Graham
Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes
March
10, 2016
I. Welcome/Introductions
Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed everyone to the meeting and recognized the Fontana Village for hosting the meeting and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for sponsoring the meal.
Greg Corvelle, Manager of Fontana Village gave an update of improvements of the village, including remodeling of the cabins and offices, fiber optic is now live and discussed the boy scouts’ fishing tournament.
Janna Hyatt, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort was unable to attend today’s meeting due to husband’s surgery.
II. General Items
A. Approval of minutes. A motion was made by David Dodson to approve the minutes from the November 12, 2015 meeting with a second by Yvette Carringer. Minutes were unanimously approved.
B. Approval of agenda was unanimous.
C. Annual meeting was postponed due to inclement weather and will be held at RES auditorium in July.
III. Guest Speaker: Josh Carpenter and John Loyack with Economic Development Partnership Of NC were the guest speakers. Their mission is to advance NC economic interests through job creation and capital investment driven by new business recruitment, existing business expansion, international trade, small business formation and tourism. EDPNC does marketing and sales organization in NC for corporate expansion and relocations. NC is a destination for tourism, conventions, amateur sports, film making and NC made exports. NC is a place to start a new business. Key priorities are to ensure geographic diversity of efforts, expand research into new markets, and develop best in class tools for marketing, business development and sales efforts and to develop a sustainable base of private-sector financial support to complement public funding. EDPNC has regional and international offices. Business Link NC is one on one client consultant.
IV. Reports/Discussion Items
Committee Reports – see attached
Jackie Moore, After School Program discussed the walking program in Graham County was the first in the state. Students should engage in 60 minutes of activity per day.
Wendy Cagle discussed WCU College of Business
Zel Rogers is the new Tourism Chair Person and Dick Evans is the new chair of the G.R.E.A.T. Board of Directors
Mike Edwards, County Manager encouraged everyone to work together for the betterment of Graham County
Laura Grindstaff, WIOA, a temp service will have an open house March 23, 2016 at Tri County and is offering temp employment thru a local business.
Bob Crabtree, Lake Santeelah, discussed a shore study due to septic tanks failing and water meters are being replaced
Jennifer Tripp, Manna Food Bank discussed the Manna Express, which is a volunteer driven produce van from Asheville and the Networking for Nutrition food pantry training day planned for March 24, 2016.
Paul Worley, Tri County discussed a new career pathways grant, a recent job fair with 35 to 40 attending and construction is now complete for the new health care education building.
David Dodson presented Angie Knight with a $500 check from the G.R.E.A.T. organization for the robotics team.
Amy Hollifield, Blue Ridge Heritage Partners presented Angie Knight with a plaque for walking trail and outdoor classroom.
Janice Edgarton, Region A for Children discussed the Smart Start program
Angie Gee, US Forest Service reported there will be new signage in Joyce Kilmer Forest and around the district. Maintenance trail work is in process. There are also some custodian jobs for the campgrounds open and the Forest Service will be hiring three youth for summer jobs.
GREAT Financial Report – not available at present
GREAT Meeting – May 19, 2016 will be sponsored by Frontier Communications and Stecoah Valley Center
V. Meeting was adjourned