Minutes - 20070212 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Alamance, Chatham, and Durham Counties. Cost of study is $15,000. Will bring contract forward for BOCC approval on March 13) • Investigate retail development opportunities within county (High priority -Given the explosive growth just across border in Durham, Alamance and Chatham, there is significant leakage of retail dollars from Orange County -convene task force in Fall 2007) • Complete an inventory of commercial space and land in the county (High priority - work with tax office to identify all existing commercial space; may require intern to complete) • Explore development regulations requiring commercial developers to provide affordable space as part of approval process {Medium priority -Internet research project to be completed by December 2007} • Explore viability of land swaps to open large underutilized property for development (Medium priority -Internet and economic development list serve project to be completed by December 2007} • Create comprehensive business data base (Low priority -would require large commitment of existing staff time, probably interns as well, reexamine goal for next year) Retention and Business Development Goal: To encourage business development in Orange County through entrepreneurship, business retention, and recruitment. Entrepreneurship: Current Year Objectives: Partner with UNC to explore creation of early seed fund and support technology transfer (High priority -Secure formal support for EDC strategic plan by March 2007; work with UNC Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development on plan to help retain spin-off ventures) Develop seminars for aspiring entrepreneurs (Low priority -many agencies currently offer such programs, continue to refer individuals) Retention and Recruitment: Current Year Objectives: • Ensure that EDC is aware of upcoming space needs of existing businesses (High priority -enhance partnerships to provide advance information) • Focus on expansion of medium-sized industrial/manufacturing businesses (High priority -with partners, meet regularly with existing businesses to assist in their expansion plans) • Wark with economic development partners and developers to position Orange County as a preferred location for identified desirable businesses (High priority - this is a multi-year effort; during upcoming year, establish strong network) • Establish business (including farm) visitation program with volunteers (Medium priority - in 2007-08, focus on industrial/manufacturing businesses, farms with high growth potential) • Expand Orange County Business Expo to include smaller and home-based businesses (Medium priority -expand volunteer base and rely on partners to achieve goal)