Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

July 16, 2015

I.         Welcome/Introductions

A.      Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed everyone and thanked Graham County Schools for sponsoring the GREAT meeting and providing the food.

B.      Rick Davis recognized the Child Nutrition Program staff for the excellent lunch and hospitality that was extended to the participants.

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

D.     Rex Smith, GCS Assistant Superintendent, welcomed everyone and gave an update on activities occurring at Graham County Schools. Mr. Smith placed a focus on the Supplies for Success Drive that provides all  GCS students with necessary school supplies.

II.      General Items

A.      A motion for the approval of the minutes of March 19, 2015 Meeting was made by David Dodson with a second from Brenda Artiss.

B.      The agenda for the meeting was approved by affirmation.

III.    Guest Speaker

Marie Gravely and Sheila Plogger with the Marshall University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health provided information on the prevalence of diabetes in our society. Ms. Gravely discussed the partnership that the GREAT organization and Marshall University have had over a period of fifteen years. The latest grant funds from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Marshall University provided funds for extension of the fitness trail/greenway at RHS and upgrades to the nature trail at Stecoah Valley Center.  In addition, grant funds were used to provide diabetes education classes, healthy eating programs and physical activity initiatives with Graham County Schools. Gravely commended the GREAT organization and the Diabetes Coalition on how much has been accomplished.

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.

·        Education and Workforce Development – Rex Smith provided information on the GCS Supplies for Success Drive.

·        Health and Social Committee – Alicia Parham provided information on the recent grant award, Project REACH,  to the GC 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 including Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, United States Forest Service, Smoky Mountain Center, Manna Foodbank, US Small Business Administration and NC DOT – ARTS program.

V.      Director’s Report

·        Director’s Report

-     GREAT Board of Directors Meeting – August 10, 2015

o  Health Department Conference Room

-      GREAT Meeting – September 17, 2015

o   Snowbird Youth Center – Massey Branch

VI.    Adjourn