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Business Investment Grants <br /> Continued funding of the County's fledgling Business Investment Grant program is crucial for <br /> Orange County Economic Development to affirm its renewed attitude toward state and <br /> international economic development opportunities. While the dollar amount of this initiative is <br /> dependent on the opportunities that arise, it would be beneficial to have a minimum of <br /> $100,000 annually that is quickly and easily accessible as opportunities present themselves. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that one of the things they talked about at the retreat is <br /> initiating a cooperative effort between the County economic development and the <br /> municipalities' economic development departments. He said that one thing missing is <br /> dedication of some portion of this towards that type of cooperative effort. <br /> Gary Shope agreed. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs thanked Gary Shope for this memo and said that it is way more <br /> specific and inclusive than what they have had before. He said that part of the sales pitch is <br /> that the County stands ready to be collaborative. <br /> Gary Shope said that he has visited with all of the community partners except Carrboro, <br /> but that is on the horizon. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked about the Skills Development Center in Chapel Hill and <br /> Frank Clifton said that there are staff-level discussions on how this facility can be expanded, <br /> but it is in the preliminary stage. <br /> Commissioner Gordon agreed with the issue of collaboration with the towns. She <br /> wants this to be explicit about what this money will be used for and the partnership with the <br /> towns. <br /> Gary Shope said that the collaborative network has to be the foundation before moving <br /> forward. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to be more explicit about the types of <br /> businesses the County is interested in. She would like to include some overarching statement <br /> of principles — green building, innovative industries, etc. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he has heard over the years that there is no flex space <br /> or wet labs. He said that he is not averse to having more conversation about this possibility. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the issue initially is infrastructure needs. <br /> Gary Shope spoke about the importance of using the wording "innovation" instead of <br /> "incubation." <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that there needs to be a non-awkward way to link Orange <br /> County farmers to the small business loan fund. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that the two small items for outreach and collateral materials should <br /> not be part of the uses of this sales tax. This should be out of the economic development <br /> operating budget. <br /> Frank Clifton asked that any other comments be emailed to Gary Shope. <br /> Gary Shope said that he could do alerts to the County Commissioners about economic <br /> development. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that the Board needs to provide direction to staff about the <br /> percentages for these funds. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said to make it 50% to schools and 50% to economic <br /> development. <br />