Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

May 24, 2012

Location and Sponsor:  Stecoah Valley Center, Office of Economic Opportunity

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 March 15, 2012 meeting were approved with a motion by Dave Dodson and second by Brenda Artiss.

B.      Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda for the May 24, 2012 meeting was approved with a motion from Joe Bonnette and a second by David Artiss.

Guest Speaker

Bridget Kennedy with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project gave a presentation about ASAP, including the background of the project, services offered, current service area, and plans for expansion. She ended the presentation by encouraging everyone to visit a local farm and buy local food.

Reports/Discussion Items

A.      Committee Reports

Ø      Economic Development, Business and Industry—Claudie Burchfield

Golden Leaf funds used to provide a loan to Stanley Furniture is being repaid and funds are available for use by the committee to fund appropriate activities. Claudie encouraged anyone who has a business start-up plan to speak with the committee about possible funding. Tabytha Myler gave an update on the Chamber of Commerce, soliciting volunteers to assist with the Heritage Festival Veteran’s Parade.

Ø      Education and Workforce Development—Rhonda Anderson

The proposal submitted to Kate B Reynolds Foundation for mental health funding was not awarded and the committee is meeting with the KBR representative in July for assistance with strengthening the application. Statistics were presented on Graham County graduation rates, which are much higher than NC averages, especially for students in career/technical education programs. Updates were given on PTO activities and Donna Mize presented statistics for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Anne Eck invited those interested to Drug Coalition meeting on 6/14 at noon.

Ø      Tourism and Mountain Culture—Rick Davis

Announcements of upcoming events were made, with a special emphasis on Fading  Voices, Hill Climb events, and the Heritage Festival Veteran’s Parade.

Ø      Revitalization and Infrastructure—Brenda Artiss

An update was given on the NCSTEP efforts and the Community Workshop renderings for Ford Street were presented.

Ø      Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality – Joe Bonnette

Recycling program updates were given by Dave Dodson with a goal date for the recycling program to be in full operation by August 2012. A report was given by Lisa Russo on the Big Clean Sweep and updates were given on the Santeetlah Lake Water Quality issue. A small workgroup is being formed to make recommendations for next steps on the Santeetlah Water Quality issue. RV dump station permits have been submitted for approval to be placed at the recycling center. The next committee meeting is 7/10/12. This committee is continuing work on the Santeetlah horse/bike trail but will need a bike club to help with maintenance.

Ø      Leadership and Government—Mike Harwood

Mike Harwood was absent. No report given.

Ø      Health and Social—Kristen Shuler

An update was given on the efforts of the Marshall University Diabetes grant including plans for a mobile health screening unit for county employee in July/August and one for the public on 10/5/12. Kristen solicited participation from anyone interested in promoting health-related programs or services such as farmer’s markets, exercise classes, etc. A presentation was given on the 90 Day Challenge being offered by Snowbird TEAM Ministries and an invitation was extended to those who would like to participate.

B.       GREAT Financial Report—Pam Shaffer

Ø      Pam Shaffer presented the financial report.

C.       County Updates

Ø      Tim Gamble provided updated on the Town of Lake Fontana, including that they have completed their second annual budget and are having street signs installed.

D.      Regional Updates

Ø      Sandy Zimmerman provided updates from Congressman Shuler’s office, emphasizing the role of the office in advocating for the needs of this area. She also spoke of his office’s concerns unemployment in Graham County and they are planning to work with Greg Cable to brainstorm solutions.

Ø      Amy Hollifield provided updates from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Ø      Fred Barringer provided updated on the SBTDC at WCU and opportunities for 2012, including a reverse trade show.

Announcements

Director’s Report—Rick Davis

Ø      Rick announced that the drawings that came out of the Community Workshops will be presented at the July GREAT meeting.

Ø      The GREAT Youth Leadership Organization recognized Josh Jiang for being accepted into the NC School of Science and Math for the upcoming school year.

Ø      Next GREAT meeting July 19, 2012, Robbinsville High School.

Adjourn

Graham county is a place where traditional Appalachian culture lives, people flourish and businesses thrive and prosper.