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� <br /> reliable funding source dedicated to endowing these two funds on an annual basis. <br /> Knowledge: <br /> Current Data, Expert Analysis, Best Practices <br /> •Increase collaboration and engagement with the Research Trianqle Reqional Partnership <br /> •Invest in value-adding economic development-related research performed by UNC, NC State, <br /> Duke, NC Biotechnology Center <br /> •Enter into a one-year research contract with economic development specialists at UNC-Chapel <br /> Hill in 2010, with annual follow-on data acquisition, analysis, and strateqic planninq research <br /> contracts each year through FY 2016 <br /> One of Orange County's least-recognized assets is being in the heart of a region that is in the <br /> planet's top 3, 5, and 10 in 11 major industry clusters and even more sub-clusters. Another <br /> under-utilized asset is our proximity to RTRP, RTP, and UNC; organizations comprised of some <br /> of the world's most successful, innovative, and cutting edge leaders whose expertise is based on <br /> data, analysis, and experience. Whereas the state of North Carolina and many of its counties <br /> have taken advantage of RTRP's, RTP's, and UNC's world-class economic development <br /> expertise, Orange County has not. As a result, policy makers have not had consistent and <br /> thorough access to key data and metrics nor have we utilized benchmarks to monitor results or <br /> studied best practices to inform our policies. None of this data collection or analyses can occur <br /> without funding. Moreover, without ongoing engagement by Orange County policy-makers with <br /> RTRP, RTP, and UNC experts, there is no basis for two-way information sharing. <br /> Expected Results <br /> •Increase # UNC Spin-Offs locating in OC <br /> •Increase # of 10-100 Employee Businesses (Re)Locating in OC <br /> •Increase Private Sector Job Creation <br /> •Increase Non-Residential Tax Collections (Gross and Percent of Total) <br /> •Data-Driven Performance <br /> Local universities have spun off numerous companies and industries. Examples include SAS <br /> and Quintiles, products of NC State and UNC, respectively, both of which were started by <br /> university professors spawned global billion dollar industries. Each year, UNC's Carolina <br /> Entrepreneurial Initiative serves as the springboard for a variety of viable businesses. The most <br /> recent crop includes 25 showcased in the CEI's 6th annual business plan competition held in <br /> March. Representing customers and markets across the globe, the focus of these entrepreneurs <br /> spans beyond Orange County's borders, yet all also represent opportunities for Orange County <br /> to court and support as long-term local businesses. <br /> Even as start-ups and entrepreneurs abound, even more established business opportunities are <br /> within Orange County's grasp — if their needs are met. Whereas start-ups offer long-term <br /> potential, established business offer immediate opportunities on a larger scale, many of which <br /> employ 10+, 20+, even 100+ people and offer benefits beyond the reach of young or lifestyle <br /> businesses. Speaking with any realtor will involve numerous examples of CEOs, CFOs, COOs, <br /> CIOs, and other executives who have relocated here and who continue to choose Orange <br /> County for their personal residences while also choosing other counties as the location for their <br />