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Bernie Rose would like to see Craig diversify its economy to avoid the boom-bust cycle that has plagued the valley for the last century.

His personal plan is to open a combined art-jewelry studio and bronze foundry.

"The future of America is the cottage industry," Rose said. "I hope to create jobs in this community where the students will learn a craft, along with business and marketing skills."

Rose wants to get Colorado Northwestern Community Coll--ege involved in his new business venture to train students in business practices and marketing techniques while they learn to create sellable items.

Rose started thinking about local industry almost seven years ago after hearing former Sen. Ben "Nighthorse" Campbell talk about the exodus of industry to foreign countries. Rose has been in discussions with the Economic Development Partnership in Craig to see whether there is interest in the project.

"There have been five booms and busts in the last century because our economy is being carried by outside interests." Rose said. "We can control our future by businesses."

In Colorado, bronze artwork is done at the foundries on a commission basis from the artist, Rose said, and few foundries have their own items for sale to the public.

His plan is to have students create their own designs.

Rose would like to see students spend two years in the program, earning certificates in marketing and business, while learning a trade.

He is talking with bankers and looking for a location for the business, and he is in contact with a jewelry specialist and a foundry specialist with 35 years experience.

Rose envisions a very high profit potential from local artists and workers creating jewelry and bronze art pieces in Craig.

"I'm not building a business for Bernie Rose," He said. "I want this life expectancy to be a hundred years, a long-term education process."