Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

November 15, 2012

Location and Sponsor:  Meadow Branch Fire Department, Alcoa, Inc.

Welcome/Introductions

A.      Welcome:  Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Chair Claudie Burchfield

B.      Call Meeting to Order:  Chair Claudie Burchfield called the meeting to order and recognized the Meadow Branch Fire Department as host and Alcoa, Inc as sponsor of the November GREAT meeting.  Chair Burchfield recognized the Fire Department Auxiliary for the excellent Thanksgiving meal.

General Items

A.      Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  The minutes from the September 20, 2012 meeting were not available for approval.

B.      Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda was approved with a motion from Alicia Parham Artiss and a second by David Dodson.

Recognition/Presentation

Rick Davis recognized the contributions of Alcoa, Inc.  Marshall Olson discussed the partnership of Alcoa and the GREAT organization.  He commented on the excellent work and effectiveness of the organization.

Christy Newman, Community Relations Manager was presented with the Shooting Star Award for her contributions to Graham County and GREAT by Director Rick Davis. 

The Alcoa Foundation was recognized for their support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities in Graham County Schools.  Teachers Melissa Caldwell and Ben Davis provided an overview of the various activities that this funding supports.  Christy Newman presented the GREAT organization with a $20,135 check to continue the project for the 2012-13 school year.

Brookfield Renewable Energy Group representatives David Harris, General Manager and Shannon Ames, Director of Government Relations were introduced to the audience.  Mr. Harris provided an overview of Brookfield operations and their desire to be involved in the GREAT organization and community.  Shannon Ames presented the Graham County Emergency Food Pantry a $500 check as their first contribution to the community.

Christy Newman, Alcoa Community Relations, recognized the retirement of Lindy Ammons and presented a video of Lindy’s service to Alcoa to the audience.  The video was very well received and he was recognized by several for his service to Alcoa and Graham County.

Reports/Discussion Items

A.     Strategic Planning Process

Angela Kemper, Consultant provided an overview of the strategic planning process being undertaken by the GREAT organization to update its current strategic plan.  Opportunities for public input were provided through a survey to be completed by members of the audience

B.      Committee Reports

Economic Development, Business and Industry – Claudie Burchfield

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting in collaboration with Economic Development Commission and GREAT committee was provided.

Education and Workforce Development – Rhonda Anderson

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting with Angela Kemper was provided.

·        RHS Construction Technology class continues their work on the second house

Health and Social – Alicia Parham

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting with Angela Kemper was provided.

·        The process of the Community Health Assessment and draft findings was provided.

·        Update of the School Health Center was reviewed.

·        Diabetes needs within the county including the need for a dialysis center and the progress toward an urgent care center was given.

Leadership and Government – Eve Rogers

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting with Angela Kemper was provided.

·        Knights of the Round Table (youth leadership group) is recruiting 19-30 year old mentors to serve as the Board of Directors for the Graham United Way Council to administer a $20,000 grant from the NC Rural Center.

Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality – Joe Bonnette

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting with Angela Kemper was provided.

·        David Dodson provided an update on the recycling initiative.

Revitalization and Infrastructure – David Artiss

·        Revitalization projects including streetscape activities, façade improvements and WiFi access for the Town of Robbinsville were discussed.

·        The meeting for presentation of the Reimagining Robbinsville document was announced for November 30, 2012.

Tourism and Mountain Culture – Rick Davis

·        An overview of the strategic planning meeting with Angela Kemper was provided.

C.       GREAT Financial Report—Pam Shaffer

D.      County/Town Updates were provided by Greg Cable, County Manager, Andy Cable, Graham County Economic Development Director, and Jessica Cooper, Town of Fontana Administrator.

E.       Regional Updates were provided by Sandy Zimmerman with Congressman Shuler’s office.  Sandy Zimmerman was recognized for her support of GREAT as Congressman Shuler’s Western representative. 

Announcements

Director’s Report—Rick Davis

·        GREAT Board of Directors meeting on December 10 at United Community Bank

·        GREAT Annual Meeting on January 17, 2013  

Adjourn

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