Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

May 17, 2018

Welcome/Introductions

Recognition of Host/Sponsor: Rick Davis, Executive Director recognized Beth Fields, Stecoah Valley Center and Steven Aft, State Farm as the host and sponsor for the meeting. Robert Rankin, Snowbird Mountain Lodge, co-sponsor for the meeting could not attend.

Beth Fields presented the history of Stecoah Valley Center. Graham County owns the facility and Stecoah Valley Center leases from the county. The building is 92 years old. Stecoah Valley Center has been occupying the facility and doing renovations for the past 21 years and is very thankful for the new roof the county had put on the building. The Courtyard of the Cherokee has recently been added and B J Welch carved the seven clan masks on display in the auditorium. There will be a grand opening on May 24, 2018 at 3:00 pm. June 23^{rd begins the Appalachian Evening Concert Series. The Gallery features over 180 local artists. For all in attendance at today’s meeting, if you purchase any items and tell the cashier “GREAT” you will receive 10% off your purchase. Five set of tickets were given for Appalachian Evening concerts as door prizes. Beth asked that attendees like and share Stecoah Valley’s Facebook page.}

Steven Aft, Owner of State Farm in Murphy gave an update on his career and community service focus and initiatives including community outreach, youth development, leadership focus and financial and risk planning.

Rick Davis recognized the GREAT board of directors and first time attendees.

General Items

Approval of minutes – March 15, 2018 meeting: A motion to accept was made by Dick Evans and a second by Joe Bonnette. The motion carried.

Approval of agenda: approved

Guest Speaker

Angie Chandler, Executive Director Blue Ridge National Heritage Area explained that Blue Ridge National Heritage Areas is a non-profit organization that helps promote western North Carolina. Their mission statement preserves music, agriculture, arts and crafts, Cherokee heritage and tourism. They have awarded six grants totaling $69,000 in Graham County. They have awarded 154 grants worth $2.1 million to 97 regional organizations since 2004. Graham County has raised $132,000 in matching funds. There are 49 heritage areas in the US. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area helped with the barn quilt project. They have also launched the Blue Ridge music trails to preserve bluegrass, traditional and gospel music and dance. Nine out of ten artist realize NC is a craft destination. Studies show visitors coming into area for music trail spend more money and say they will return to the area.

Reports/Discussion Items

Committee Reports: Due to time restraints, please see reports attached

GREAT Financial Report attached

County/Town Updates:

Jordan Barnes from Thom Tillis, Senate Office

Robin Ramsey from Senator Burr’s office reported that there are grants for wildfire restoration and Graham County is to be included in grant

Cameron Cooper, Cherokee Indian Tribe discussed the housing crisis. Cherokee and Murphy Casinos are expanding. The Tribe is also looking into adding an Adventure Park

Daniel Allison, Director of Travel & Tourism discussed the Azalea Festival on Hooper Bald, the Hill Climb and the water release for rafting

Ann Bass, ARC Community Development Planner, Rural Economic

Development Division

Lynn Sprague, Executive Director Southwestern NC Resource Conservation & Development Council

Beth Booth, Health Director, Graham County Health Department discussed that Dr. David Castor is now providing primary care and she is working on an opioid grant. Graham County Health Department will be having an open house at the new location, 191 P and J Road, Robbinsville, NC May 18 at 1:00 pm.

Angie Knight, Graham County School Superintendent stated they were just trying to “get the doors closed” for the summer. The July GREAT meeting will be sponsored by the schools.

Mary Griffin discussed the summer program at the Graham County Library

Michelle Shiplet from the Church Mouse discussed the “Greater Good Community Garden.”

Gary Cosair, Graham Star editor discussed “I Love Graham County” insert in the Graham Star will be placed in 15 Welcome Centers in NC. There will be a tribute to the graduating seniors in the Graham Star with a portion of the profits going to the schools.

Rob Hardy, Mayor of Fontana Dam reported they are closing out the water plant grant, doing waste water and electrical upgrades and reported on up-coming Memorial Day events at Fontana.

Brian Johnson from the Town of Robbinsville got a WLOS community spot the first week of June to promote Graham County as your vacation destination. He is also working to update the county website.

Connie Orr, County Commissioner welcomed everyone to the open house at Graham County DSS and Health Department. She also reported that the county is working on a memorial to honor the veterans. Connie commended the school for finishing their third house on Mill Creek under the direction of Rick Parham. They are waiting on a well and will have an open house in August.

Jim Baker with the Natural Resources, Recreation and Water Quality committee reported there has been 198 volunteer hours on trails and 18 volunteers worked on the Hooper Bald trail in preparation for the Azalea Festival.

Shannon Powell with Balsam West reported West Net is reorganizing to bring wireless into more homes in Graham County. They plan to upgrade speed and equipment. Downtown already has WIFI. Balsam West is also working to get internet service for the Pinhook community.

 

Next GREAT meeting will July 19, 2018.  Meeting was adjourned.