Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team - GREAT

Minutes for November 20, 2008 Meeting

Location: Graham County Health Department

The meeting was called to order by Claudie Burchfield at 12:00 noon.

Minutes of the September 18, 2008 were accepted as read motion by Michael Wiggins, 2nd Teresa Garland.

Agenda was read and the changes were noted:  Sara Day Evans would not be able to attend.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Business and Industry Committee report was presented by Claudie Burchfield.  They are concentrating on what we can do to generate projects in Graham County.  We will offer assistance to Stanley Furniture, and continue to do press publications about GREAT.  The school system was discussed as an outreach because the association with helping the children.  A local playground for Graham County was discussed.  Identify Robbinsville downtown businesses and revitalize by updating buildings.  Work with Cooperative Extension Service to market services they offer.

Education/Workforce Development Committee report was presented by David Matheson.  They suggested contacting Eve Rogers, Crystal Beasley, and Robert Moody to serve on the board.   The Construction Technology project is ongoing and all permits have been applied for.  They are waiting on Zealand McKinney to finalize the contract.  RDA will help by giving $5000 start up funds for equipment and supplies.  Gear Up kick off was a success with over 300 students and parents in attendance. A $25,000 grant Project Succeed with CFWNC for dropout prevention initiative.

Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee report was presented by Rick Davis.  Revisions to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Plan have been done.  Stecoah Valley Center and Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association will submit marketing plans.

Robert Hawk reported on the birding trail meeting and updates with the project. Education on birding will be ongoing in the county.  A final draft of the businesses involved will be presented at the January meeting.

The museum report was presented by Lavina West.  The paperwork is in Asheville on reworking the NCFS building for its use.  An estimated pledge of 15 to 18 thousand dollars is needed to complete the project.

Recreation, Natural Resources, and Water Quality Committee report was presented by Michael Wiggins and Tim Garrett.  Land Trust with the Little Tennessee has purchased 900 acres in Graham County and it will be open to the public.  Jason Sawyer, recreation director is working on a new recreation plan for Graham County.

Leadership and Government Committee report was presented by Teresa Garland. The youth leadership training Knights of the Roundtable has been funded and the 15 youth have been interviewed and selected.  A two day training will be held in January at Fontana Village to pick this year’s project and implement the program.

Health and Social Committee report was presented by Alicia Parham, Kristin Shuler has distributed 1500 surveys for the county with 537 back she compiled the community concerns listed: .  Concerns of the community from survey response are: Recreation, Access to medical care, Substance abuse, Economic Development, Environment, Community services, and Community development.

Rick Davis presented the GREAT financial Report.

Bill Gibson, Executive Director with Region A Southwestern Commission reported that he has been involved in bringing broadband internet to the community and school, and in working with Graham County on the water and sewer problems that exist. Also he is involved with WNC Ed. Net and Mountain Landscapes to assist in greenway projects.

The GREAT Directors’ report was presented by Rick Davis which included the GREAT Top 5 Priority rankings:

  1. Support Stecoah Valley Center activities.
  2. Travel and Tourism Board and GREAT work together to promote Graham County through updating the Heritage Tourism plan and development of comprehensive plan for Graham County.
  3. Collaborate with GCS and TCC to showcase good jobs and provide hospitality and entrepreneurship training.

Use data from Graham County Schools CTE program to provide data for workforce development and develop strategies with businesses, agencies and educational institution to address needs.

Work to maintain and improve water quality through implementation of Watershed Plan.

     4.     Support drop-out prevention programs and initiatives that increase graduation              

             rates and number of students participating in higher education.

     5.    Provide news releases to media on GREAT organization goals and

            Accomplishments and work with County Government to familiarize with

            GREAT goals and 21st Century Community activities.

The 2009 Meeting schedule was distributed.

Josh Carpenter was welcomed as the new Graham County Planner.

The meeting was adjourned.