Minutes - 20041122 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Alois Callemyn cautioned to be careful what we ask for. He would rather have fewer jobs that fit the plan than a lot of jobs that da not fit the plan. He thinks the County needs to refine the businesses that it would like to have. Commissioner Gordon agreed that it would be much better to increase the number of quality jobs with minimum effect on the environment and goad pay rather than just increase the quantity. She thinks that Orange County has good quality of life. Quantity is not the way to compete. She commended the EDC far capturing the essence of Orange County. Commissioner Carey asked haw the EDC planned to market this plan so that more people know about what it includes. Also, the responsible party for carrying out the message should be identified. Dianne Reid said that there is additional work for each subcommittee, but they wanted the County Commissioners to hear the progress before going forward. Ruffin Slater said that this is a draft and they will incorporate the feedback from the County Commissioners and other groups (Chambers of Commerce, other jurisdictions, etc.}. The County Commissioners will sign off on whether this plan is going in the right direction. Keith Coak said that they were looking at the larger picture of where the region was headed with regard to the number of jobs. They did not just pick 5,000 as an arbitrary number. Dianne Reid reminded everyone that this is a five-year goal. Chair Jacobs said that it would be good to set some benchmarks for when there is water and sewer in the economic development districts. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the 5,000 new jobs and said that it is important to remember that commercial or economic development can pay for itself, but only if it does not bring a lot of new people. She said that she does not want to encourage population growth. Ruffin Slater asked if this is a plan the County Commissioners feel should be promoted. Commissioner Gordon suggested going out to get more feedback, making the adjustments, and then bringing it back to the Commissioners. Chair Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Gordon. He is open to some refinement of what can be done for existing businesses in Orange County that want to expand. This is a simple way to create jobs. He asked about the role of the Economic Development Director and the Economic Development Commission in economic development in the future. Sometimes the towns make noise about what this is doing for them and how the County should be recruiting retail, etc. He would be interested in discussing this. Commissioner Carey said that the Chapel Hill Chamber is looking at focusing on the needs of minority and female businesses. He does not know about the Hillsborough Chamber. He would be interested in same recommendations about this. There is also a growing Latina community in this County. Commissioner Gordon agreed with the focus on minority and female businesses. Gwen Harvey made reference to a conference she attended and said that one of the big questions was what makes an area a destination point. She wonders if there is a way to build off of the student and employee population while they are with us for the things that they desire such as eateries, shops, and boutiques. Also, there are niche industries that appeal to the residential population (florists, other boutiques, dry cleaners, bookstores, music stores, etc.). These would make a big difference in capturing the income. With no further items to discuss, the meeting ended at 7:10 p.m. Barry Jacobs, Chair David Hunt Deputy Clerk to the Board