 December is the season of giving—a time to embrace generosity and make a meaningful impact. This is your opportunity to invest in what matters most: supporting the nonprofits that strengthen our community and transform lives.
At Noozhawk, we’re proud to partner with local nonprofits to inspire action and create positive change. Explore our Giving Guide and consider donating to one (or more!) of the incredible organizations working tirelessly to make a difference right here at home. Together, we can make this season of giving truly unforgettable.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Vicki Conner, Initiatives Director at EconAlliance, to learn more about how the nonprofit supports local business.
EconAlliance
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: EconAlliance – The Mission of EconAlliance is to build awareness, advocacy, support and appreciation for Northern Santa Barbara County industries and communities.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: EconAlliance, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was established in 2013 by developer Lawnae Hunter, consultant Victoria Conner and architect Ray Deutsch (deceased). Current Board President is Sam Cohen, Government & Legal Affairs Specialist, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?
A: Impacts of the 2008 recession – recovery was not taking hold and unemployment was still extremely high in several North County communities (over 10% in some cases). Purpose was to retain the industries and businesses in North County and help them and the communities they supported thrive.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: EconAlliance is funded by annual contributors, industry forum and event sponsors, fee-for-service contracts, and grants.
Q: How do you allocate your funding to support your mission?
A: EconAlliance has seven industry initiatives targeting Northern Santa Barbara County’s key industries (ag, wine/tourism, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, space enterprise and development/construction/real estate). In addition, the organization manages cross-sector initiatives such as workforce development, infrastructure, broadband and advocacy for the area. Funding is allocated for programs, forums, and events related to these initiatives.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: EconAlliance is known for its industry forums, its cross-industry golf tournament, and its annual Future Forum featuring emerging trends or technologies impacting North County, as well as its internship program offering free-to-employer internships with students and workers 18 years of age and older.
Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?
A: EconAlliance is currently staffed by several consultants and support staff, with co-founder and long-time Initiatives Director Vicki Conner serving as lead consultant. A CEO search is currently in progress.
Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?
A: People interested in engaging with EconAlliance can visit the website for upcoming events (www.EconAlliance.org/events) or contact Initiatives@EconAlliance.org.
Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?
A: EconAlliance operates through targeted, strategic industry and cross-sector initiatives focused on Northern Santa Barbara County and its cities, communities and key industry sectors. It serves the specific needs of individual industries, but also acts as a cross-industry association for areas like workforce development, advocacy, infrastructure and broadband. Its programs are all industry-driven.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: Many people are surprised that, while we welcome projects/program investment from all funders, the organization is not government funded and is not beholden to any sector, public or private.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: Of the 50 interns placed by EconAlliance this past year through Santa Barbara Foundation funding, the intern/workplace match was so successful that about a third of the interns were hired by their workplace site. (Some interns were students not yet looking for full-time work).
Q: How do you share your nonprofit’s impact and updates with the public?
A: Sharing EconAlliance news is accomplished through a monthly newsletter to stakeholders, the organization website, an annual report, and frequent updates at EconAlliance’s numerous industry and other forums and Annual Dinner, in addition to periodic press releases and social media posts.
Q: What makes your organization trustworthy for donors, and are there other ways people can support your cause beyond donations?
A: Donors can confidently invest in EconAlliance, knowing their contribution will support industry and community-driven events, initiatives and programs, because the organization has a successful 11-year old history of performance around industry support.
Q: Can you highlight one immediate goal and one long-term vision your nonprofit aims to achieve in the next year?
A: An immediate goal is to hire a CEO to take EconAlliance to the next level.
The long-term EconAlliance vision is to serve as a key catalyst inspiring high-performance, globally competitive industries and thriving communities.
Click here to support EconAlliance’s mission to build awareness, advocacy, support and appreciation for Northern Santa Barbara County industries and communities.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.