G.R.E.A.T. Annual Meeting Minutes

January 21, 2010

The GREAT Annual Meeting was held at the Robbinsville Elementary School Auditorium. The meeting was called to order by GREAT Director Rick Davis at 6:00 p.m. and the welcome and introductions of special guests were made.  Director Davis recognized Chair Claudie Burchfield who conducted the meeting.  The minutes of the November 19, 2009 meeting were read and accepted on motion by Lynn Shields and a second by Teresa Garland.  The agenda was accepted as read on motion Beverly Whitehead and a second by Teresa Garland.

Lynn Shields presented the financial report.

The nominations for the GREAT Board of Directors and meeting schedule for 2010 was made and accepted as read.

Claudie Burchfield gave a history of the GREAT organization from its inception to present time.

Rick Davis gave an overview of the GREAT Strategic Plan and extended his appreciation to the Board of Directors for their efforts.  The 2009 Top 5 priorities for GREAT were discussed:  Recreation Complex, School Based Health Center, Broadband/Internet Access, Drop-Out Prevention Activities, and Youth Leadership Development.  Each GREAT Committee reviewed committee priorities and accomplishments for 2009.

Economic Development, Business and Industry - Claudie Burchfield

Claudie Burchfield presented the Economic Development, Business and Industry review.  The topics covered included:

-         Qualla-T Customer Service Training – Claudie Burchfield

-         Graham County Business Directory – Karen Taylor

-         Stanley Furniture – Randy Everhart

-         NC Rural Center Entrepreneurship Project – Josh Carpenter/Paul Worley

Education and Workforce Development – Rhonda Anderson.

Rhonda Anderson presented Education and Workforce Development review. The topics covered included:

-         Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project – Jim and Donna Mize

-         RHS Construction Technology Project – Rick Parham

-         NC Dropout Prevention Grant – Anne Eck

-         21^st Century Afterschool Program – Rick Davis

Tourism and Mountain Culture - Lynn Shields

Tourism and Mountain Culture was reviewed by Lynn Shields. The topics covered included:

-         Proctor Revival Project – Judy Carpenter

-         Quilt Trail Project – Teresa Garland

-         Stecoah Valley Center Activities – Lynn Shields

Revitalization and Infrastructure - Rick Davis

Revitalization and Infrastructure was reviewed by Rick Davis. The topics covered included:  

-         DSL Service – Rick Davis

-         ARRA Rural Connectivity Program – Rick Davis

Brenda Artiss spoke about the Downtown Revitalization for Robbinsville, Main Street USA and Golden Leaf Foundation as areas that will be pursued for funding.

Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality – Michael Wiggins

Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality activities were reviewed by Josh Carpenter.  The topics covered included:  

-         Yellow Creek Falls Trail Project – Lindy Ammons

-         Recreation Complex Project – Jason Sawyer

-         Graham Clean Sweep Project – Arleen Higgins

Leadership and Government – Teresa Garland

Leadership and Government activities were reviewed by Teresa Garland. The topics covered included:  

-         ARC/NC Commerce Board Leadership Training – Rick Davis

-         Knights of the Round Table – Teresa Garland/KORT Members

Tamera Cole presented information about the Small Farm Management training and Western NC Agriculture Options programs. 

Health and Social – Alicia Parham

Health and Social activities were reviewed by Alicia Parham. The topics covered included:  

-         Health Access Initiative – Alicia Parham

-         SBHC Funding – Alicia Parham

-         Fit Communities Playground Project – Kristen Shuler

The GREAT 2010 priorities will be determined from input from the attendance and public input. Following each committee’s review of activities the public was ask for comment and suggestions.

Sandy Zimmerman from Congressman Heath Shuler’s office gave a review of some appropriations which included:  Murphy Medical Center Urgent Care, EBCI Family Services, and Small Business financing.

Tom Fleckenstein with the Small Business Technology Center Western Carolina University presented information on the Small Business Initiative provided by the state.

Rick Davis concluded with information concerning the Golden Leaf Community Assistance Initiative and the need to indentify projects as a Tier 1 county.  The need for a GREAT website was also discussed.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.