Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team

Minutes - July 21, 2011

 

Location and Sponsor:  Graham County Schools

Welcome/Introductions

 

A.      Welcome:  Yvette Carringer welcomed everyone to the meeting and Rick Davis asked all 1st time attendees to introduce themselves.

General Items

 

A.      Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  Motion by Lynn Shields, 2nd by Yvette Carringer.

 

B.     Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda for the July, 2011 meeting was approved with a motion from Yvette Carringer and a 2nd from Lynn Shields.

Reports/Discussion Items

 

A.      Committee Reports

 

Ø      Economic Development, Business and Industry (Claudie Burchfield, Chair)

Rick Davis reported for the committee.  He spoke on the importance of the County Planner position.

     

Ø      Education and Workforce Development (Rhonda Anderson, Chair)

Rhonda Anderson reported for the committee. The committee has added two new members. Graham County Schools has been awarded $26,834 for the STEM program in grades 7-12 from Alcoa Foundation.  The Dolly Parton Imagination Library will be fundraising at the Joyce Kilmer 75th anniversary celebration. The goal is to be able to provide books to 400 of the 500 children in Graham County under the age of 5. There are currently 285 children enrolled.

 

Ø      Tourism and Mountain Culture (Lynn Shields, Chair)
Lynn Shields reported that the committee met on July 13th and had 11 people present. Eve Rogers discussed Ecotourism at the July 13th meeting and the need for a recycling program in Graham County. Dave Dodson reported that 40% of material in the landfill is recyclable and recycling would save the county approximately $50,000 per year. Off-season tourism was also discussed with plans for a winter tour of homes and parade of boats. The next committee meeting will be August 10th at 3:30 at the Stecoah Valley Center.

 

Ø      Revitalization and Infrastructure (Brenda Artiss, Chair)

Brenda Artiss reported that the committee has not met since the May meeting, but priorities of the committee are marketing and revitalization of Rodney Orr Bypass.

Ø      Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality  (Joe Bonnette, Chair)

Joe Bonnette reported for the committee. The Joyce Kilmer 75th celebration is planned for July 30th.  Carl Sutter announced several races that are coming up at the Joyce Kilmer Celebration and Fontana Dam.

Ø      Leadership and Government (Mike Harwood, Chair)

Mike  Harwood reported that the committee’s first leadership training will be held on September 29th. The topic will be “leadership styles.”

Ø      Health and Social (Alicia Parham, Chair)

Kristen Shuler reported that the committee has received $7,500 for continuation of medical services at the School Based Health Center. The committee is promoting purchase on local healthy foods with the NC10% campaign, which encourages individuals to spent 10% of their food budget on local foods. The committee is discussing the next physical activity project and wants to focus on trails and greenways. Graham County Schools has applied for a Teen Pregnancy Prevention grant in the amount of $300,000.

B.      GREAT Financial Report

Lynn Shields presented the financial report.

C.      County Updates

 

Ø      Mickey Duvall, County Manager provided a report about and ARC telecom study to determine where broadband cable should be located, provided updates on the county’s recycling program, announced that the Extension building contract was awarded to Jerry Williams Construction. The Economic Development Commission presented a job description for the County Planner position to the County Commissioners to let the Commissioners know how important that position is.

 

Ø      Cheri Brantley, Graham County Travel and Tourism Director provided information on the spring/summer event in the county and shared reports from tourist that they liked the area because they were “treated like family.”

 

D.    Regional Updates

 

Ø      Sandy Zimmerman and Boyce Deitz Congressman Heath Shuler’s Office. Addressed the Water Appropriation Act, decreased small business taxes, and discussed a Business and Innovation Resource Rally to be held on August 19th. This Rally will help with business planning and help participants learn how to do business with the federal government.

 

Ø      John Mitchell, Senator Richard Burr’s Office, stated that the Workforce Investment Act is up for re-authorization and that No Child Left Behind is up for re-appropriation.

 

Ø      Small Business Technology Development Center provides no-cost counseling services based on individual needs.

 Guest Speakers

A.     Angie Chandler, Executive Director, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area delivered a power point presentation.

B.     Announcements

Ø      Brush Fork Annual Institute provides tremendous training for those involved in rural Appalachia. Scholarships are available through GREAT for ½ the cost.

Adjourn