Fortuna Chamber Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2023

735 14th Street

Fortuna, CA 95540

(707) 725-3959

www.fortunachamber.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2022-23

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Bailey Davy Cornerstone Realty

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Kelly Isaacson

Umpqua Bank

VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Melissa Sanderson

North Coast Journal, Inc.

AMBASSADOR CHAIR

Jenn Brown, CA State Department of Housing & Community Development DIRECTORS

Kim Brown, Cornerstone Realty

Cody Hurst, The Hurst Group

Crystal Lewis, Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance

Katy Roe, Umpqua Bank

Greg Seiler, Edward Jones Financial

Amber Woodward, AP Property Management

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Greg Thomsen

Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen

STAFF

Kristin Chambers, President & CEO

Felicia Thomsson, Interim Chamber Coordinator

Pictured here is the late Roy Curless in July 2021, along with members of the Fortuna Rodeo Association and the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, cutting the ribbon on the new and improved ADA accessible area and updated box seating area of the rodeo grandstands.

Photo courtesy of the Fortuna Rodeo

Do you feel your health has been pushed to the back burner? Have you been looking for results?

Let’s make a change together!

HealthSPORT is at 1023 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540, (707) 725-9484, healthsport.com. Hours:

Monday-Friday: 5am-12am (staffed from 9am-9pm

Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm Saturday & Sunday)

Saturday-Sunday: 6am-11pm (staffed from 9am2pm).

At Paul’s Live From New York my family and I have been dedicated to serving New York style pizza in Humboldt county since 1994. We pride ourselves in creating a unique product that our east coast roots can pass on to the people of the west coast to continually enjoy time and time again. Our ingredients are the finest that money can buy, dough, sauce, and the cheese most importantly has to be whole milk and you can taste the difference above all the rest. Hand tossed and stretched to perfection. Cooked off in our Bakers Pride deck ovens and then served best right to your table. www.paulslfnypizza.com

Paul’s Live From New York is located in Fortuna at 101 12th St. Open Tues-Sat 11am-9pm.

“Smoked

Herbs and More!”

We take this motto seriously.

From getting the freshest batches of garlic, onions and jalapenos, then all the peeling, chopping and many numerous hours of smoking, we at Famous Amens have been able to bring out unique flavor profiles to already loved herbs.

(707) 460-0365 FamousAmens@gmail.com famousamens.com

Johns’ Group LLC is a construction company that has been in business for the last 18 years in Fortuna. They can do anything from logging, road building, watershed restoration, demolition, excavation, property clean up, and much more!

Give them a call today at (707) 725-3898.

Humboldt County’s premier solar power company, Greenwired Renewable Energy Solutions was founded in 2006 by Humboldt County native Daniel Tittmann, later joined by his brother Matty and the

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Redwood Wishing Wells owner Kent Johnson makes wishing well planters, raised bed planters, and garden benches in various sizes. He can be reached at (707) 362-2808.

Welcome New Members

two’s long-time friend Noah Battles. Noah and the Tittmann brothers have carefully built a team of solar energy experts who support our customers in finding optimal renewable energy solutions for every need.

As Humboldt County’s leader in solar energy products and services,we pride ourselves on our solar energy expertise. With both C-46 and C-10 licensed professionals on our team, we provide a comprehensive service to clients across northern California. Greenwired offers sales and design consultation for the do-it-yourself homeowner, or contractor. For the home or business owner looking to lower their energy bill, and have a renewable energy system installed for them, our team of professional technicians is ready to design and build a custom system to fit any need.

Speak with a solar sales or service representative today at info@greenwired.com or 707-923-2001.

from Main Street, not on 6th Street. Please come sorted for a great experience. We look forward to helping the community.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza - 1095 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna is open and serving up pizza the same way they’ve done it since 1978 — dough rolled fresh daily, using real whole milk mozzarella, vegetables and meats sliced every day…all on a fresh, golden brown crust…with superior service for dine in, carry out or delivery.

Mountain Mike’s is also home of the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni, which uses natural casing so their mountainous pepperonis curls and crisp when cooked … a true pepperoni lover’s dream.

They also have a party room and an arcade. Check them out at Strongs Creek Plaza!

Bartow’s Jewelers, a full service jewelry shop for both custom and retail jewelry, was stablished in 1894. Featuring jewelry and watch repair all our repairs are done here locally in Humboldt County and are usually done within 10 days. Our newest addition is permanent jewelry is a unique way to wear your fine jewelry without a clasp! Gold or sterling silver chain (usually bracelets) are custom fitted and micro welded on you for a seamless look.

