Experiencing the Local Businesses That Make Up Humboldt County's Own

An Introduction to Humboldt County's Own

Nestled amongst the majestic redwoods of Northern California lies the unique community of Humboldt County. Known for its natural beauty, creative spirit, and commitment to sustainability, Humboldt has developed a distinct culture unlike anywhere else. At the heart of this culture is Humboldt County's Own, a collection of local businesses and organizations that exemplify the values of the region.

Humboldt County's Own represents a diverse range of industries, from food and drink to arts and crafts. What unites them is a shared passion for their community and a dedication to supporting one another. These businesses are more than just companies - they are the heartbeat of Humboldt.

The Origins of Humboldt County's Own

The concept of Humboldt County's Own arose organically from the tight-knit nature of the local community. Residents of Humboldt saw the need to come together and promote the people, places, and products that make their home so special. The driving goal was to keep money and resources circulating locally.

In the late 1990s, a group of business owners and community leaders formed the non-profit organization Humboldt Made. Their mission was to brand and market goods produced in Humboldt County. This laid the foundation for formally establishing Humboldt County's Own in 2015.

Humboldt County's Own built upon the work of Humboldt Made by creating an official membership program. Local brands that met certain criteria were able to apply and receive the Humboldt County's Own seal of approval. This seal lets customers know they are supporting true Humboldt businesses.

Promoting Sustainability and Social Responsibility

For a business to be part of Humboldt County's Own, they must adhere to principles of sustainability and social responsibility. Members commit to sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible and using natural, organic practices.

They also pledge to treat employees fairly by providing living wages and good working conditions. Many members donate a portion of profits to environmental and social justice causes as well.

This shared ethos enables Humboldt County's Own members to reinforce each other's values. It creates a support network driven by more than just economics. Members are bonded by their care for community.

The Local Businesses and Organizations Involved

Humboldt County's Own has grown rapidly in recent years. It now includes over 100 businesses and organizations covering a wide spectrum. Here are some of the key players:

Food & Drink

• Humboldt Soup Company - Organic soups and stews
• Humboldt Soda Co. - Handcrafted natural sodas
• Wild Planet - Sustainably caught seafood
• Humboldt Distillery - Small batch spirits
• Redwood Curtain Brewing Co. - Local craft beer

Arts & Crafts

• Fire & Light Glass - Stained glass and mosaics
• Humbleowl Pottery - Handmade functional ceramics
• Dragonfly Wellness - Holistic shop and community space
• Moonrise Herbs - Organic body care products

Farms & Ecosystem

• Humboldt Redwood Co. - Sustainable forestry
• Freshwater Farms Reserve - Pasture-raised beef
• Briceland Vineyards - Organic wines
• Kinetic Sculpture Race - Community art event

Education & Media

• KMUD - Community radio station
• The Lumberjack - HSU student newspaper
• Lost Coast Outpost - Local news site
• CCAT - Campus sustainability organization

How Humboldt County's Own Impacts the Community

Humboldt County's Own has had a tremendous positive impact on both the local economy and culture. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Keeps spending local - Studies show dollars spent at Humboldt County's Own businesses circulate 3-5 times more in the community compared to non-local businesses.
• Provides jobs - Member businesses employ thousands of local residents.
• Supports community projects - A portion of members' profits go towards schools, arts programs, charities, and more.
• Boosts civic pride - Humboldt County's Own has given the community a unified identity to be proud of.
• Promotes sustainability - Member businesses model sustainable practices for others to follow.
• Strengthens networks - The organization connects business owners, farmers, artists, and other community members.

Humboldt County's Own demonstrates the power of communities supporting each other. The success of the organization is a testament to the passion and ingenuity of local residents.

Experiencing Humboldt County's Own Businesses

The best way to truly get to know Humboldt County's Own is to directly experience the member businesses. Supporting these local establishments helps fuel the heartbeat of Humboldt.

For those wanting to taste the flavors of Humboldt, there are many options. Humboldt Soup Company offers creative soups like chanterelle mushroom and nettle, made with ingredients sourced from the community. Redwood Curtain Brewing Co is known for beers like their Eddy Out ESB and Deluxe IPA. And Humboldt Soda Co. has refreshing flavors like hibiscus and spruce tip.

Visitors can also experience Humboldt's artisan side through shops like Fire & Light Glassworks, where glassblowers demonstrate their craft on site. Or Moonrise Herbs, where patrons can browse handmade soaps, balms, and oils. For pottery lovers, Humbleowl Pottery has an entire gallery of functional ceramic pieces like mugs and bowls.

