Economic Development: HSU Go Local!

The city should work with HSU to have the school give priority to local Arcata businesses with its service contracts. Imagine how much work (and dollars) is contracted out by HSU. Now imagine how much of that work and dollars go elsewhere. For instance the primary food service contractor is SYSCO Food Services, a national company from Texas. Why not a food business or businesses from Arcata? HSU must prioritize their contracting and work with our local businesses to bring them the services they need whether it be food services, construction, or other suppliers of all of the needs of the university.

Why can't the campus provide organic foods? We know Arcata businesses can supply them and the students want them. Why can't the school buy its bread from Brio? Why can't the cheese come local. The possibilities are endless. There are many millions of annual dollars that can be generated right here from HSU alone that would go right back into our businesses and our city. The revenue the city would receive can go toward our infrastructure and housing, issues that directly benefit all of us and HSU students as well.

Roland Richmond recently said he wants to work more closely with Arcata. Here is his chance.