Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

March 19, 2015

I.         Welcome/Introductions

A.      Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed everyone and thanked Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Fontana Village for sponsoring the GREAT meeting and providing the food.

B.      Rick Davis recognized the GREAT Board of Directors and first time attendees.

C.      Jeannie Stewart, Fontana Village welcomed everyone and gave an update on Fontana Village Resort.

D.     Craig Day gave an update on Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee River Valley Casino Resort in Murphy.

II.      General Items

A.      Approval of Minutes of January 15, 2015 Meeting: Motion was made by Beth Fields for approval of minutes, seconded by Rhonda Anderson with a unanimous approval.

B.      Approval of Agenda.

III.    Guest Speaker

Jody Miller, Region A Partnership for Children, provided information of the services provided by the Partnership. The video, First 2000 Days, was shown that portrayed the importance of early childhood education. A Q/A session followed.

IV.    Reports/Discussion Items

A.      Committee Reports

·        Economic Development, Business and Industry – Andy Cable announced the award of a $500,000 PARTF grant for the Graham County Recreation Park; discussed ARC project for improved internet service in Beech Creek and Pin Hook area; discussed the new honey business in Robbinsville.

·        Education and Workforce Development – Rhonda Anderson provided information on the new access rode to the high school.

·        Revitalization and Infrastructure – Rick Davis provided an update on progress of the ARC Internet Access project

·        Tourism and Mountain Culture – Beth Fields discussed calendar of events for SVC. Information on the Strategic Tourism Plan project was provided. Tabitha Myler discussed upcoming events for the summer including white water rafting dates, hiking dates, and “A Time to Remember” celebration at Fontana Village.

B.      GREAT Financial Report

·        Pam Shaffer, GREAT Treasurer, provided detailed accounting of GREAT financial status.

C.      County/Town Updates

D.     Regional/Legislative Delegation Updates

·        Roger Carlton, Council member of Lake Santeetlah, provided information on an ARC grant for a study of the Town sewer system ; willow grass as a measure to control erosion. 

·        Kate Glance – Community Outreach Specialist with Smoky Mountain LME/MCO

·        Paul Worley – Tri County Community College discussed culinary program and the possibility of an electrical engineering program and new classrooms for Graham County; Oak Valley will be hiring soon

·        Netta McFadden – Catholic Charity, Murphy, NC discussed services available – families first, better employment, better education and better housing.  Will be sponsoring “Stomping out Poverty” July 1, 2015 at Fontana Resort

E.      Director’s Report

·     GREAT Director Rick Davis provided information on the Winston-Salem Foundation grant of $67,000 to help with mental health services at Graham County Schools. Lisa Leatherman with Duke Energy made a presentation of a check for $5,000 to the GREAT organization.

·     GREAT Meeting – May 21, 2015 sponsored by Frontier Communications and Stecoah Valley Center

·     WCU Tourism Conference – April 21, 2015

V.      Adjourn