Many college students spend their summers working at the town pool, ice cream joints or housesitting. This summer I was fortunate enough to work with the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation as an intern, allowing me to see firsthand the chamber's affects on our communities.

I have seen how they've helped the Special Olympics of Carbon County to when they've warmly welcomed new members with catered ribbon-cutting ceremonies. I've seen the chamber promote small businesses and collect supplies for family shelters. Being part of, at times, a skeptical and even cynical generation when it comes to the working world, this has been a very eye-opening summer. Why skeptical and cynical?Because I'm 20, making me part of Generation Z, the group born between 1995 and 2001. I call it the Mortgage Crisis Generation, the kids who learned what the word "economy" means the day it crashed in 2008. Why? Because it's what affects all our knowledge on U.S. economics, business and banking.I still remember at age 11 the country's fear after the housing bubble burst, and I recall the outrage when Bernie Madoff was exposed. I didn't understand any of it then, but I knew that things called mortgages and the economy were both bad.A recent survey of Generation Z showed we put ourselves at 4.8 out of 10 on average when asked how much we know about our economy. We average a 3.8 in economic confidence, and 4.2 in taking out and paying off loans from financial institutions. 37 percent of those polled said they are unsure if they'll ever find a middle-income career locally; 42 percent doubt they will. When asked if they would ever start a small business locally, 49 percent said they would not; another 26 percent said they'd be unsure about it.My generation seems a bit more prone to distrusting banks and the economy, may have a little less hope in getting a good job, and fears loans in higher proportion than some might expect. So how can Generation Z enter the local job market? By prioritizing stability over risky gain. The new goal is to find a stable income and minimize debt, not just finding a high-income job.Thankfully, stable small businesses are prevalent in our communities. Places like the CCEDC can be your best friend in business. It can help you develop a business plan, research markets, and give you free business consulting needed to get a small business off the ground. They also offer loans that have a fantastic credit rating! With a good enough business plan and enough drive, the CCEDC's easy to use loan program can help you start a small business that will not only grow, but will stand the course of the current markets.I've learned that as a CCEDC member, you have access to networking mixers, professional skills workshops, and lots of other advantages that can help you plant your career firmly, such as networking opportunities, expanded marketing, free promotion, and the event planning that can build a stable consumer base. And best of all? Membership is affordable!So it's not so scary after all and CCEDC is here to help you find and create business stability. Whether you're looking for the perfect business to join, or you want to start that business, the CCEDC is here to make your job easier, and help you have that job for a long time. I am grateful to the staff, volunteers and members I've met along the way for the great experience and plan to share what I've learned with my fellow Generation Z's!