Graham
Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes
July
17, 2014
Location
and Sponsor: Robbinsville High School/Graham County Schools
I.
Welcome/Introductions
A.
Executive
Director Rick Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting and expressed appreciation
to Graham County Schools for sponsorship of the meeting. Angela Knight,
Superintendent brought a welcome and provided information on upcoming school
events and projects. Director Davis recognized the GREAT Board of Directors,
elected officials from the County, Lake Santeetlah, and Town of Fontana and
special guests. The GCS Child Nutrition staff was recognized for the delicious
meal enjoyed by participants.
II.
General
Items
A.
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Minutes of the May 15, 2014
GREAT meeting were approved with a motion from David Dodson and second by Yvette
Carringer.
B.
Approval of the Agenda: The
agenda for the meeting was approved with a motion by Andy Cable and a second by
Dave Artiss.
III.
Guest
Speakers
Executive
Director Rick Davis introduced Jill Jones, Director of Marketing and
Communications and Rob Bell, Director of Programs with the Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area and recognized the organization’s contributions to Graham
County. An overview of BRNHA was provided and a
video was shown of the many activities and projects that the organization
provides for its counties.
Stecoah Valley Center was recognized for its mission in preserving and promoting
the arts in the county. Jones and Bell announced the upcoming grant award program and
thanked the GREAT organization for its service to Graham County.
IV.
Reports/Discussion
Items
A.
Committee Reports
Executive
Director Rick Davis highlighted the GREAT committee activities. The full report
is attached for information.
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 September GREAT meeting to be sponsored by Eastern
Band of Cherokee Indians on September 18th at the Snowbird Youth
& Teen Center located on Massey Branch.
V.
Adjourn
The
meeting was concluded.
GREAT
Committee Reports
July
17, 2014
Business Committee
·
Joint
meeting of the GREAT Business Committee and the Graham County Economic
Development Council are now being held in order to increase collaboration on
projects. The next meeting is August 12, 2014 at Graham County Extension Office.
Education and Workforce Development
Committee
·
Career
and Technical Education teachers from Graham, Cherokee, Clay counties, and
Tri-County Community College instructors participated in “Back to Industry”
professional development June 16 – 18. Teachers
and administrators visited the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Blue Ridge EMC (public
utility), and Drake Enterprises (tax software manufacturer.
This opportunity was made possible through a “Pathways to Prosperity”
grant through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
·
Carpentry
teacher, Rick Parham, and five high school students have worked this summer on
the greenway project as well as reinforcing the concrete bleachers at Big Oaks
Stadium. This summer work program
began June 16 and will conclude July 25.
·
Graham
County Schools is working diligently to collect school supplies for ALL students
Pre K – 12 grade for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. A grant from Avery
Corp. has helped to purchase 500 student 3-ring binders.
Health
and Social Committee
·
Department
of Defense Medical Mission served over 8,000 people and 2,000 animals in the
western counties of North Carolina.
·
Work
is continuing on a regional diabetes education program with traveling
endocrinologist and dietician.
·
Completed
setup of “Mountain Market” at Wolf Creek Grocery increasing availability of
fresh fruits and veggies, lean meat, and whole grains at a convenience store.
Leadership
and Government Committee
·
The Graham County 4-H had three RHS
students attend a 5 day leadership camp in June at North Carolina State
University in June. we have
·
Four students will be attending the
Electric 4-H Camp at Western Carolina University this week.
Recreation, Natural Resources and Water Quality Committee