Eastern Sierra Community and Economy

The Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center in Bishop, operated by the Sierra Business Council in partnership with Inyo County, the Small Business Development Center at CSU Bakersfield, and others, has created quite a buzz since opening in Fall 2024. Meryl Picard, the Center’s Executive Director, has made…

Commentary on the California Economic Blueprint from University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors in two rural regionsI recently had the opportunity to co-present with my colleague Alec Dompka, UC Cooperative Extension Community Economic Development Advisor for the North Coast, to share some…

Interview with Sam Walker – Summary QuotesBishop, California March 27, 2025By Aaron Wilcher, UCCE, Inyo-Mono office The full interview transcript is here.   🏢 On the Business Resource Center & Local Infrastructure“Too many businesses here don’t have the tools to succeed. It doesn…

 Sam Walker has helped shape the Eastern Sierra’s business landscape for decades. Sam owned and operated the Whiskey Creek restaurants in Mammoth and Bishop and founded Mammoth Brewing. He sold the businesses in the 2010s. He spends his time mentoring emerging leaders at Blue Heron Farm and supporting…

Part 3 of 3: From Ideas to Action: How Might We Start?  This blog explores critical issues relevant to the community and economy of the Eastern Sierra and beyond. In the coming months, I’ll continue sharing short articles that feature case studies, emerging trends, and conversations with experts in…