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.

Director’s 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