Graham
Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes
May
15, 2014
Location
and Sponsor: Stecoah Valley Center/Frontier Communications and Stecoah
Valley Center
I.
Welcome/Introductions
A.
Executive
Director Rick Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced GREAT
President Claudie Burchfield.
B.
President Claudie Burchfield
expressed appreciation to Frontier and Stecoah Valley Center for sponsorship of
the meeting. Beth Fields, SVC Executive Director brought a welcome and provided
information on upcoming events at Stecoah. Ken Maxwell, Frontier Communications
General Manager-WNC provided information to group on initiatives of Frontier in
Graham County. He indicated encouraged participants to report any suspicious
activities in the Snowbird area of the county. There had been instances of
copper wire being stolen from communication poles resulting in a lack of service
for this area of the county. President Burchfield recognized the GREAT Board of
Directors, elected officials from the County, Lake Santeetlah, and Town of
Fontana and special guests. Staff at Stecoah Valley Center was recognized for
the delicious meal enjoyed by participants.
II.
General
Items
A.
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Minutes of the March 20, 2014
GREAT Meeting were approved with a motion from David Dodson and second by Andy
Cable.
B.
Approval of the Agenda: The
agenda for the meeting was approved with a motion by Beverly Whitehead and a
second by David Dodson.
III.
Guest
Speakers
President
Claudie Burchfield introduced Zel Rogers, Executive Director with Hope for
Families and recognized their contributions in serving Graham County. Hope
for Families is a non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault shelter
located here in Graham County. The shelter provides services to men, women and
children, mostly in the County. These
services include accommodations, food, court costs, housing, transportation, and
financial assistance.
Rogers thanked the group and concluded by saying
that “like many things in our community, it takes all of us working together
to make things happen.”
IV.
Reports/Discussion
Items
A.
Committee Reports
Executive
Director Rick Davis highlighted the GREAT committee activities. The full report
is attached for information. During this time the Director also addressed the
misinformation and falsehoods that had been circulating with the county
concerning GREAT and its activities. In particular, the misinformation contained
in material distributed was addressed. Director Davis stated that the
organization will stand on its track record of accomplishments and service to
Graham County residents.
B.
GREAT Financial Report
Treasurer Pam Shaffer presented the GREAT Financial Report and asked if
there were any questions or discussion. 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 scheduled Board of
Directors meeting and the July GREAT meeting to be sponsored by Graham County
Schools on July 17th.
V.
Adjourn
The
meeting was concluded.