1100 Main Street Suite A, Fortuna, (707) 725-2351 bartows.jewelershowcase.com

Hambro Recycling is now open in Fortuna — come get your money back for your CRV beverage containers. We are located at 591 Main Street in the back, please enter on the west side of the building

As your local Ace Hardware, our store is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924 and has grown to include more than 4,600 stores in 50 states and more than 70 countries.As part of a cooperative, every Ace Hardware store is independently owned. From neighborhood hardware stores to lumberyards to super-size home centers, each Ace Hardware is unique and tailored to meet the needs of its local community. We are all committed to being “the Helpful Place” by offering our customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. As the helpful hardware folks in your community, we promise that, “helping you is the most

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important thing we have to do today.”

Fortuna Ace Hardware & Garden is at 140 S Fortuna Blvd,Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-8647.

Store hours Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 6pm Sun 9am - 5:30pm.

Let Madrone Realty help you find the perfect place to call home in the Redwood Empire.

DRE#02164530

Locations: main office: 657 7th Street, Fortuna, and branch office (by appointment only): 1401 Evergreen Rd., Redway. (707) 923-2119 Somer@madronerealty. com, madronerealty.com.

The Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association (HRIA) is a 501(c) non-profit, providing volunteer-run Visitor Centers at four State Parks in Humboldt County. We hope that you will stop by to get information about hikes, directions, ecology, history, as well as maps, brochures, books, and souvenirs. We strive to connect visitors and the community to the incredible redwood forest, in hopes of spreading appreciation and a passion for the conservation of the tallest trees in the world.

Burlington Campground is currently open, and available by reservation. Hidden Springs Campground and Albee Creek Campground are currently closed. Make camping reservations at ReserveCalifornia

The Visitor Center at Humboldt Redwoods State Park is open 7 days a week from 9:00-5:00 (10:00 to 4:00 October through April).

Hello Humboldt! We would like to take a moment to introduce our new food vending business No Sides to the community. This is a partnership of three brothers now fully licensed and insured. Our hometown is Fortuna but we have the ability to go anywhere in the county. We are grateful for all the support we received at our previous events, and we look forward to making your mouth water at more events to come! Massive steak sandwiches, juicy smashburger’s, mouthwatering chicken sticks. www.instagram.com/ nosides707.

Nextgen Computer provides fast, reliable and affordable computer repair to the friendly city and surrounding communities. We are located in downtown Fortuna at 1055 Main St Suite #2. Offering in shop computer repair, personal computer instruction, on-site repair and web design services.

Nextgencomputers.biz (707)572-1055.

Chamber Member Spotlights

Bartow’s moved 5 years ago … they are back on Main Street! Corner of 11th and Main.

Specializing in jewelry repair, custom design, and retail. With a selection of over 500 different style options for engagement rings. Their jewelry repairs are done locally, they size rings, repair chain breaks, set stones, repair tips and channels on rings, change watch batteries as you wait, offer free jewelry cleaning and inspection and so much more.

Bartow’s Jewelers and Repair is family owned and has been serving our community with all their jewelry needs for 129 years! You read that right! 129 YEARS! Purchased by Joey and Lisa Barrote in 1989 from Joey’s Uncle Shirley and Aunt Olivia Bartow and is now managed by their daughter-inlaw Trish Foster.

Most recently, Trish has added a trending new service of Permanent Jewelry. This is a new way to wear your fine jewelry seamlessly without a clasp. Trish will custom fit chain (gold or silver) of your choosing to your wrist or ankle and micro weld it closed. You may add a charm as well! You wear it 24/7. Think of it as the modern- day friendship bracelet/anklet. Perfect to honor friendships, bride maids, graduates, mom and daughter and any other special occasion or to treat yourself. No appointment needed!

Starting just about a year ago, Colt and Mavis Amen aka Famous Amens was formed, over the idea of needing quality seasonings. Colt, the master of any grill, and Mavis, who has a passion to work hard and succeed, both started slow, with one seasoning at a time, but after using them a few times for family and friends they requested more, and the business took off. Smoked garlic was first as it’s Colt’s favorite seasoning to put on everything. After having to use a

cup of processed store-bought seasoning for a little amount of flavor, Colt has made it to where you can now use a tablespoon for a better heartier flavor.

Both Colt and Mavis grew up in Northern California where their roots grow deep in the communities that they live and work in, loving to cook for gatherings, fundraisers and just every chance they can. Don’t call Colt a chef though he will tell you he never went to culinary school, he just picked up cooking at a young age. But his ability to put his heart into every dish he touches really shows and that same passion goes into his seasonings. Mavis saw his passion and knew the world needed to taste it too!

One thing they vow is that there will be no added unnecessary ingredients into their seasonings. No extra salts or fillers will be used as anti-caking agents since they take away from the quality and hearty flavors that they want to produce. Their seasonings are made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness, and they try to source as much locally as possible.

