@Photo credit:R.J. Marx Photo/Cannon Beach Gazette @Photo credit:Clatsop Community College's Kevin Leahy in front of the South County campus.

Clatsop Community College has a strong presence in North County, where its main campus sits. It has served the North Coast and Southwest Washington since 1958, but college representatives acknowledged last week that South Clatsop County is being “underutilized.”

Nearly 20 people from the South County business community and Clatsop Community College discussed ideas on how to improve those relations during a meeting Oct. 7.

“The South County economy is very strong,” said Kevin Leahy, executive director of Clatsop Economic Development Resources and the Small Business Development Center. “You have key stakeholders here. There’s been ongoing discussion during my four years as director of CEDR and SBDC with the office here in Seaside that the college should be paying more attention to this population.”

Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Court Carrier said hospitality and the culinary arts provide a good opportunity for Clatsop Community College to get more involved with job training in the South County area. The college should “focus on matching up training with the needs of the industry, he said.

Carrier cited one Cannon Beach hotel having to close its dining area over the summer because there was no one to run it.

Carrier discussed a hybrid business and hospitality degree at Mount Hood Community College. Even in August Cannon Beach businesses were still hiring to fill positions. Seaside High School Principal Shelia Roley added many students earning college credit in the high school culinary program want to continue with their studies by going onto Portland or other areas for advanced opportunities.

Leahy noted a seafood processor recently experienced difficulty finding a candidate from the local pool to serve as chief financial officer.

Cannon Beach Police Chief Jason Schermerhorn said internships are great tools for South County.

Cannon Beach Police would like Clatsop Community College to bring the criminal justice program back as the department prefers those who know the community well. Between the various law enforcement agencies in the county, there have been 13 personnel hired this year. There is high turnover in smaller agencies, Schermerhorn said, because officers often move onto bigger departments for more opportunities.

Masudur Khan, owner of hotel properties in Seaside, said he “can only train staff so fast” and added it is difficult to find manager material.

Clatsop Community College Interim President Gerald Hamilton said they are working to provide more opportunities.

“We want to be ahead of the curve,” he added.

Carrier suggested Spanish courses for the hospitality industry to provide opportunities for Cannon Beach’s growing Hispanic population.

Surfsand Resort and Wayfarer Restaurant General Manager Jerry Martin noted that even “soft skills” for entry-level positions are in need, such as the ability to establish eye contact.

“Some of those skills are more important than management,” he said.

Janiece Zauner, chief operating officer of Providence Seaside Hospital, said the Providence medical system has a college of its own, but also utilizes the community college here. She noted entry level computer skills are needed. Leahy replied they do numerous workshops.

Kristen Wilkin, dean of Workforce Education and Training, said they have held computer classes ranging from basic skills to web design, but need to work on “getting the word out.”

Roley noted social media is the best way to reach youth.

Carrier said transportation can be a challenge and suggested holding classes in Cannon Beach.

“If you want a presence in South County, you need to be present,” he said.

The city may only have 1,700 full-time residents, he added, but Cannon Beach is like a town of 10,000 with visitors and second-home owners.

More online courses were also recommended. Carrier said those could ease the transportation problem. In addition, the college is exploring video conferencing classes with Tillamook Bay Community College.

Leahy noted available student housing is also “a huge issue.”

“This doesn’t stop for us,” Hamilton said.

College representatives will continue to discuss where to go next with South County relations using the input received.