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:
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.