Those wanting to connect with the natural splendor of Humboldt can visit the farmers, foresters, and reserves in Humboldt County's Own. At Freshwater Farms Reserve, visitors can hike through majestic redwood groves and tour the pastures of heritage breed cattle. Briceland Vineyards offers tastings of their award-winning organic wines on picturesque hilltop grounds.

There are also numerous community events and cultural hubs that provide windows into Humboldt life. KMUD radio station has volunteer opportunities for visitors to participate in local broadcasts. The non-profit CCAT demonstrates sustainable living techniques and technologies. And the iconic Kinetic Sculpture Race lets people join the fun of wacky, human-powered sculpture competition.

Through these interactive experiences, visitors can form meaningful connections to the community and discover what makes Humboldt County such a special place.

Where to Find Humboldt County's Own Businesses

Humboldt County's Own businesses can be found spread throughout the towns and communities of Humboldt. Here are some of the key spots:

• Old Town Eureka - Shops, restaurants, galleries, and more in downtown Eureka area.
• Arcata Plaza - Quirky shops and eateries surround the central square.
• Arts Alive District - Galleries and venues clustered in Eureka.
• Farmers Markets - Local producers sell direct in Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, etc.
• Humboldt State University - Campus has art exhibitions, events, and more.
• Benbow Historic Inn - Craft shops and food at this resort.
• Highway 101 Corridor - Breweries, farms, and shops dotted along the 101.

The best resource for locating Humboldt County's Own businesses is the Humboldt Made website. Their interactive map lets you search by location or business type. They also have information on special events happening throughout Humboldt.

Supporting the Local Economy

By seeking out Humboldt County's Own businesses during your travels, you are directly supporting the local economy and community. This helps promote sustainability, creativity, and diversity in Humboldt.

Stopping by these establishments gives you a taste of true Humboldt culture. The business owners are passionate about sharing the spirit of their community. The money spent stays local and benefits numerous non-profits and community initiatives.

Displaying the Humboldt County's Own logo, shopping at member stores, attending sponsored events, or purchasing gift cards are all great ways to lend support. Even a small contribution goes a long way.

Supporting local is a win-win proposition. Visitors get to discover the heart of Humboldt, while helping businesses thrive and build an ever stronger community.

The Future of Humboldt County's Own

Looking ahead, Humboldt County's Own aims to continue expanding its membership network and community impact. Some goals on the horizon include:

• Onboarding more food, retail, tourism, and cannabis businesses.
• Developing an app and interactive map to easily locate members.
• Hosting community events like farm-to-table dinners and craft fairs.
• Setting up additional markets outside Humboldt to sell goods.
• Collaborating with city governments on projects like downtown revitalization.
• Launching a virtual marketplace for online product sales.
• Offering workshops and mentorships to support small business growth.

As a nimble grassroots initiative, Humboldt County's Own will continue adapting to serve the community's needs. New ideas and collaborations between members will shape the next phase of evolution.

At its core, though, the organization's mission remains constant - to celebrate and spread the spirit of Humboldt. By building a supportive community and local living economy, Humboldt County's Own creates a model for other regional communities to follow.

This model demonstrates the strength that arises when businesses band together, not just for financial gain, but for the greater good of their shared home. It is this sense of interconnectedness and care for place that makes Humboldt County's Own so much more than a business organization.

FAQs

What is Humboldt County's Own?

Humboldt County's Own is an organization that promotes and markets locally owned businesses in Humboldt County, California. It consists of over 100 member businesses that meet criteria around sustainability and community impact.

Why was Humboldt County's Own created?

Humboldt County's Own grew out of an earlier organization called Humboldt Made that aimed to brand local goods. The goal was to strengthen the local economy and culture by encouraging residents to support homegrown businesses.

What types of businesses are part of Humboldt County's Own?

Members represent a wide range of industries like food and beverage, arts and crafts, agriculture, forestry, media, education, and more. Some well-known names include Redwood Curtain Brewing Co, Fire & Light Glassworks, and Humboldt Soup Company.

How does Humboldt County's Own benefit the community?

It keeps spending local, provides jobs, supports non-profits, promotes sustainability, connects residents, and boosts civic pride. Studies show dollars spent at local businesses circulate several times more in the community.

How can I find and support Humboldt County's Own businesses?

Use the Humboldt Made website map to locate members, look for the Humboldt County's Own logo, shop at member stores, attend sponsored events, and purchase gift cards. Supporting these businesses directly aids the local economy.