President’s Message

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” — Hal Borland

Isaw this quote recently and it occurred to me that it can apply to so many of life’s experiences. It’s a great reminder that even when things might seem bleak and dreary, like a cold winter’s morning, better days are ahead and that the gray days will end bringing warmth and new beginnings. Much like spring brings new blooms and awakens hibernating animals from the comfort of their dens. We are fortunate to not be buried under feet of snow every winter like our East Coast neighbors experience. But, endless cold, rainy, gray days can take a toll especially with a pandemic still aff ecting the world forcing many of us to isolate from our friends and family. It’s easy to forget during tough times that better days are ahead.

Winter is a great time to support our local economy by shopping locally. After the holiday rush is over, retail sales historically take a dip in the winter, leaving our small business owners struggling to make ends meet until the warmer months. “Shop Small Saturday” might only come once a year, offi cially, but supporting our local businesses is a year-round practice we can all take to heart. Thriving businesses build a strong economy which means more opportunities for all of us. Together, we can be the reason a local business owner survives wintertime in order to see the beauty of springtime.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a beautiful winter.

SERVING HUMBOLDT

INSURANCE PRODUCTS Auto • Home • Business Property • Life • Health 1336 Main Street, Fortuna 707.725.1135

Lic#0D77118

Humboldt’s Oldest - Family Owned-Since 1966!

Looking for a new home in Humboldt County, or are you ready to sell? Visit our website and search for your dream home for free!

Debbie August Broker/Owner DRE#00604073 498-6439

John Egan Realtor Associate DRE#01438132 499-5185 Wendy Medders Broker - Associate DRE#01888500 599-6407

Katy Lund Realtor - Associate DRE#02035968 672-5707

Candice Martella Realtor - Associate DRE#01973376 498-5533

Tami Erickson Realtor - Associate DRE#01227851 496-9376 Jeanny Grunert- Realtor-Associate DRE#02115954 Cell 298-4895

910 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna SixRiversRealEstate.com | 707-725-9376

Bird Rides, Inc., is a developer of electric scooter vehicles designed to off er aff ordable shared transportation systems. Their vehicles reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, car usage and traffi c, enabling users to commute easily within the city in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner.

Bird Rides is currently looking for a local Fleet Manager to service the Fortuna area. If you know of someone that might be interested in this opportunity, please have them contact us at the Chamber offi ce and we’ll get them in touch with the Bird Account Executive.

Found in Fortuna is a nonprofi t thrift store that gives back to our community by sharing profi ts with local people in need of monetary assistance. They carry vintage toys, rare vinyl albums, unique furniture, antiques, collectibles, books, jewelry, and more. Found in Fortuna is a quality-driven thrift store with something for everyone.

751 S. Fortuna Blvd. Redwood Village Shopping Center (707) 682-6022

Locha’s Mexican Restaurant offi cially opened on November 15 with tables full of hungry Fortunans. Locha’s Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving traditional Mexican food. Their name is a tribute to their legendary mother and grandmother, Eloisa, who was best known as Locha. Locha’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 751 S. Fortuna Blvd., in Redwood Village Shopping Center. They can be reached at (707) 682-6022. Be sure to follow them on social media at @lochasmexicanrestaurant.

Byran McWaters, owner of MaDMeTaLs, is a local artist that creates beautiful repurposed and upcycled outdoor metal art, trophies, and signs. Byran has created many works of art around town including the metal cutouts on the Fortuna Kenmar sign, those Thanksgiving “jive” turkeys, numerous local business signs, and has had two of his creations featured as part of the rotating art project outside the Chamber offi ce. He recently created a beautiful metal buckle for the 100th anniversary of the Fortuna Rodeo donated by Redwood Capital Bank. See more of his art on his website at madmetals.us.