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M Thom Freeman From: Steve Brantley Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 11:01 AM To: Thom Freeman; Donna Baker Cc: Yvonne Scarlett; Bonnie Hammersley Subject: 3 requested reappointments to the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board The Orange County Economic Development department's advisory board of 10 total members has 4 current members whose initial BOPCC appointments expired on 6/30/14. Those members are as follows: • D.R. Bryan — current Chair (representing the Core Business sector) • Tom Underwood (representing the Core Business sector, and serving on the Small Business loan Program's lending approval committee) Delores Bailey (representing the Non - Profit sector) • Nickolas Thomas (representing the Entrepreneurial sector) With respect to their interest to continue to serve on my department's advisory board and seek a reappointment, I have contacted each member. - Torn Underwood is planning to retire from his current occupation as manager of PHE, Inc. in Hillsborough, and has decided to step down from the advisory board. He replied that the County will be best served by a new representative able to serve a new multi -year term. Prior to the BOCC deciding to replace Mr. Underwood on my board I would like to request additional time to search for additional qualified candidates who can apply for the open position and fulfill the Core Business sector. D.R. Bryan, Delores Bailey and Nickolas Thomas have all replied verbally or in writing to me that they enthusiastically agree to be reappointed for a new term, if the BOCC agrees to that action. Consequently, I request that the BOCC approve their reappointment. As you know, the Orange County Economic Development office's advisory board was reformed in 2012, following 2 years with no board in place. In 2012 the BOCC selected 10 new advisory board members from a list of applicants representing several targeted business sectors (Agriculture, Core Business, UNC, Non Profits, Entrepreneurial, and Tourism) that are meant to add experience and leadership to the advisory board. Over the previous 18 months the advisory board has begun to make progress with several goals, such as formulating basic guidelines about how to administer Article 46 funds (1/4 cent sales tax funds for economic development) for the Business Investment Grants and Agriculture Grants. The advisory board, which meets every other month, has begun to form working subcommittees among its members, with several pending reports now in progress. In conclusion, it is desirable that D.R. Bryan, Delores Bailey and Nickolas Thomas be reappointed to the advisory board so they may continue their contribution to Orange CountV and our economic development goals. Best regards, Steve Brantley Director, Orange County Economic Development 131 W. Margaret Lane P. O. Box 1177 Hillsborough, NC 27278 sbrantley@orangecountync.gov