Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team
Minutes
Location
and Sponsor: Fontana Village
Welcome/Introductions
A.
Welcome:
Rick Davis, GREAT Director welcomed everyone and those new to GREAT
introduced themselves.
B.
Call Meeting to Order: Claudie Burchfield, GREAT Chairperson, called the meeting to
order.
General
Items
A.
Approval
of Minutes of Previous Meeting: The
minutes from the January 19, 2012 meeting were approved with a motion by Alicia
Parham and second by Dave Dodson.
B.
Approval of the Agenda: The
agenda for the March 15, 2012 meeting was approved with a motion from Rhonda
Anderson and a second by Brenda Artiss.
Reports/Discussion
Items
A.
Committee Reports
Ø
Economic
Development, Business and Industry—Paul Worley
Paul
Worley reported on the work of the Economic Development Commission, including
work with GREAT and with Stanley Furniture Company and Adams Lumber Company to
expand the capacity of local businesses. Paul also reported on the upcoming
addition of Bojangle’s to the local community, which should add 20-25 jobs.
Ø
Education
and Workforce Development—Rhonda Anderson
The
Dolly Parton Imagination Library reported 10-12 new enrollees for 2012, bring
total service numbers to 502 with approximately 330 current students and 150
graduates. The Education Committee will be submitting an RFP to Alcoa Foundation
for continuation of STEM funding for grades 7-12. In cultural education,
Carlotta Santana has been teaching Flamenco dancing to elementary students and
the 5th grade will be performing on Friday, 3/16/12 at 1pm in the
elementary auditorium. The
Education Committee will also be submitting a proposal to KBR Charitable Trust
to provide alcohol, tobacco and life skills education. A new safe and drug free
school coalition has been formed and meets @ the school on 3/19/12 at noon.
Ø
Tourism
and Mountain Culture—Rick Davis
Announcements
were made regarding Hill Climb events to be held June 22-23 and August 12.
NCSTEP was awarded $100,000 for implementation of plans, and the Cheoah River
will have an extra release date on September 2 this year to host the 2012 World
Cup Event.
Ø
Revitalization
and Infrastructure—Brenda Artiss
The
group was given handouts on the Master Planning Opinion Workshops to be held in
May. Brenda explained these
workshops and discussed the Charrette design process for the Town of
Robbinsville.
Ø
Recreation,
Natural Resources and Water Quality – Joe Bonnette
Joe
informed the group that the last subcommittee meeting had 29 participants.
The primary issue discussed was water quality in Lake Santeetlah.
The Wildlife Division of Water Quality biologist will be in the county on
April 10th to review data regarding aquatic plant life, which may
result in a project needing volunteers. The
Appalachian Trail Community representatives of the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club
will present at the April 10th meeting as a follow up to the February
meeting regarding possible Town of Robbinsville, Graham County, and Town of
Fontana participation in becoming an Appalachian Trail community. The Partners
of Joyce Kilmer will be meeting on May 12 to discuss upcoming projects and
grants and Joe announced the opportunity for 1-2 Wilderness Ranger positions for
the summer and fall in the Slickrock Wilderness.
The Town of Robbinsville, Fontana, Santeetlah, and Graham County have
submitted $62,000 in grant proposals for recycling efforts.
Lisa Russo asked for volunteers for Clean Sweep the week o f 4/28/12 and
Joe announce a volunteer Slickrock Trail workday this Saturday.
Ø
Leadership
and Government—Mike Harwood
Mike
announces that Dave Ramsey’s Financial
Peace classes will be offered at RHS, sponsored by Graham Help Foundation.
He reminded the group of the 3rd leadership training opportunity
coming up, and introduced the youth leadership group. Elizabeth Cabe spoke for
the youth leadership group and announced that they are seeking mentors between
the ages of 18 and 30.
Ø
Health
and Social—Alicia Parham
Alicia
announced that the School health Center has received grant funding to continue
operation for the next 3 years and was able to reinstate nutrition and mental
health services as previously offered. She
also gave an update on the free clinic and on recreation pursuits of the Health
and Social Committee.
B.
GREAT Financial Report—Pam
Shaffer
Ø
Pam Shaffer presented the financial
report.
C.
County Updates
Ø
Mike Edwards
provided county updates, speaking of several businesses that have approached
the county such as BMW, VW, and Tier 3 Parts Production, pursuing the prospect
of housing the companies here. He also spoke about Corridor K, the CDBG grant,
Fort Hill projects, recycling efforts, the new county manager, PILT funding, and
the Sharon Edmondson award for excellence in accounting received by Becky
Garland, County Finance Director.
Ø
Jessica Cooper
provided updated on the Town of Lake Fontana.
Ø
The Graham County Chamber of
Commerce encouraged those present to visit the new website and the new physical
location at Mountain Motors.
D.
Regional Updates
Ø
Sandy
Zimmerman provided updates from
Congressman Shuler’s office.
Ø
John
Mitchell provided updates from Senator
Burr’s office.
Ø
Jennifer
Hogsed of the NC Department of
Commerce presented information on the
CDBG grant and an inventory of buildings/possible businesses interested in
Graham County.
Ø
Kristy
Newman of the Alcoa Foundation
spoke of the focus of the Alcoa Foundation on Education and Environment.
Ø
Fred
Barringer provided updated on the SBT
and opportunities for 2012, including a reverse trade show.
Guest
Speaker
Edward
Schwartzman, Inventory Biologist with the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program gave a presentation at the beginning of the meeting. He provided and
overview of the program and described its mission.
He explained what an Inventory Biologist does, spoke about some of the
interesting species that make Graham County a Natural Heritage Area, and
provided his contact information for anyone interested in the program.
Announcements
Director’s
Report—Rick Davis
Rick provided a handout with the annual meeting issues
final ranking. After the Board of Director’s met, the GREAT 2012 Focus Areas
include:
Ø
Increased High Speed Internet/DSL
Access
Ø
Food security/healthy eating
Ø
Student involvement
Ø
Recreation/hiking/biking trails
Ø
Buying local
Other announcements included:
Ø
Leadership Training Project Session
III – Rural Entrepreneurship, April 5, 2010, Stecoah Valley Center
Ø
Next GREAT meeting May 24, 2012,
Stecoah Valley Center
Adjourn