Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

May 21, 2015

I.         Welcome/Introductions

A.      Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed everyone and thanked Frontier Communications and Stecoah Valley Center for sponsoring the GREAT meeting and providing the food.

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

C.      Karl Sutter, Chair of SVC Board of Directors welcomed everyone and gave an update on activities at the Center.

D.     Chris Williams provided an update on Frontier Communication activities in Graham County.

II.      General Items

A.      Approval of Minutes of March 19, 2015 Meeting.

B.      Approval of Agenda.

III.    Guest Speaker

Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group was not able to attend meeting but provided a DVD of the Graham County Strategic Tourism Plan presentation. Unfortunately, the presentation could not be shown in its entirety due to technological issues with equipment. GREAT Director Rick Davis provided the GREAT website address to audience and informed them a link to the presentation on YouTube would be provided.

IV.    Reports/Discussion Items

A.      Committee Reports

Complete committee reports were provided to participants in a handout. Each committee chair was asked to focus on one activity due to time constraints.

·        Economic Development, Business and Industry – Andy Cable provided information on committee activities with Golden LEAF funds and potential grants for entrepreneurs. In addition, Cody Construction was recognized by the US Small Business Administration and Mike Arriola, Deputy District Director presented the 2015 Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award to Dirk Cody, Project manager for exemplary work.

·        Education and Workforce Development – Rhonda Anderson provided information on the Active Routes to School Initiative.

·        Health and Social Committee – Alicia Parham provided information on the Open Access Clinic at the Health Department.

·        Revitalization and Infrastructure – Rick Davis provided an update on the America’s Best Communities proposal and selection of GREAT’s proposal among 50 US quarter finalists.

·        NRRWQ Committee – David Dodson provided an update on the various volunteer activities of the committee members.

B.      GREAT Financial Report

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

C.      County/Town Updates

Reports were provided by representatives of Graham County and the Towns of Robbinsville, Santeetlah and Fontana Dam.

D.     Regional/Legislative Delegation Updates

Reports were provided by representatives of regional partners and the legislative delegation. Robin Ramsey, Representative of Senator Burr’s Office, presented Director Davis with a letter of recognition and congratulation on the accomplishments of GREAT during 2014.

V.      Director’s Report

·     GREAT Board of Directors Meeting – June 01

·     GREAT Meeting – July 16, 2015 sponsored by Graham County Schools and

·     Is It Junk or Is It Art? project by Partners of Joyce Kilmer on May 30, 2015.

VI.    Adjourn