On Thursday, Feb. 22, Burroughs seniors Roxy Boggs, Dylan Ramirez, Avery Thibado, and Sophia Pendergast attended Ridgecrest’s Economic Outlook Conference. The conference featured a variety of speakers, all of whom spoke on the various economic growths and challenges that the city is facing.
“I decided to go to meet more people in the community and see how the community is working to bolster its economy,” said senior Roxy Boggs.
The conference discussed many important issues, including changes occurring at Cerro Coso Community College, plans to expand and improve Ridgecrest, growth in the housing market, unfair insurance policies, the future of education in Ridgecrest, and the development and implementation of a long-term sustainable water supply for the city.
At the end of the conference, a business panel was held featuring questions about recruiting and retaining employees.
During breaks between speeches, attendees browsed among a wide array of booths featuring local businesses and organizations. Some of the presenters included Mayor Eric Bruen, Assemblyman Vince Fong, School Superintendent Dr. April Moore, and Capt. Jeremy Vaughan, Commanding Officer of NAWS China Lake.
Students enjoyed watching the presentations.
“My favorite part of the conference was listening to Vince Fong and Philip Peters talk and see what they are doing for the economy,” said Boggs.
Many students may wonder how an economic conference applies to them; however, many of the topics apply directly to many students as they approach entering college and the workforce. For example, Dr. Sean Hancock, president of Cerro Coso Community College, discussed that significant plans are in place to help grow and develop the school. They plan to implement an RN program as a degree option, and to expand their athletic facilities. Additionally, they have had great success with their Early College students.The base also has plans to expand. With earthquake reconstruction plans in place, and goals of addressing new threats and issues, they are eagerly hiring new employees. These details are important for students to know, as such information alerts them to educational and career opportunities.
Though the economy may not be a pertinent interest among most high school age students, the attendees learned many new facts about Ridgecrest and the state of California.
“I learned a lot about insurance and when the construction on China Lake would be completed,” said Boggs. “The thing that interested me was how California does not have any reinsurance for the entire state.”
The student attendees found the conference to be an informative and eye-opening experience, allowing them to develop a better understanding of the many aspects of Ridgecrest’s economy.
