TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- Most businesses have felt the effect of the poor economy, but business owners in Tehachapi are banding together in an effort to get through these rough times.

Hundreds of people attended the Business Outlook Conference on Friday, from business owners to government officials, all in effort to prepare for the future.

Tehachapi's Mayor, Linda Vernon said, "I think one of the key things we need to look at is, how can we partner, how can we collaborate in order to do bigger and better things because that’s what this kind of unique time does for us. It challenges us to work more closely together.”

During the conference there was a small business panel that discussed current challenges and how business owners are working to face them.

One business owner said this conference is the hope many business owners need to know they are not alone.

Linda Lubic, the owner of Hodad's Surf Shack said, "You just have to be a support group because we’re all going to get through this, we just have to remain calm, stay focused and support each other. Band together, and go to work everyday with a positive attitude.”

The conference also touched on the future of Tehachapi when it comes to agriculture, water, real estate, and wind energy.

Future wind projects planned for the Tehachapi area could prove to be just what the city needs during these tough economic times bringing in both jobs and tax revenue to the area.

Chamber of Commerce President Ida Perkins said, "It’s really, really important for the community that we support this project. The jobs, the tax dollars, probably one of the most important things that is going to be happening in the next couple of years.”

And while the conference provided a lot of information for it’s attendees, it also provided hope.

Vernon said, “I think it does let us know that there is a lot of energy and hope for our community that maybe you just don’t see on a day to day basis, but hearing what other people have to say really inspires us and encourages us to keep pushing forward.”