can address certain improvements. Maybe the tribal council and tribal departments are the best resource. Maybe current and future private businesses best address certain issues. Maybe local and regional non-profit agencies are a better choice for certain activities. The discussion should give more people a better view of the larger picture. Once we have a better view we can better plan how we want to invest whatever amount of personal funds we can leverage. Let’s start working together on Monday, March 11 at 6pm in the Tsewenaldin Inn Conference Room. This is a side dish potluck, the main course is provided.
Sincerely,
Joseph R. Orozco