Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team
Minutes
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