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8 <br /> 1 <br /> 2 Staff Update/Status <br /> 3 1 . Economic Development Update provided by Steve Brantley: <br /> 4 a. Annually, 15,000 communities compete for approximately 1500 economic development <br /> 5 projects and you are lucky if you get a share. Orange County with its many attributes, <br /> 6 should appeal to potential businesses. Orange County development promotes tourism, arts <br /> 7 and agriculture. He said they are now getting multiple projects visiting Orange County. <br /> 8 Companies are looking at us and eliminating other sites because we now have zoning and <br /> 9 water and sewer. What we lack is the availability of empty facilities to promote to potential <br /> 10 investors. <br /> 11 b. The County has partnered with Chapel Hill with an incubator; and with Carrboro on a water <br /> 12 line. <br /> 13 c. In our Small Business Loan Program there are eight (8) outstanding loans and we have <br /> 14 never had any defaults. <br /> 15 2. Staff pursuing economic incentives, of minimal exposure to taxpayers because they are tied to <br /> 16 future revenues for these companies so there is no risk to Orange County. <br /> 17 <br /> 18 )iscussi 0 o oil iiii Fil iiii t Fits <br /> 19 In addition to the current economic development strategies, the Commissioners discussed <br /> 20 potential placed based economic development approaches that build on the local assets. Their <br /> 21 ideas included: <br /> 22 <br /> 23 Agricultural Strategies <br /> 24 1. Food is a large economic engine in Orange County, so we should explore development of an <br /> 25 Agriculture Support Enterprises Plan to determine what can be done in rural Orange County <br /> 26 that preserves the rural character. (i.e. agri-tourism, value added agriculture production, etc.) <br /> 27 2. It was noted that restrictions on value added agriculture is a barrier to development in this area <br /> 28 and that the vast amount of agriculture in Orange County is commercial. The County could <br /> 29 focus on recruitment of businesses that support commercial agriculture. <br /> 30 3. Sponsor small agricultural shows to give visibility to youth farmers and promote agriculture. <br /> 31 4. It will be important to identify compatible uses adjacent to Ag Development because of the <br /> 32 impact of noise, light, and traffic. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 County Fair <br /> 35 1. Sponsoring a County Fair would provide an opportunity to highlight local art and agriculture; <br /> 36 bring together rural and urban residents in Orange County and the surrounding area; highlight <br /> 37 Lands Legacy Program work and can serve as an economic development tool. There was a <br /> 38 question about whether a Fair would stimulate economic development. <br /> 39 2. Staff with input from Commissioners will assess feasibility of a County Fair. (see more details <br /> 40 below, under Requests of Staff) <br /> 41 3. If the idea is feasible, a larger group will be established that will involve Staff, Commissioners <br /> 42 and Community Representatives. <br /> 43 <br /> 44 Economic Development Infrastructure Enhancements <br /> 45 1. Explore potential of creating Economic Development Districts <br /> 46 2. Digital infrastructure is as important as water and sewer for economic development <br /> 47 <br /> 48 Arts We need to identify what economic opportunities are related to local Arts like promoting studio <br /> 49 tours. <br /> 50 <br /> 51 UNC-Chapel Hill Partnership - Explore potential economic opportunities that could be derived <br /> 52 from partnering with UNC- Chapel Hill. <br />