2023 Annual Awards Dinner

Under the Big Top, May 4, 2023

On May 4th, the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards dinner with over 250 community members in attendance and handed out a total of 19 awards. This year’s theme was Under the Big Top so it had a fun circus flare to it. The table sponsors did an amazing job of decorating their tables, with the big winner being Grocery Outlet.

We’d like to thank all the incredibly generous donors who provided amazing and awesome auction items for the event. A special thank you to our government officials who were in attendance and assisted in presenting the awards to each of the winners. We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the event, for your continued support of the Fortuna Chamber and for participating in the live and silent auction to help us raise funds to support the community.

A big congratulations to all the 2023 Chamber of Commerce Award winners! We are so proud to have presented these awards to you and are already looking forward to next year’s awards ceremony.

Winners

Business Awards

Large Business of the Year

Wyckoff ’s Plumbing

Small Business of the Year

Sport & Cycle

New Business of the Year

Powerhouse Garage

Family-Owned Business of the Year

Love Mini Donuts

Home-based Business of the Year

Famous Amens

Non-Profit Organization of the Year

River Life Foundation

Table Top Decorations winner – Grocery Outlet.

2023 Annual Dinner Awards Dinner

Business Achievement Awards

Business Innovation Award

Clean Queen Meal Prep

Community Investment Award

C. Crane Company

Community Partnership of the Year

McLean Foundation

Economic Impact Award

Kreations Auto Body

Outstanding Community Event of the Year

Fortuna Rodeo

Outstanding Customer Service Award

Taco Loco

Quality in Business Award

Forbusco Lumber

Quality in Living Award

Result Fit Camp

Citizen Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

Roy Curless

Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Walt Wilson

Volunteer of the Year

Tami Trent

Chamber Champion Award

Doris & Dennis Miller

Ambassador of the Year

Lexi Stowe

2023 Annual Awards Dinner attendees

Dinner attendees playing the 50/50!

City of Fortuna BID Update to Chamber of Commerce

The City of Fortuna Business Improvement District is a department of the city under the City Manager, Merritt Perry, and Morgan Dodson is the BID Administrator and acts as staff support to BID Advisory Committee. The office for the BID is located at the Fortuna Monday Club, 610 Main Street. The purpose and the goals of the BID is to promote public events and general business activities, to furnish music for public events, to decorate public places, and to support recruitment and expansion of commercial business.

The Fortuna City Council has appointed a full Advisory Committee of seven members. The monthly Advisory Committee meetings are held at City Hall in the Council Chambers on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 08:30am to 09:30am. The meetings are open to the public, so Fortuna businesses are encouraged to attend, bring ideas to share and advise the BID on how to support your Fortuna business. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Fortuna City Council on how to utilize the benefit assessment fees collected from designated Fortuna businesses. Benefit assessment fees are collected according to the Fortuna Municipal Code 5.40, which is located on the City of Fortuna website, friendlyfortuna.com, or at City Hall. The City of Fortuna matches the amount of the benefit assessments collected to complete the budget used to accomplish the tasks and goals of the BID.

The BID implemented new bylaws, a page on the City of Fortuna website, a calendar of events, newsletters, agenda templates, minute templates, a logo and sponsorship forms were created in addition to many other new aspects of BID functions, which can be found on the website as well as through the BID Administrator.

The BID and the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce hosted the Small and Home-based Business Marketplace where Fortuna businesses that have five or fewer employees

and home-based businesses showcased their services and products they have to offer. It was held in the Fortuna River Lodge on March 18th from 10:00am until 3:00pm. There were over 20 vendors that spoke and presented their business to the over 200 visitors that attended the marketplace. A Special Workshop was also held on May 17th to discuss Fortuna events and banners to be displayed around the city. Feedback from the community as well as new events ideas were presented to the BID that will be discussed during the monthly Advisory Committee meetings, so please continue to provide these ideas for Fortuna events.

Upcoming events in the City of Fortuna are Art & Wine in the Park on June 11th at Fortuna Rohner Park from 12pm until 4pm, hosted by Fortuna Rotary and the Fortuna Rodeo hosted by the Fortuna Rodeo Association, which takes place from July 10th through July 16th. The BID will host activities that will take place during the week of Rodeo events. Take a look at the City of Fortuna website for more upcoming events, such as AutoXpo and Hops in Humboldt.

Social media is utilized by the BID to check in with our community and to promote events, specials, interviews of owners and staff, and give recognition to newly opened businesses. Social media sites that have been created are Facebook, City of Fortuna BID, Instagram, City_of_Fortuna_BID, and TikTok, city_of_fortuna_bid Please follow us to check out BID videos and posts about the city’s businesses. If you are a business owner, let the BID know ways to support your business. The BID would love to hear about your upcoming events and activities for promotion and advertising, so please send information to mdodson@ci.fortuna.ca.us or call 707-725-9261. Please attend meetings or reach out to the BID for more information and with any questions.

