A new direction

Jake Jacobs' enthusiasm for Baker City's economic potential is infectious.

In fact we're excited about the overall revamping of the city's and county's campaign to help local businesses thrive and lure new companies to the county.

Jacobs, along with Gene Stackle, will help to lead that campaign.

Baker City Manager Steve Brocato and the Economic Development Council made a wise choice in splitting that campaign into two parts, with Stackle assisting existing businesses and local entrepreneurs who hope to start a business, and Jacobs targeting firms interested in moving here.

Brocato, along with Jennifer Watkins, the city's community development director, will assist.

In previous incarnations, of which there have been several, the city and county's strategy required one employee to try to do both jobs. Too often, it seemed to us, developers pursued firms from outside the area while giving short shrift to local firms that already contribute to our economy.

The new strategy, by contrast, focuses on helping local businesses succeed, and encouraging further development of Baker City's historic downtown.

The strategy also concentrates, as it should, on adding value to agriculture, the biggest sector of the county's economy.