Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

March 21, 2013 Meeting

Location and Sponsor:  Fontana Village Resort/Stanley Furniture

              I.      Welcome/Introductions

A.      Rick Davis welcomed everyone to the March Meeting and introduced GREAT President Claudie Burchfield.

B.      Claudie Burchfield recognized sponsors Tim Gamble, Fontana Village Resort and Randy Everhart, Stanley Furniture.  Tim Gamble welcomed everyone to the Village and reported on some of the activities at the Fontana.  Randy Everhart provided updates on the Young America Stanley Furniture operation.

                  II.            General Items

A.     Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with a motion from David Dodson and second by Alicia Parham.

B.      Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda for the Annual Meeting was approved with a motion by Beverly Whitehead and a second by Rhonda Anderson.

                III.            Guest Speaker

A.     Cecilia Crawford with Firm Answers Now, Inc. provided information on services of this company.  Ms. Crawford indicated that Firm Answers provided additional services to residents in the tri-county area beyond those offered by Tri-County Community College.

B.      Amy Hollifield with Blue Ridge National Heritage Area provided information on the services of this organization to the region.  Ms. Hollifield spoke in particular of the Blue Ridge Music Trails Initiative.

                IV.            Public Discussion/Input

A.     Committee Reports

·        Economic Development, Business and Industry Committee
Committee Chair Claudie Burchfield provided updates on committee activities.  In particular, she mentioned the activities and proposed projects of the Economic Development Commission.

·        Education Workforce Development Committee

Committee Chair Rhonda Anderson reported on several activities.  One, the Eat Out for Education activity sponsored by the RES Parent Teacher Organization has been very successful and asked the group to participate.  Two, a grant proposal with the ARC to fund laptop computers for all seniors is being submitted. We were told that the Assistant Superintendent, Angie Knight is working on an initiative that will possibly provide laptop computer to all seniors. Three, Melba Millsaps provided information on Family Fitness Fair to be held on Thursday, March 28^th at the Elementary Gymnasium. The activity is funded by a diabetes grant provided to GREAT by Marshall University.

·        Health and Social Committee

Committee Chair Alicia Parham reported on an initiative to make all Graham County parks and recreation facilities tobacco and smoke-free. Another initiative includes grant funding to purchase supplies and for use at the farmer’s market to be located at the Health Department. An announcement of the Smart Growth workshop was announced.

·        Leadership and Government Committee

Committee Chair Eve Rogers shared with the group results from a survey that was completed by students at RHS.  Representatives from the Youth Development Organization will be serving on each of the GREAT committees in order to provide an avenue to obtain youth input on Graham County issues.

·        Natural Resources, Recreation and Water Quality Committee

Committee Chair discussed several activities of this committee including  testing sites for water quality monitoring for Lake Santeetlah, recycling program updates and Lake Santeelah clean up day for April 6.  Lisa Russo provided an update on Big Clean Sweep to be held between the dates April 13-27.

·        Revitalization and Infrastructure Committee

Committee Chair Brenda Artiss provided updates on the Streetscape project. A request for civic groups and organizations to adopt a site for plantings and maintenance was made. An announcement of the Pedestrian Connectivity Plan meeting on April 23 was made. The focus will be on a health impact assessment and a walking tour around Robbinsville will be conducted.

·        Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee

Executive Director Rick Davis reported for Committee Chair Beth Fields. Information concerning a tourism survey to be conducted by East Carolina University was provided.

B.      GREAT Financial Report

Executive Director Rick Davis provided the GREAT Financial report for Treasurer Pam Shaffer.  The report was accepted.

C.      County Updates

The opportunity for GREAT county partners to provide updates was provided. The audience heard from Andy Cable with Graham County Government, Administrator Jessica Cooper with the Town of Fontana, Mayor Guy Owen with the Town of Lake Santeetlah, and Valerie Feil with the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.

D.     Regional Updates

Beverly Elliot with Congressman Meadows office introduced herself and provided information from the Congressman’s office.  Freddie Harrill representing Senator Burr brought greetings and updates from the Senator.  Myra Hair with Brookfield Renewable Energy provided updates.

                  V.            Announcements

Executive Director Rick Davis provided information on the Smart Growth Workshop, Pedestrian Connectivity Plan meeting and the May GREAT meeting

                VI.            Adjourn

The meeting was concluded.