Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

May 18, 2017

Welcome/Introductions

Recognition of Host/Sponsor

Beth Fields, Stecoah Valley Center gave updates including roof leak repairs, outdoor restrooms to be constructed, court yard and fair on Saturday, May 20, 2017, solar eclipse event

Rick Davis recognized Steven Aft, State Farm and Robert Rankin, Snowbird Mountain Lodge for sponsoring the meal for today’s meeting even though they were unable to attend and Matt Hollifield as a new Board of Director member

General Items

Approval of minutes from March 16, 2017; motion made by Dick Evans and second by Larry Blythe. Motion carried.

Approval of agenda carried

Guest Speaker/Presentation

Jonathan Snover, Executive Director NC Biotechnology Center – Western Region gave a presentation concerning economic development. Mr. Snover stressed the fact that the Center needs ideas from the community. See brochure attached.

Reports/Discussion Items

Committee Reports

Education and Workforce Development gave update on school supply drive for Graham County Schools and Angie Knight announced the opening of the Mountain Grind Coffee Shop project which is a new school-based, student business on campus for exceptional children’s program.

GREAT Health and Social Committee – LeAnn Ramsey reported on the Health and Wellness Fair to be held on June 23, 2017 at Robbinsville High School.

Tourism and Mountain Culture Committee – Rick Davis reported on the Wayfinding Signage Project.

Natural Resources, Recreation and Water Quality Committee – Dick Evans reported that the US Forest Service will be having crews to help with the clean-up due to the fire damaged trails in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. There will also be a forestry school held in July.

Graham County Updates

Sophia Paulos updated concerning broad band coverage for county, Habitat for Humanity seeking someone to build a house for in Graham County and revitalization for Main Street.

Steve Hooper gave an update on the sewer project (25 – 30% complete), slug project, fiber optic from Robbinsville to Snowbird Center, street dances and new banners in place.

Drew Hopkins with the US Forest Service updated events for the summer. There will be an open house at the forest service in June, campgrounds are open with custodial staff checking them; everyone is asked to register at each campground; they have hired three YCC’s for the summer and there will be a timber sale soon for the Sand Creek area.

Brian Johnson announced plans for the Graham County Heritage Festival to be held June 30 thru July 1

Director’s Report/Announcements

Rick Davis gave an update on the Eclipse Event meeting which will be held June 21 at 10:00 am. He encouraged everyone to look at GREAT’s Facebook page for more eclipse event information.

The next GREAT Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June 19 at the Graham County Health Department Conference Room

GREAT Annual Meeting will be held July 20, 2017 at Graham County Schools

Adjourn