Graham
Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes
September
20, 2018
Welcome/Introductions
Recognition of Host and Sponsor
Manager Ken Graham welcomed the group to The Hub and provided information on the history. Matt Saenger with BalsamWest provider information on the services of the ISP for the region and Graham County.
General Items
Approval of minutes May 17, 2018
The minutes from the May 17, 2018 GREAT meeting were approved by the Board of Directors. The agenda as presented was approved by consensus of the group.
Reports/Discussion Items
GREAT Financial Report
Pam Shaffer, GREAT Treasurer, presented the financial report to the group.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project
Director Rick Davis provided pertinent information to the group on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project. This meeting was designated for receiving pledges of financial support for the 2018-2019 year.
Committee Reports
Director Rick Davis reviewed the committee report attachment. He highlighted a couple of items including the 21st CCLC award of$1.2 million for Graham County Schools to provide afterschool programs at three locations. He also announced two ARC awards of $100,000 each for Tourism Plan implementation and internet access projects. The grant award of $16,500 provided by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation for the RHS Sweetwater Creek project was announced.
Guest Speaker
Guest speaker, Representative Kevin Corbin, provided updates and budget priorities from the NC General Assembly. These included general fund appropriations, pay raises for state employees, tax cuts and the savings reserve.
Updates/Announcements
County/Town Updates
Updates were provided by Jim Kriner Partners of Joyce Kilmer, Michelle Shiplet Church Mouse Ministries, Jennifer West Stecoah Valley Center, Becky Garland Graham County Government, Beth Booth Health Department, Daniel Allison Graham County T & T and Steve Hooper Town of Robbinsville.
Regional/State/Legislative Delegation Updates
Representatives of regional partners providing updates included Andy Gaston USFS, Amy Hollifield BRNHA and Philip Moore USDA.
Directors Report
Director Rick Davis provided information on the Rural Center Policy Roundtables session be held on October 9 at the Community Center.
Announcement of the next GREAT Meeting to be held on November 15, 2018 at Fontana Village was made.
Adjourn