Update from the city manager

Rohner Park Basketball Courts

Two new basketball courts are under construction in Rohner Park! The new courts will replace an existing court that was established many years ago adjacent to Park Loop Road. The new basketball courts will be separated by landscaping islands and two tree wells to provide separation from the road to create a safe and attractive area to play. The new courts will have an acrylic surface (similar to a tennis court) and there will be new polycarbonate break-away rims. There will be a fence around the court so there will be no more need to chase balls into the meadow, and an area for picnic tables outside the courts.

This project is being funded by Measure E, a supplementary sales tax approved by the voters of the City of Fortuna, and is a great example of how those tax dollars are creating new recreational opportunities in the City. Mercer Fraser Co. of Fortuna is the general contractor and expects to finish the project early this summer.

City of Fortuna Police Facility

You may have noticed some changes at 2600 Newburg Road. The old Eureka Physical Therapy (EPT) building was purchased by the City in 2020 for use as a new police facility. The purpose of the project is to construct a facility that complies with current police standards and has enough space to house the department. The existing police facility is too small and is obsolete, and many functions of the department are operating in areas too small for the uses that are needed to provide the community service.

The existing police facility at City Hall was constructed in 1967 when the population Fortuna was approximately 4000 (The City population is now over 12,000). Since then, there was only one minor expansion to create four offices within the existing building footprint, despite the size of the department more than doubling. The new building will be more than twice the size of the existing facility and include new lobby and LiveScan

Existing basketball court.

Courts similar to courts under construction.

EPT pool before construction.

Former EPT pool and spa area prepared for office construction.

Update from the city manager

room that is accessible from the lobby, a booking room, evidence vault, dispatch center for up to four dispatchers, an armory, briefing room, conference room, IT room, auxiliary generator, radio tower, fenced parking area, and more. Unfortunately, the existing EPT pool and hot tub had to be filled in to make way for new offices. Having a police facility for the City is a very important project for the City as it will be able to accommodate our entire department, will meet current police standards, and having a modern and well-planned building will help to improve the City’s ability to recruit and maintain police officers by providing an improved work environment.

Monday Club Chimney Damage Update

Have you been wondering what is happening with the Chimney at the Fortuna Monday Club? As with several brick chimneys in Fortuna, the Monday Club chimney was damaged last December in the earthquake and had to be removed to reduce the

potential of it falling. Currently there is black plastic covering the area where the chimney was removed.

Although the chimney was no longer used for a wood burning fireplace, it did provide an important aesthetic to the architecture of the building. Therefore, the City is working with an architect to develop a set of plans to replace the existing chimney with something that looks similar, but that won’t be susceptible to the damage from an earthquake. We also will be looking to remove the plastic and put something more aesthetically pleasing in place until a replacement can be completed. In the meantime, the building is available for rent and fully functional. We appreciate the community’s patience while we work on completing the repair.

Rohner Community Recreation and Park District Pool Update

The Rohner Community Recreation and Park District (RCRPD) has been steadily working away on the development of a community pool. Much of the effort last year was identifying pool options and what an operating budget would be. The District is currently focusing on an indoor pool with six lanes and a separate pool that

Rendering of New Police Facility.

Monday Club before earthquake.

can be used for swim lessons and fitness classes (this pool would be warmer). The building that would house the pool is envisioned to be a metal framed structure with glass, similar to a greenhouse, with a roof that could open during warm weather.

The RCRPD is currently working to finalize costs for the project, which has been particularly challenging with interest rates increasing, and cost escalation due to inflation. Nonetheless, the District is moving forward and may need some potential help from private foundations to help pay for the project

and ongoing operating costs. The residents within the district will also be asked to help pay for a portion of the new pool through an assessment benefit district. Once the RCRPD board has a clear picture of the finances for the project, they will be reaching out to the public to share the information and seek input on the project and assessment. They hope to be able to bring more information to the public this summer regarding project costs, schedule and pool type and operation.

Pool Concept Slide form Rohner Community Recreation and Park District

On Thursday, May 11th, we hosted an open house at our distillery in Fortuna, celebrating 10 years of business and a serendipitous win at the Good Food Awards. Though it was overcast, the turnout was great, and we had the pleasure of talking to community members about the past 10 years. We loved hearing everyone’s stories! All in all, it was great fun to serve tasty cocktails, taste folks on our spirits, and catch up with friends.

Summary content provided by Courtney from Humboldt Distillery.