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Upon conclusion of this feasibility study, project stakeholders are encouraged to pursue <br />the following action items over the development period, estimated at 18 to 24 months: <br />1. Formally allocate the former Orange Enterprises building for development of a <br />regional value-added food and agricultural processing facility; <br />2. Pass resolutions for formal commitments to project participation by county <br />commissions in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties; <br />3. Pursue initial grant funding to secure the services of the lead project developer; <br />4. Contract with the lead project developer for services; <br />5. Continue pursuing grant funds necessary to complete facility renovations and <br />equipment acquisition and installation; <br />6. Upon securing facility renovation funds, hire an architect to develop blueprints <br />and oversee bidding for construction services from a general contractor; <br />7. Working with county commissions and the community advisory committee <br />develop plans for creation of a nonprofit management entity to own and oversee <br />operations of the project; <br />8. File articles of incorporation and approve board members and bylaws for the <br />management entity; <br />9. Oversee the bid process and contract award for a general contractor to undertake <br />facility renovations and improvements; <br />10. Acquire phase one equipment needed for opening; <br />11. Establish a $1/yr lease agreement for the facility between the county and the <br />management entity, active upon securing the certificate of occupancy or on <br />opening for business; <br />12. Secure start-up funds for hiring an executive director of the management entity; <br />13. Hire an executive director between 3 and 6 months before the facility is open for <br />business. <br />Total development costs over a three year period are estimated at $1,172,000, with <br />project income estimated at $275,000. After the third year of operations, the project <br />should approach or achieve current-account break-even status. <br />Finally, stakeholders are encouraged to continue working together to ensure the project is <br />developed as a truly regional project, enlisting support across political jurisdictions and <br />defined service areas. Projects of this scale should serve clients from within a 75 mile <br />radius; economically speaking, county lines and city limits should not become barriers to <br />developing a truly regional value added food and agricultural processing center. <br />6 <br />