For Immediate Release:
February 12, 2016
Contact: Heidi Pickman, Communications Director, 310.392.0211 hpickman@microbiz.org
Protected lands expected to increase tourism and boost microbusinesses
San Francisco, CA – CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity) applauds the announcement that President Obama this week is designating three new national monuments in the California desert – Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains. CAMEO also thanks Senator Dianne Feinstein for her leadership in urging the President to take this action.
CAMEO has joined with diverse voices from the desert region and around the state to support President Obama’s designation of these new national monuments. In addition to the microbusinesses that CAMEO represents, supporters include chambers of commerce, local elected officials and community leaders, Native Americans, Latino organizations, veterans, scientists, historians, and faith leaders.
“In California’s rural areas, very small businesses are the economy,” said Claudia Viek, CEO of CAMEO. “Many of them depend on our state’s unique and spectacular natural resources for their success. Designation of the Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains National Monuments will bring new attention and visitors to the desert region and benefit local businesses and economies.”
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About CAMEO
CAMEO’s mission is to promote jobs, economic opportunity and community well-being through entrepreneurship training, business coaching and microfinance. CAMEO is California’s statewide microbusiness network made up of over 170 organizations, agencies and individuals dedicated to furthering the fortunes of micro-businesses in California.
Annually, CAMEO members serve about 18,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance and loans. These firms – largely start-ups with less than five employees – support or create 30,000 new jobs in California. And generate a total of $1.3 billion in economic activity.