Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

September 21, 2017

Welcome

Recognition of Host/Sponsor

Greg McCoy – The Hub

Matt Saenger – Balsam West Fiber

General Items

Approval of Minutes – July 20, 2017

Motion by Dick Evans

Second by Zelrie Rogers

Approval of Agenda

Reports/Discussion Items

GREAT Financial Report

Pam Shaffer – GREAT Treasurer

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project

Recognition of Jim and Donna Mize – stepping down

Mary Griffin, Graham County Public Library and Rick Davis, GREAT Director will be over seeing Imagination Library Project

Donations/pledges for Imagination Library Project taken at meeting

197 currently enrolled in Imagination Library

584 graduated

781 served

Committee Reports (see attached)

Guest Speaker

Mary Griffin, Graham County Public Library gave history of library and an update of services available

Community Room is available for use by the public

Updates/Announcements

County/Town Updates by Brian Johnson – slug plant is up and running; Tallulah Creek Sewer improvements are coming along. There will be a Veterans’ Day event on 11/4/17 including a 5K Run; on 12/9/17 the Graham County Holiday Festival will be held including the Christmas Parade and on 12/17/17 the Brasstown Hand Bells will present a free concert

Sophia Paulos, Economic Development Director gave an update on the broadband coverage for Graham County; reported that Graham County currently has the lowest unemployment rate in a decade; Graham County is working on developing a rural housing authority.

Joe Bonnette gave updates for the next roadside clean up day scheduled for 9/30/17 and a Vintage Care Race scheduled at maple Springs 10/7 and 10/8/17

Dick Evans gave an update from Partners of Joyce Kilmer. Joyce Kilmer trails have been cleaned up since fires and July 30, 2018 will mark 100 years since Joyce Kilmer’s death. A memorial is scheduled.

Robin from Senator Burr’s office offered assistance with Federal Grants

Drew Christy was introduced from the Governor’s office and offered his support for Graham County

Karen Mickler discussed Big Brothers Big Sisters in Graham County and introduced Katrina Nelms as the new director for the Graham County Chapter

Jennifer West from Stecoah Valley Center discussed the annual fall festial and Graham County County Fair

Next GREAT Meeting will be November 9, 2017 at Fontana Village

Adjourn