Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

July 18, 2013 Meeting

Location and Sponsor:  Graham County Schools

              I.      Welcome/Introductions

A.      Rick Davis welcomed everyone to the July meeting and introduced GREAT President Claudie Burchfield.

B.      Claudie Burchfield recognized Director Jamie Hooper who provided a welcome from Graham County Schools.

                  II.            General Items

A.     Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

B.      Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda for the meeting was approved.

                III.            Guest Speaker

A.     Don Kostelec with Kostelec Planning provided information on the Robbinsville Pedestrian Connectivity Plan and its recommendations to make Robbinsville a “walkable” community. The project was funded by an Appalachian Region Commission grant with required match from Marshall University and Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

                IV.            Public Discussion/Input

A.     Committee Reports

·        Economic Development, Business and Industry Committee
Committee Chair Claudie Burchfield provided updates on committee activities and recognized Andy Cable, EDC Coordinator to provide appropriate updates for the county.

·        Education Workforce Development Committee

Rick Davis reported for Committee Chair Rhonda Anderson. The main project discussed was the Imagination Library project and its impact on Graham County children

·        Health and Social Committee

Kristen Shuler reported for Committee Chair Alicia Parham.  Information was provided on the following:

o       The Graham County Farmer’s Market is now located in the parking lot of the Health Department Saturday mornings. 

o       The GC Health Dept. is in the planning stages of bringing a Diabetes Mobile Education unit with endocrinology services to our county.

·        Leadership and Government Committee

No report

·        Natural Resources, Recreation and Water Quality Committee

Committee Chair David Dodson discussed several activities of this committee including the Santeetlah Bike Trail project, recycling activities, and Big Clean Sweep.

·        Revitalization and Infrastructure Committee

Committee Chair Brenda Artiss provided updates on the 129 Streetscape project and progress on the NC STEP grant implementation activities.

·        Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee

Committee Chair Beth Fields provided information on the Visitor Profile Study and the announcement of $7,500 from Travel and Tourism to establish a visitors information center at Stecoah Valley Center.

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, Lauren Stull with USFS and Tabitha Myler with Travel and Tourism.

D.     Regional Updates

The opportunity for GREAT county partners to provide updates was provided.

Updates were provided by Freddie Harrill representing Senator Hagan, Amy Hollifield with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Cindy Messer with NC Department of Commerce, Spencer Cranfill with Manna Food Bank and Bill Tunnell with the Opt-In Initiative.

                  V.            Announcements

Executive Director Rick Davis expressed his appreciation to the GREAT Board of Directors for their service to the organization and Graham County. He provided information on the September GREAT meeting which will be held at the Snowbird Community Complex on September 26, 2013.

                VI.            Adjourn

The meeting was concluded.