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staff transitions, and/or with specific business recruitment and retention issues <br /> that may develop in the interim. Orange County's Economic Development <br /> Department looks forward to continuing a close relationship with Chapel Hill's <br /> economic development office in 2012 and beyond. <br /> The attached document provides additional background information for the discussion. Staff <br /> will provide any other information at the meeting, and the governing boards can discuss issues <br /> related to this item as necessary. <br /> Attachmenf 1 — Visitors Bureau Tourism Program in Conjunction with the Town of <br /> Chapel Hill <br /> Council Member Pease asked about the range of the loans and Steve Brantley said that <br /> it was from $30,000-50,000 for up to 3-5 years. The purpose is to help small businesses that <br /> have 5-10 employees. <br /> Council Member Pease asked about the solar panel companies that were thinking of <br /> coming to Orange County. Steve Brantley said that these two projects did not move forward <br /> because of the Chinese competition for manufacturing. <br /> Frank Clifton said that this was an issue beyond the region. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked Steve Brantley to recap the '/.-cent sales tax revenue and <br /> the projects it will reflect. <br /> Steve Brantley said that he and the Finance Director will start structuring the revenue <br /> and will put it online. Sixty percent is for utility and infrastructure primarily for the economic <br /> development districts. Another large percentage will be added to the small business loan <br /> program. There is also an area marked for agricultural economic development efforts. There <br /> are other categories such as collaborative outreach and incubator programs. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that the most recent report from UNC was an analysis of the <br /> incubator space and she asked that this be shared with the other municipalities. <br /> b) Town of Chapel Hill <br /> Chapel Hill Town Manager Roger Stancil said that they are working to maintain the pace <br /> they were on with the loss of Dwight Bassett, the Chapel Hill Economic Development Director. <br /> He said that they are working collaboratively with the County and other partners— Chamber of <br /> Commerce, EmPOWERment, UNC, etc. There is a strategy and a strong Economic ', <br /> Development Committee. The Visitor's Bureau is also a strong partner. He said that Chapel , <br /> Hill is open for business and to businesses. There is a marketing campaign with the alumni II <br /> association for UNC to identify alumni that would like to relocate their businesses and come <br /> back to Chapel Hill. The focus of the town is on the future of economic development being in <br /> healthcare and innovation. Chapel Hill is working with some technology companies on some <br /> start-up projects. Regarding retail, the Council has initiated two projects—The Edge on <br /> Eubanks Road, which will require some changes to the interchange of I-40 and NC 86; and <br /> Gateway to Chapel Hill at Ephesus Church Road. There will need to be some collaboration <br /> with Orange County on the transportation changes for The Edge. <br /> 2. Solid Waste Issues <br /> a) Update from Town of Chapel Hill <br /> Town staff provided the attachment which addresses several issues related to solid waste, <br /> the Orange County Landfill, Rogers Road, and future solid waste disposal. Staff will provide <br /> any other information at the meeting, and the governing boards can discuss issues related to I <br /> this item as necessary. �I <br /> �II <br /> �I� <br />