Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

March 20, 2014

Location and Sponsor:  Fontana Village Resort/Stanley Furniture and Fontana Village Resort

I.      Welcome/Introductions

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

B.      Claudie Burchfield expressed appreciation to Stanley Furniture and Fontana Village Resort for sponsorship of the meeting. Jeannie Stewart, Manager of Fontana Village Resort brought a welcome and provided information on upcoming events at Fontana. Michael Kaplan, Stanley Furniture CEO provided information to group on the status of Stanley Furniture plant. He indicated that they were close to “turning the plant around” and making a profit. President Burchfield recognized the GREAT Board of Directors, elected officials from the County, Town of Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, and Town of Fontana and special guests. Staff at Fontana Village Resort was recognized for the delicious meal enjoyed by participants.

II.          General Items

A.    Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  Minutes of the January 23, 2014 Annual Meeting were approved with a motion from David Dodson and second by Beth Fields.

B.      Approval of the Agenda:  The agenda for the Annual Meeting was approved with a motion by Beth Fields and a second by David Dodson.

III.         Guest Speakers

GREAT Director Rick Davis introduced Marie Gravely and Sheila Plogger with Marshall University and recognized their partnership with GREAT in providing funding for the STEP UP Diabetes Coalition. Marie Gravely provided information concerning the Appalachian Diabetes Coalitions and the role of Marshall University in implementation of activities to prevent and control diabetes in Appalachian counties.

GREAT Director Rick Davis introduced Fred Grogan with Equinox Environmental who shared information on the design of the GCS Greenway/pedestrian path at Robbinsville High School. Mr. Grogan provided an in-depth overview of the proposed design, responded to questions and obtained input from the audience.

 IV.            Reports/Discussion Items

A.    Committee Reports

GREAT Committee Chairs provided updates on each the committee activities and projects. See attached GREAT Committee Reports document for additional information.

B.   GREAT Financial Report

      President Claudie Burchfield referenced the GREAT Financial Report in participant packets and asked if there were any questions. Report was accepted.

C.  County and town officials provided updates on news and upcoming events.

D.  Regional partners and legislative officials provided updates for the audience and responded to questions and suggestions.

E.   Executive Director Rick Davis provided updates on the Medicine Drop activity at RHS, the Tourism Works for WNC Conference and the May GREAT meeting at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

V.            Adjourn

The meeting was concluded.